Whether you want to build new professional relationships or become more informed about current industry trends and insights, networking is the answer.
When you network, you build opportunities for your independent community pharmacy. Maybe you’ll learn a successful strategy for gaining new patients, or you might hear about a new point-of-sale vendor you didn’t know existed. You never know what you might take away from a conversation.
Here are 10 easy suggestions to help you network yourself and your business.
1. Prepare an elevator speech
When you attend a networking event, you’ll want to be able to succinctly and effectively introduce yourself and explain what you do. Prepare a quick 30-second or so introduction and make it interesting. For example, if you do something different, such as offering diabetes education classes, be sure to include that specific detail in your elevator pitch.
2. Plan questions to ask
Developing a prepared set of conversation-starting questions is also something to keep in mind. Not only will asking questions make you seem friendly and eager to learn, compiling a list of questions you actually want to know the answer to will make your networking experience even more useful.
3. Do your research
Always do your research before attending a networking event. It’s helpful to find out beforehand who will be attending the event, if there will be any presenters and what topics are scheduled to be addressed during the event.
4. Set objectives
Establishing a set of objectives for yourself at the event is also beneficial. Set a goal you want to achieve, such as planning to meet a certain number of people, or making one quality industry contact. Even if your goal is just to get your name out there, setting an objective ahead of time will encourage you to try harder than you might have done otherwise.
5. Network often
Networking can be difficult, even if you’re an extrovert. But the more often you network, the easier it becomes. If you’re an introvert, use that to your advantage. Listening more than talking may help you learn new things. Bring a coworker along with you the first few times you network if you feel overwhelmed. As you attend more events, you’ll get more comfortable in networking settings. Practice makes perfect.
6. Look for learning opportunities
Many networking events feature guest speakers who are industry leaders that can provide you with valuable tools to help improve your business. When you go to events with featured speakers you’ll not only have additional networking opportunities, but you’ll also gain valuable insights you can apply to your business.
7. Network online
If the thought of attending a large industry event is daunting to you, begin your networking process in moderation. Social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, allow you to connect with other individuals in your field of practice virtually. Connecting virtually is a less stressful interaction you can test out before committing to attend a larger networking event.
8. Volunteer at an event
If you’re a seasoned networking veteran just looking to spice up the way you network, or if you’re looking to build more connections and get your pharmacy’s name out there, offer to volunteer. Host a smaller event at your pharmacy or volunteer your time and help organize a larger event. Making a contribution rather than just simply attending is a great way to meet new people.
9. Follow up
If you’ve met an interesting contact at a networking event, don’t be afraid to follow up. Exchanging business cards at events is important, but following up matters even more to continue that connection. Follow up with an email or a phone call after the event if you’re interested in meeting up again.
10. Look for opportunities
One particular networking opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on is the Next! 2016 PBA Health Conference & Business Seminar. You’ll have a chance to talk with other independent community pharmacy owners and with industry experts at this three-day event, which will take place June 24-26 at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. Register to attend, book your hotel room and learn more at pbahealthconference.com.
Get out there and show off your business. Here are 10 more reasons to attend industry conferences and events.
Related articles:
4 Networking Tips for Pharmacists
Why Joining Your State Pharmacy Association Matters
5 Organizations for Pharmacists to Join
