Here is a 30,000 foot view of networking in 2021.
I consider networking to be a wholly underutilized tool where it comes to physicians and health experts, in general.
We work in our own individual silos, each & every day, & don’t consider the expansive impact that networking could introduce to our careers.
I consider networking to be a wholly underutilized tool where it comes to physicians and health experts, in general. We work in our own individual silos, each & every day, & don't consider the expansive impact that networking… Click To Tweet
There are 4 kinds of networking settings in 2021:
Note: this is merely my take. There could, of course, be more out there. And certainly more resources that discuss and analyze this.
- -> Flat
Doctor gets showcased in a space like SoMeDocs (doctorsonsocialmedia.com), where potential ventures can find them and link up for deals/collaborationss (controlled environment, curated)
- -> Textured:
Interactive networking in a space like FB, where you can actually communicate with the person, but doesn’t have to be on the spot. Can be more curated; a controlled environment.
- -> Dimensional:
This is a real-time interaction that takes place virtually, like on a Zoom, for example. A telephone call is another example of this. The point here is that the interaction is not as easily curated, or controlled. It’s not as easy to be completely polished when you’re on the spot and interacting off the cuff. But you’re still separated by a layer (can’t see you if it’s on the phone, and can’t see below your neck if on Zoom; in both cases, you can theoretically be networking in your undies, if necessity dictated…)
- -> Real Deal:
As above, except you’re actually meeting in real life, and in real time. There’s no hiding your shorts below the screen here. You must dress the part, be the part. Not much can be curated. An example is a conference, meeting, or event. This is the ‘real deal’.
Figure out which type of networking situation you thrive in.
But try to also expand beyond your network – and comfort zone – by venturing into the others, in order to enrich the experience and open up possibilities.
Not everyone is present in each of those settings, so your potential dream networking match could be waiting for you in a completely different space.
Try adding the other settings on as supplemental layers & see how you do. You never know; they could grow on you!
That’s it.
(Thank you to LinkedIn – you can find my account here – for providing the “flat” setting, and for all of you for having connected with me in some form of another. I absolutely love networking, and the doors that it opens. Please share the networking setting you’re most comfy in or let me know a setting I NEED to get familiarized with, below.)
