Get Out There! Tips for Networking

By Sarah Woods, Dental Marketing Consultant

​Networking is a necessary evil in all businesses, and for dentists and dental employees it’s important, whether it’s with colleagues or in your local community. Here are a few tips for successful networking:

Manage your expectations, less is more

If you’re attending a networking event, it is important avoid putting pressure on yourself to meet everyone attending. Focus on connecting with a handful of people and really be attentive during these conversations. One quality conversation is more beneficial than 20 superficial ones!

Relate

I learned this a long time ago when I was a waitress: The easiest way to break the ice with someone is to find something you have in common. This can be ANYTHING! A few examples: “I have that same outfit,” “I have children, too,” “My friend works at a company similar to yours,” etc.

Be genuine in your interest

As Dale Carnegie, the father of building business relationships, once said, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get them interested in you.” Mr. Carnegie believed that the best way to get others to want to engage with you is to take a genuine interest in them. Asking questions and REALLY listening is a great way to successfully network.

The introduction

Create a small introduction to use when you introduce yourself. It’s helpful to practice your introduction in front of a mirror or someone you trust. The introduction should include who you are and what separates you from everyone else. This is important because what you say will either compel the other person to learn more or turn them off.

Most important

Just be yourself and relax!
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Ms. Woods is a dental marketing consultant with extensive experience working with dental practices to maximize their patient potential. With in-depth experience in various levels of a dental practice, she has a unique perspective that allows her to be effective at implementing strategies throughout the office that can be easily executed. She can be reached at scwoods79@gmail.com.   

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