Networking

7 ways to nail networking

Networking: Love it or loathe it, making connections can provide you with insights and opportunities to develop in your career. Conferences provide the ideal ingredients for successful networking – lots of people in the same profession with similar interests and values to you. But some people find networking easier than others, so if you find it challenging, cringey or uncomfortable, read on.

Rebrand it

If the word ‘networking’ makes your skin crawl, try re-framing it as a curiosity about other people who are in the same profession as you, their career journeys and what they enjoy or find challenging in their roles. Approach them as someone who has a genuine interest in getting to know them a little better.

A little preparation

It might seem contrived, but there’s no harm in having a couple of talking points up your sleeve when you start chatting with someone. Also think about why you’d like to connect with people – are you interested in their career journeys for your own inspiration, or are you looking to talk to someone in a particular specialist area because you want to know more?

Making a more comfortable introduction

Approaching a group of people you don’t know is not the easiest thing to do. Take the pressure off by approaching individuals or people in smaller groups. Try striking up a conversation while you’re next to someone in the coffee queue (Are you enjoying the conference so far? Which workshop are you going to this afternoon?). Or perhaps you enjoyed a question that someone asked in the plenary session – use this as an opening conversation starter.

Be aware of your nonverbal communication

Body language is important. Folded arms and looking at your feet or mobile phone will send a signal to people that you’re not interested in talking to them. Smiling and making eye contact brings a more welcoming energy.

Take a break

Some people feel drained by social interaction and small talk. Set yourself a limit and when you’ve reached it, take a break. If you feel uncomfortable leaving a conversation, practice a few phrases, such as ‘I’m going to head off to my next session, but it’s been really interesting talking with you, thank you.’

You are also interesting

Remember that your colleagues will also be interested in you, too. Even if you’re early in your career, don’t think you won’t have anything to offer people more established than you. The pharmacy profession and the new generations entering it are different from 30 years ago and they will be interested in your experiences and perspectives too.

Follow up

In the excitement of a successful conversation, don’t forget to get your new friend’s contact details. Ask for their email address or social media account and follow up a day or two later.

Of course, networking is not mandatory. Don’t pressure yourself into it if you feel really uncomfortable. But if you do give it a go, be genuine, be interested, and be curious about where it could lead.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the UKCPA or its members. We encourage readers to follow links and references to primary research papers and guidance.

Competing interest statement: 

The author declares: no support from any organisation for the submitted work; no financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Subscribe

Get the latest clinical pharmacy articles direct to your inbox