Networking, whether online or face-to-face, offers numerous benefits, including the possible advancement of your career. Even within the healthcare industry, the saying, "it's not what you know, but who you know" is relevant to a certain extent, especially when seeking a job. Maintaining professional relationships through networking could just very well be the thing that gets your foot in the door for certain roles in the medical field.

It’s never too late to start...

It really is never too late to start networking, both online and face-to-face. Many people have the false misconception you only need to network while in college to build relationships for career placement and advancements, but this isn’t the case. You can be a seasoned healthcare professional and still benefit from networking, even after you’ve established a successful career. A simple way to get your feet wet with networking is to simply participate in online forums. LinkedIn has many great forums available for just about every aspect of the healthcare industry.

Get involved and stay involved...

To make great connections, get involved in groups, societies and organizations. This can be achieved in person or online. Building a professional network should become a regular aspect of your daily routine. You can find organizations and groups that fit your interest in directories or even by word of mouth. Once you’re involved, make sure you stay involved, but if you must leave, make sure you leave on good terms to maintain the relationships and connections you have built.

Don’t underestimate...

While networking don’t underestimate yourself or others as far as roles in the healthcare industry. Whether you’re an office worker or a CEO, each member of the healthcare industry serves a valuable purpose. Don’t be intimidated by the roles of others. Step outside your comfort zone in order to develop connections that may just end up furthering your career down the road.

It doesn’t matter if you’re networking online or in person, all that matters is that you took the initiative to network. If you network online, use reputable sites, such as LinkedIn. If you network in person, make sure you’re regular and get out and about.

What are some of the benefits you have found with networking? Has networking ever furthered your career?