Newcomer Networking
Just opening your practice in the local community? Welcome! Newcomer networking should be fun as well as informative, so enjoy yourself as you meet new colleagues and learn your way around town.
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Get Out Of Your Office
There are plenty of digital ways to network these days, but “old school” methods still give you an edge. When you’re new to a community or are just starting out in practice, people need to get to know you. Your colleagues will be a great source of referrals for you, especially when you run a strictly fee-for-service business, so take advantage of all opportunities to spend time with them. Attend professional association meetings and events, and accept any social invitations that are extended to you.
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Follow Up
It’s not enough to simply collect the business cards of colleagues you meet –follow up with them! Take the time to call or drop a “pleasure to meet you” note. And don’t hesitate to suggest future contact with those you want to get to know better. People like to do business with people they know and like. Let potential referral sources learn more about you and your practice. Extended exchange of information will help you too since you’ll be making referrals also. Sure, everyone is busy so it isn’t always easy to get together, but it never hurts to ask!
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Present Quality Promotional Materials
Don’t go broke on practice marketing, but invest in the best promotional materials you can afford. It’s tough to position yourself as a top tier practitioner and to command competitive fees when your business cards and informational literature look like you printed them yourself. And get the help you need to operate a professional looking website with informative content. This tool represents you day and night, so make sure it helps you look your best. But don’t use lazy marketing and try to introduce yourself by simply sending your web page links to any email addresses you can dig up. Prospective colleagues have absolutely no motivation to want to learn more about you or to spend time clicking on links sent to them from someone they don’t know. Do the heavy lifting of building these important relationships first.
Newcomer networking is important and fares best when you put in the necessary effort and energy to learn about your new colleagues and practice environment. But don’t view this as a one-shot deal. It takes time to build professional relationships and to expand them, so expect to keep networking consistently!
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E. Carol Webster, Ph.D.
About the Author:
Dr. E. Carol Webster is a clinical psychologist consultant specializing in Success Psychology.
She is author of the book for those dealing with the stress of success ―
Success Management: How to Get to the Top and Keep Your Sanity Once You Get There,
The Fear of Success: Stop It From Stopping You! ―
the book to help you overcome fears that may be holding you back in your life and career
The Private Practice of Clinical Psychology in: Voices of Historical & Contemporary Black American Pioneers
Money Smarts: Put More Profit In Your Private Practice!
E. Carol Webster, Ph.D.
Your Success Psychologist!
Clinical Psychology Consulting
Mailing Address: 7027 West Broward Boulevard, #262 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
954.797.9766 http://DrCarolWebster.com
