Learn five hearing health networking techniques
Professional networking is typically associated with entrepreneurs or businessmen and women seeking to make sales. But hearing health practitioners shouldn’t ignore the importance of networking.
What is professional networking?
While social networks consist of groups formed for social interactions, professional networking consists of building relationships with others in your industry and those in related industries. The goal is to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships.
Networking should be an integral part of a hearing health practitioner’s business strategy because it is essential in building bonds that can widen and foster your knowledge while helping to expand your professional growth.
Although networking among hearing health professionals is necessary, it can be difficult to embark on creating a professional network, regardless of industry. This is because social networking is seen as organic while professional networking can easily be regarded as contrived and harder to maintain.
Benefits of professional networking
One of the major benefits of professional networking is the opportunity to build your reputation through the praises of colleagues and patients. Additional benefits include:
- Career advancement from referrals, which can also raise your profile
- Obtain new ideas for your practice by deepening your knowledge and gaining fresh perspectives from others in your industry
- Gain support from your network
- Build strong associations through reciprocal relationships
- Develop more confidence
The importance of networking for hearing health practitioners can’t be understated. If you’re new to professional networking or looking to expand your network, you can use these five techniques to help you become a master networker.
- Attend events. Whether it’s a seminar, workshop, or a destination event designed for bringing together individuals in the hearing health industry, events give you the opportunity to learn and connect with colleagues in your field.
- Join a professional organization. The biggest reason to join an organization is the networking opportunities but becoming a member of a professional organization can also enable you to expand your knowledge from your colleagues.
- Volunteer. Nonprofit organizations and community events may offer volunteer opportunities where you can showcase your expertise and introduce yourself to other people in your industry.
- Social media. Social media isn’t just for connecting with existing and potential patients. Social media can also serve as a resource tool for cultivating connections and networking with colleagues from different areas of the country. You can also use social media to stay up on the latest news on hearing health.
- Referral Management. A referral network like YHN can assist with gaining referrals for new patients. As a member of YHN you automatically become available to over 50M individuals. Along with the access to potential patients, we invest over $300K in advertising to bring the right patients to your practice and schedule appointments for you.
Professional networking can help you reach your practice goals and expand your knowledge. Use these techniques to begin growing your network today!