Networking is an indispensable part of building a successful career in any profession and optometry is no different. It’s not just about exchanging business cards or LinkedIn profiles; it’s about creating meaningful connections that can lead to a wealth of opportunities and shared knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various facets of networking within the optometry field.
Importance of Networking
Networking is a strategic asset for optometrists, fostering professional growth and industry awareness. It’s a platform for exchanging knowledge and discovering opportunities that can shape careers.
Through connections, optometrists gain insights into emerging trends and innovative practices, enhancing patient care and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field. Contacts within your network may share a news article, a research journal or even just an update on their current work and this could open up a variety of further learning that you may wish to undertake or management option to discuss with your patient.
By creating a strong network, you will be able to access to new job prospects and a trusted referral system, benefiting both practitioners and patients with improved healthcare outcomes. Sometimes when in practice you may find that your patient requires a specific expertise – having this network will mean you can refer to this specialist with ease and confidence that the patient receives the best clinical care.
Networking Opportunities
Optometry professionals have numerous networking avenues. Conferences and seminars are key for in-person connections, while online forums and social media facilitate ongoing dialogue.
Active participation in these events and platforms is crucial. It ensures a richer exchange of ideas and a broader professional circle. By engaging regularly, optometrists can fully harness the benefits of networking. This includes learning, collaboration, and expanding their professional footprint.
Such conferences and trade exhibitions that many UK optometrists may wish to attend are the College of Optometrists’ “Optometry Tomorrow“, Specsavers’ Professional Advancement Conferences (PAC) and 100% Optical. If you wish to network internationally then events do take place globally; with conferences that UK optometrists may wish to attend include the World Congress of Optometry and notable trade exhibitions being SILMO in Paris and MIDO in Milan.
Other areas to network include online webinars, training events, peer reviews and other institutional events (e.g. student optometry conferences, internal university/company events and awards evenings). Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram also provide plenty of ways to connect with other eye health professionals and can even lead to a more relaxed way to learn!
Leveraging Your Network
Building a professional network is an active endeavor. First impressions are crucial, and consistent follow-ups solidify connections. Remember, if you present poorly initially, people may wish to not connect with you – so please try and make a good impression when you are in a place where you wish to network. Failing to keep in touch with your network will also result in your authority to diminish.
It’s a two-way street; contributing to your network is as important as benefiting from it. Offer value and support as you grow your professional circle. Whilst you may enjoy sitting back and observing at networking events, actively engaging and sharing your knowledge and experience will help you build your authority on your subject and open the door for further opportunities; networking, learning, clientele and otherwise!
A proactive, reciprocal approach ensures a robust and supportive network that fosters mutual growth and opportunities. Try to put as least as much in to your network than you take out – as the more you support your network, the more it will support you!
Networking Etiquette
Professional etiquette is key in networking. Converse sincerely, offer assistance, and respect others’ time and boundaries. Whilst you may be a night owl and prefer to sort your admin out in the late hours, expecting another professional to adhere to this in your work may not be suitable for them. Not many people wish to discuss work matters when they are in their personal time and wanting to enjoy time with their families or sleep!
Listening often yields more than speaking. It builds trust and shows you value the perspectives of your peers. You may think that this is in contradiction to me saying that you should put more into your network than you take out – but actually this is one and the same.
You are helping with your network when listening – either helping the person asking for advice or learning to pass your newly found knowledge on to others. Additionally, a network means multiple communications can occur simultaneously, so you may be quiet in one area, but active in another.
A respectful, helpful approach in interactions fosters a positive professional image and encourages meaningful connections.
Overcoming Networking Challenges
Networking can be daunting to those new to the profession – or just new to professional networking in general! If you’re new or a bit shy, try saying hi to just three people at your next event. You do not need to go into full details
Occasionally, there may be a chance to build contacts on forum pages or social media posts. You may not be fully knowledgeable on the topic discussed, but you may be able to share an opinion or experience upon it. As long as you are professional, supporting and friendly in nature, people within the industry will begin to recognise your name and want to connect with you – you may even have people then recognise you at events and take that fear of approaching people away – as they begin to approach you!
It is also important to remember that a smaller network of high quality contacts is much more valuable than a large network of loose and distant contacts. Work hard at building meaningful connections with those you do know and this will slowly (but surely) aid in the growth of your network.
By embracing these strategies, optometrists and optometry students can harness the power of networking to unlock new opportunities, foster professional growth, and contribute to the vibrancy of optometry in general. Remember, the strength of your network often reflects the strength of your career path in optometry.
Have you any experiences or tips upon networking within optometry? Feel encouraged to share them in the comments below! Enjoy these posts? Please consider networking with me on LinkedIn, subscribing or Buying Me a Coffee – all support benefits the ongoing work on The Eye Care Advocate.
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