Friday, April 16, 2010

Networking tip: connect with one new person each week

The transition to a non-clinical career is never easy. In fact, it's important to build and establish a robust social network of professional colleagues who can assist you through that process. One practical tip is to connect with one new person each week. You don't have to spend much time to do this, and if you're actively looking for a new job or a career change, then perhaps you should aim to connect with a new person each day.

There are easy ways to connect with people in this modern world of social media and online social networking websites. You can:
  • Twitter: Send a tweet to someone or RT someone's tweet. Start ultra-short conversations with others and stay connected. It's a relatively non-threatening way to get to know someone.
  • LinkedIn: Contact someone directly through LinkedIn (or through an established connection). You can even leverage the groups on LinkedIn (like the NonClinicalJobs.com group on LinkedIn).
  • Facebook: Use Facebook to get introduced to someone. Or, you can have a conversation with someone through the NonClinicalJobs.com fan page.
  • Blogs: Post a comment on someone's blog and share your thoughts and opinions.
  • E-mail: Keep it short and have a purpose. Don't make it a sales pitch.
  • Phone: I always enjoy connecting with people over the phone.
After you connect with someone, make it a habit to follow up after a designated period of time. Perhaps you will meet someone who will eventually end up introducing you to your next boss. Maybe you'll find new business opportunities through your new connections.

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