‘Networking’ is not simply a personal sales pitch. It is based on trust, which means building on and maintaining relationships over a period of time. The benefits in having a broad and vibrant network are huge. Even if you are not a natural extrovert, it is relatively easy and enjoyable to network successfully and connect with people that will have a long-term, positive impact on your career.
Like any good relationship, networking should be mutually beneficial. See it as a tool to exchange information about best practice, new techniques and products as well as gaining introductions to practitioners with similar interests. When you meet regularly with your peers, you put yourself in a position to seek their advice about similar challenges they will have faced. Active networking can put you at the front of people’s minds when job opportunities arise. Sharing your own ideas will help you to build a reputation as an innovative thinker and being able to offer assistance or advice means people will hopefully reciprocate in the future.
Connecting with more experienced professionals will open the door to career guidance that money just cannot buy. You may even find a mentor or, at the other end of the scale, finding someone to mentor is a richly rewarding experience.
So, how does one begin? The simple answer is to get out there! Go to professional events, take courses and attend lectures - participate. Be a familiar face on the circuit and you will become known as someone who is enthusiastic and supportive of the industry.
The best way to use your networking time efficiently is to join an established group, such as a professional academy. Choose one with high-calibre members. For example, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) boasts hugely some hugely influential and well-liked dentists, such as Julian Caplan, Tif Qureshi and Zaki Kanaan who are all regular attendees at the Academy’s events as well as frequent award-winners in their fields. The BACD attracts world-renowned speakers to its Annual Conference every year, giving dentists the opportunity to meet with them in a professional, yet relaxed setting. BACD dentists have also participated in high-profile media projects, and members are encouraged to diversify, for example by writing articles or presenting at its events.
Networking will not only keep you in touch with the industry, but will help you to focus your career path – the earlier you start, the better. Professional academies facilitate networking, but it does involve a degree of commitment too – the more frequently you get out there, the more your confidence will grow. You will not become the best you can be by going it alone.
The BACD’s 12th Annual Conference runs from 12th - 14th November 2015 at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Go to www.bacd.com, email Suzy Rowlands at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0207 612 4166.