How to Build Connections in Healthcare

Meaningful partnerships are important to me. Lately, a significant portion of my work has involved connecting professionals in the healthcare innovation sector. My trip to Dallas last week started with organic introductions I made in 2024. Some may view making business introductions as a simple and quick process. The process takes time, and time has a cost. In healthcare, innovation doesn’t thrive in isolation; it takes the right connections to move ideas forward. But real impact happens when we prioritize relational partnerships over transactional exchanges. It’s about building trust, fostering mutual respect, and creating opportunities that solve real problems. Here are my thoughts on how to make meaningful introductions: ✅ Lead with Value, Not Ego. Don’t focus on what’s in it for you. Prioritize how both sides benefit from the introduction. Relationships built on genuine value last longer and go further. ✅ Know the Gaps Before You Fill Them. Understand the pain points of both parties. High-impact connections happen when you address a critical need or opportunity. ✅ Vet Ruthlessly, Introduce Thoughtfully. Not every connection is worth making. Be selective and introduce only when there’s a clear alignment of values, goals, and capabilities. Protect the integrity of your network. ✅ Do Your Homework. Before making an introduction, ensure you have a thorough understanding of both parties to effectively explain why the connection is significant. ✅ Frame the Introduction with Context. Set the stage. Provide both parties with sufficient background information to understand the relevance and potential of the relationship. Clarity upfront fosters respect and avoids wasted time. ✅ Stay in the Loop (But Don’t Hover). Follow up to see if the introduction was valuable, but don’t micromanage the outcome. Relationships that thrive are built on trust, not control. ✅ Be a Problem Solver, Not Just a Connector. Your role doesn’t end with the introduction. Be available to offer insights or guidance if needed as the relationship develops. ✅ Protect Your Network’s Trust. Introduce only when it makes sense. One mismatched connection can erode trust and weaken your credibility. Guard your network’s reputation as carefully as your own. ✅ Build for the Long Game. Relational partnerships aren’t built overnight. Consistently show up, add value, and nurture trust over time. Sustainable impact comes from authentic, long-term connections. ✅ Celebrate the Wins. When a connection you made leads to something great, acknowledge it. Recognize the impact and reinforce the power of trusted relationships. Relational partnerships move healthcare forward. When trust and respect are the foundation, introductions become catalysts for real change. If you’re serious about advancing innovation, be intentional with your connections. It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality, trust, and lasting impact. 🔥 #healthcareonlinkedin #partnerships #innovation #sme

A single coffee chat changed the game for me. ☕️ Not because it led to a job. But because they asked one simple question at the end: "Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?" 🤯 Wow, why had I never thought to ask that? I introduced them to another person in my network who I thought would be a good connection for them. The next time I had a coffee chat, you better believe I used this same strategy. That one question turned one conversation into two. Then those two turned into ten. Before I knew it, I had a full calendar and a growing circle of people who knew my name and my story. Most people stop after one chat, then go back to cold outreach and get frustrated when people don't respond. But networking isn’t about collecting names. It’s about building relationships. And some amazing relationships can be ignited through a warm intro. People want to help. They just need a nudge. The next time you’re on a coffee chat, don’t just say thanks and sign off. End with: 👉 “This has been so helpful. Is there anyone else you think I should connect with as I explore [insert your goal]?” If you're a clinician navigating this networking thing for maybe the first time in your career, this approach can change everything. You don't need to know everyone—just someone who knows someone. Keep the chain going. One chat at a time.

The post-conference high has faded, now what? You’ve had a few days to recover from 1 of the 8 oncology conferences last week 😳 and you might be wondering what to do with the connections you made Here are some things to consider 👇 ⏳ The clock is ticking after a conference - if you wait too long to follow up with someone, one or both of you may forget what it was about 😅 ✉️ Use LinkedIn messaging to remind your future self - send a message and say something about how you met (Hey Adele, it was great chatting in the expo at the HOPA meeting last week). LinkedIn messaging is saved forever so when you message 8 months from now, you can scroll up and be reminded. 📞 If you discussed a collaboration of some kind, send a message with a clear call to action, such as scheduling a follow up call 📋 Find a method that works for you to capture information about people you meet that can be used later. This used to be called a rolodex 😉 and is sometimes referred to as a CRM these days (customer relationship management) but it’s really just a way to organize people you want to keep track of. I use Notion but it can be any tool or even a spreadsheet. 💡 The key to building your network over time is to maintain these connections. Use your CRM tool to help you identify people you haven’t been in touch with in a while and reach out periodically. 🗓️ Plan in advance for your next opportunity to meet new people. Reach out to specific people you want to connect with and ask if they are attending an upcoming event you'll be at. You can also make a post on LinkedIn and ask people to message you. This helped me create a list of 31 people to meet last week at HOPA! It can be scary to put yourself out there but building your network is really important. Why? Because it works! Most people get jobs and other opportunities from those in their network. Plus it’s just more fun to navigate our careers with others 😍 --- 📌 I’m the Kelley in KelleyCPharmD 👋 and I help pharmacists learn the complex world of oncology #Pharmacists #OncologyPharmacists #Networking #Oncology

A question I've got repeatedly lately is, "How do you recommend building a network in healthcare" and part of the follow-up to that question is usually, "what events do you recommend I attend"? It's probably easier to write it and send people this link than it is to repeat it each time. We also sell a "Must Have Guide" that outlines people to follow, networking advice, and events to attend for $9 but I've given it away so many times for free that Antwan D. Williams has given up on telling me to stop doing that 🤣 So here goes, free. The thought process: If you are a hospital administrator, going to a hospital administrator professional association event is probably a really hard place to stand out, especially if there's a lot of attendees. Chances are you all have to dress similarly, and you'll run in to all sorts of people who either have your same job or who are competing with you for the job you want. Not the ideal setup. My 2024 and 2025 advice is to: Go to an event where healthcare isn't the only thing on the agenda, but where there will be healthcare people. SXSW is on my list. It was the first event I went to outside of the true healthcare realm and truly changed the trajectory of my career. It's 100,000 people big (all across the city of Austin, TX across 100+ venues). There's probably 1,000 healthcare people. So, when you meet them, it feels like kindred spirits. They're excited to see you and excited you made the trek across town from the main stage performances to the smaller healthcare floor in one hotel. Your odds of spending quality time with people doing interesting things in healthcare are greatly increased. My 2nd recommendation is international. Upcoming events include MedTech World in Malta in November ( 👋 Dylan Attard MD, MRCSI, MEnt., HealthTech Forward in Barcelona in December (Barcelona Health Hub), London Tech Week in June 2025 (Amber Preston) and HLTH Europe (Henry Stoneley) June 2025 in Amsterdam. Planning ahead, you can spend the same amount on the experience as you would going to Tennessee but you get the added benefit of being a relatively small group within a larger group. There's incredible US leaders (if that's where you want your career to be) that go to these events (you can see on the speaker list or on the LinkedIn posts with the event hashtag) that will be overjoyed to talk to you about how good a chocolate shake from Shake Shack really is, or why Jimmy Johns can deliver food actually freaky fast. You'll stand out, your network will grow, and you'll expand your worldview (or your healthcare ecosystem view if you stay in the states). Free advice, usually around $8 not including taxes. Take that for what it's worth. And, tell me where you're going! 🛫

As a healthcare professional, it can be frustrating to feel like you're only seen as your employee ID and shift schedule. It's even worse when your employer constantly threatens to terminate you. However, there is hope! Start with my simple 8 step method 👇 Step 1: Identify Your Niche and Unique Voice The healthcare market is vast, and you need to stand out. Start by identifying your niche or specialty area. This could be related to a specific form of treatment, a patient category, or a health philosophy. Next, cultivate a unique voice that reflects both your expertise and experience. Step 2: Define Your Audience Understand who you want to reach. Are you directing your message to young mothers, corporate executives, athletes, or the elderly? Knowing your audience is critical for tailoring your approach. Step 3: Establish a Strong Online Presence In the digital age, an online presence is non-negotiable. Create or update your professional website and maintain active profiles on relevant social media platforms. Consistency in branding across all channels is vital. High-quality content, whether it's blogs, videos, or infographics, will keep your audience engaged and informed. Step 4: Build a Network Connect with fellow healthcare professionals, influencers, and potential clients. Attend seminars, join professional groups, and participate in social networks. Step 5: Cultivate Trust through Value The core of healthcare is trust. Offer value through your content by sharing accurate and up-to-date information. Educational content that demystifies healthcare processes or educates on prevention can help build trust, establish authority, and showcase your genuine care for the community's well-being. Step 6: Share Client Success Stories One of the most effective ways to humanize your brand is by sharing real client stories of transformation. This not only instills confidence but also inspires others who may be struggling with similar health issues. Step 7: Be Accessible and Interactive An important aspect of personal branding for healthcare professionals is being accessible. Answer questions, engage in discussions, and offer a platform where patients can voice concerns or seek advice. This level of interaction will make your brand approachable and build strong client relationships. Step 8: Continuously Evolve and Adapt The healthcare landscape is constantly changing, and so should your personal brand. Stay abreast of the latest developments in your field, and be willing to adapt your brand to meet new challenges and opportunities. This may mean re-evaluating your online strategy, updating your content, or even pivoting your niche as you grow professionally. By following these steps, you can build a personal brand that not only sets you apart from the competition but also connects you with a community that values your expertise and perspectives. #futureofhealthcare #wellness #practitioner #healthcare #medicine