“It’s not what you know, yet who you know.”
Yet, how many Pharmacists and Pharmacy owners know professionals in the Industry?
2019 is a challenging time for most Community Pharmacy Owners and Pharmacists, which is why we created Pharmacy Cure All – to help them survive and thrive in these times.
In today’s economy, you cannot afford to lose any opportunity to expand your network.
To transition into the pharmacy workplace, it’s not enough to just complete a program and pass the board exams.
Here are basic tips on how to network and connect during live events:
1. Be prepared & authentic. Before walking into the event, make sure to research who might be attending the event, who you want to meet, how you will present yourself, and what objectives you want to achieve.
2. Think of what you can give, not what you can get.
3. Make sure you are fully groomed, you have a nice pen, business cards, mints, tissue and whatever else you might need.
4. Prepare topics of conversation to connect with who you’d want to meet. Avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion and etc.
5. Don’t be a wallflower. You should engage with people, discuss topics that interest people, make eye contact, smile and listen more than you speak.
6. If feel comfortable drinking in an event, don’t get drunk! You are a professional. Also remember to not shake with cold and wet hands.
7. Remember names. Ask the person to repeat their name if you do not get it the first time.
8. Ask questions that require explanations. Questions that begin with, “what do you think about…”, “how do you…” This would allow you to connect with them at a different level.
9. When you connect with something of the same professional interest, remember to establish a plan to follow up with them. Ask what his/her schedule looks like next week or a convenient day to discuss a particular interest.
10. Don’t stay in the conversation for too long. Know when to go in, at the same time know when to exit a conversation. Always leave it on a high note. You can send an email to the people you’ve met and say how much you’ve enjoyed meeting them during the event.
Connecting and networking not only in events like this will help you meet new people, learn new ideas, uncover new opportunities, and make new friends.
If you come mentally prepared and open to the idea of actively networking on any occasion, then you will be ahead of the game.
Join the FREE membership in Pharmacy Cure All to connect with experts and vendors in the industry!