Networking for professional development Connecting for success What are the potential benefits of networking?

In this session... Appreciating the benefits Removing the obstacles Understanding the process Making networking easier

Why network?

Why network? Learning and development Ideas and inspiration Different perspectives Support and encouragement Awareness of opportunities Insider knowledge and understanding Raised profile and reputation More missions = more options

So, what’s stopping you? Shyness / lack of confidence Fear of failure / rejection Making a fool of yourself Moral objections Lack of contacts Lack of time

Self-fulfilling expectations Dwell on their humanity Dwell on your values and strengths Have an achievable mission Have a back-up plan Cultivate curiosity, courage and choice

Activities of networking Preparing Finding people Making contact Talking about them Talking about you Asking for things Finishing the conversation Following up Maintaining links

Preparation 1: Formulating questions Learning and development Ideas and inspiration Different perspectives Support and encouragement Awareness of opportunities Insider knowledge and understanding Raised profile and reputation

Preparation 2: Choosing labels

Finding people Starting with you Starting with them Who are your connections’ connections? Think ‘connectors’ Starting with them Who do they interact with? Where might they hang out? General opportunities Courses and seminars Publications Royal Colleges Online sites

Preparation 3: Think about them What is interesting about them? What common ground might you have? What do they need or value? How could you benefit them? What questions might they have answers to? What could they do for you without effort?

Script elements Intro: Hi, my name is... Label/hook: I’m really interested in... Request: I was hoping I could ask you a couple of questions about... Appreciation: ...was really helpful because... Follow-up: Could I contact you another time if I have more questions?

Good question starters Have you ever come across...? What is your opinion on...? What are the most important aspects of...? To what extent do you...? What interests you about...? Where could I find out more about...? How would you advise someone who...? Do you know anyone else who...?

Asking for things Answers

Asking for things Advice Answers

Asking for things Assistance Advice Answers

Asking for things Advocacy Assistance Advice Answers

Asking for things Alliance Advocacy Assistance Advice Answers

Resources BMA events & groups — obviously! Doc2doc – doc2doc.bmj.com Doctors.net.uk – www.doctors.net.uk Clinical Leaders Network – www.cln.nhs.uk Emerging CLN – www.cln.nhs.uk/eclnnw Medical Leadership Network –medicalleadership.net The Network – www.the-network.org.uk LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com

Follow-up activities What will you do after this session?