Networking stratergies for medical writers
A step-by-step process for building connections and improving knowledge.
Networking among healthcare workers, particularly among non-clinical healthcare workers, is crucial. Creating bonds where necessary and obtaining knowledge is of utmost priority. Being able to gather insights from other individuals could help improve in your field.
Medical writing is a field where 1:1 mentorship is the most preferable form of gaining knowledge, as the content you write can end up influencing a huge number of people either directly or indirectly. Proper networking can avoid any mishaps that could occur to you in the future.
Why networking matters
Timely networking could build your career. Connections introduce new ideas, collaborations, and helpful insights. Being able to network shows your communication abilities and your ability to work well within a team, which is necessary to work as a non-clinical professional. It should be intentional and authentic/
How to network?
Identify yourself
Before introducing yourself to anyone, make sure you yourself know what your goals and roleis
What is your role in the field?
What are your skills?
How would your skills help?
Be purposeful, not desperate.
Networking is all about building long-term relationships, which will help you when the time comes right.
What do you want to learn?
Would this conversation be fruitful?
Is the person on the other end relevant to the conversation?
Use LinkedIn strategically
LinkedIn is a great tool for networking among various professionals and high-profile individuals.
Rewrite your headline with outcomes, not just titles
Comment thoughtfully on posts from people in roles you admire
Send personalized connection requests
Show up where people connect
Participate in Seminars, Conferences, Workshops, Webinars, and other settings where people from your profession gather and initiate conversations to build connections. Various social media platforms are also available which could be utilized for our pupose like Discord, LinkedIn, Reddit etc.
Follow up
We as humans tend to be forgetful. Make sure to follow up within 48 hrs of the conversation. Appreciate the conversation. Be thoughtful and polite. Make sure that you don't appear too forceful, as people tend to avoid such individuals, even though their skills may be high-end.
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