HOME HEALTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING TIPS (2)

THE IMPORTANCE AND ART OF EFFECTIVE NETWORKING

Networks are loose associations of two or more individuals who share common interests and objectives. Networking is an important element for success in the Home Health industry

Benefits of Effective Networks:

• Allows for the free flow of information which ensures that an individual is well informed about changes and opportunities in his/ her field of interest
• Provides access to tangible tools, skills, and referrals
• Provides positive personal and professional supports
• Leads to more established relationships such as partnerships

 

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE NETWORKING

1. Follow-up and follow-through is critical
2. The most effective and sustainable networks are ones in which the individuals have established some level of trust and respect based on a successful interaction in the past
3. Popularity does not necessary translate into effective networks
4. Maintain your network
5. Check in periodically with the people in your network.
6. Make regular phone calls
7. Plan outings to discuss issues of common interest to both parties i.e. lunch
8. Correspond on a regular basis through emails, text messages or letters
9. Send greeting cards to celebrate special occasions and to provide support during times of loss
10. Buy lunch ;)

 

 Cowardice asks the question – is it safe?

Expediency asks the question – is it politic?

Vanity asks the question-is it popular?

But conscience asks the question- is it right?

And there comes a time when one must take a position

that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; one must take it BECAUSE it is right.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Social media has created a great platform for people to interact and share information. Many of us do not harness the opportunities that has been created for us to expand our reach and garner relevant information. We have social sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.. One that has really worked for me is Craigslist. I remember in 2012, I got my first gig by posting services on Craigslist. It was surprising because I did not expect the kind of response I got. I've also leveraged on colleagues in my industry to either get more information or create value for them. The best opportunities in most cases are spun out of effective networks.

There's a saying that when you meet someone "relevant" for the first time, you need to make contact with that person within 24hours. Imagine you are fortunate to meet the CEO of a company you have always been interested in at a seminar. You exchange cards and part ways. It's always good to at least send an email reminding him of who you are and where you met when it's still fresh in his memory. This worked for me early in my career. I met someone who ordinarily would be difficult to approach under normal circumstances, this was at a training event. We were made to use adjectives that described our personalities with our names. For instance my name is Tolu so I called myself Timid Tolu (lol). That was the first adjective that came to my mind when I was asked to give my name. This exercise made it easier for everyone to remember eachother's names in the group. This really worked. After the 5 day training program, I called this gentle man on his cellphone (we all were made to exchange contact information) and he asked "who is this" and I said "this is Timid Tolu, am I speaking to Tall Taju" and he busted out laughing :) This connection is still one of the best I've had in years!

The focus in building effective networks is placing yourself in areas that are relevant to your growth and development not just meeting people for the fun of it!

Success = Opportunity + Preparation