Throughout dental school, we live from one exam to the next, our noses buried deep in mountains of books or Dental Decks, wishing every day was Friday. But if for one minute, we exchange this tunnel vision for an opportunity lens, we can see much clearer. We see that the key to everything is relationships. From the guy sitting next to you in biochemistry to the girl who holds the door open for you at Starbucks, every individual you come into contact with is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to make connections. It is an opportunity to network.
Networking is a huge buzz word nowadays. When you deconstruct it, networking is simply thoughtful engagement between individuals. However, networking is highly strategic and can be considered a very challenging full time job. For some, it comes easily. But for others, it takes hard work. Networking requires you to be on your toes and ready to present yourself in an appropriate, professional yet relatable manner at all times. The best kind of networking is not forced, it happens naturally. Networking allows you to expose your personal brand and make life long relationships which prove to be helpful now while in school or in the future when you start entering the work force. Here are a few tips to help you tone up your networking skills.
Start Early
It takes time to build friendships. Don’t wait for a crisis to hit to network. When done correctly, networking takes awhile and results in long-term, meaningful relationships.
Know Your Audience
Just like you learned in eighth grade English, cater to your audience. The person on the other end of the conversation will affect your approach. Do a bit of research so you are aware of types of topics to discuss. Also being aware of your audience will dictate how you follow up. A 75 year old won’t use Facebook messenger any more than a 21 year old is to call you on the phone just to chat.
Learn to Listen
Yes, you want to promote yourself but don’t brag. Don’t be that guy who goes on and on about his life and doesn’t give you an chance to speak. Work on listening attentively. Be engaged and interactive.
Keep an Open Mind
With every conversation, there is an opportunity to learn. Whether you network with an upperclassman, classmate or dentist in the community, you can learn something from each and every one of them.
Chill Out
Focus on communicating with the person, not her or his title. Titles can be intimidating and cause us to go into panic mode. Although it may alter or direct your conversation, rank should not define it. Try to be yourself and remain calm. We are most effective at communicating when we are ourselves and not lying or trying to go over the top to impress someone. Remember to have fun. Networking is work, but it’s also a fun way to advance yourself both now as a dental student and in the real world when you start to seek jobs.
Be Pleasant
Try to be yourself, but remember that you are being watched constantly. Keep it classy and professional. Smile, practice good manners, and maintain eye contact to show your respect for the other individual in the conversation.
Follow Up
First and foremost, remember the person’s name! If you don’t remember her or his name, there is no way you are going to further the connection. If you receive a business card, write a few notes about the conversation you had on the back as a reminder. Then, follow up in a method of your choosing. Continue the conversation via social media, text, email or phone. While some methods may seem more “professional” than others, you have to always keep your audience in mind and do what is best for the particular situation. If it’s another student you’re networking with, the email you send may get lost amongst the seven hundred others she or he received that day. Regardless of how you follow up, try to meet again. Grab lunch, coffee, study together, maybe set up shadowing— do anything to continue developing the relationship.
Building relationships takes time, effort and a balance of strategy and spontaneity. Networking can be an extremely powerful tool, especially in today’s world. So put on a smile and get out there!