A guide to networking in pharma
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The word ‘networking’ has the power to strike fear into many pharma professionals. Despite that fact, many agree it is a crucial career mistake to avoid networking.
Did you know?
85% of jobs are filled through networking, But unfortunately one in four people do not network at all.
With a range of benefits up for grabs, here are a few key tips to take with you on your next networking venture. Including :
- Go in with a plan of action.
- Start the conversation.
- Be intentional.
- Don’t ask for permission to leave a conversation, inform them that you are moving on.
- Make introductions.
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Discover the key vulnerabilities to counterfeit activity in the supply chain and solutions to improve operational flexibility, build long-term resilience and cut supply chain costs. Download the Report.Pharma Logistics IQ Special Report: Combatting Counterfeit Activity in the Pharma industry
1. Go in with a plan of action .
Although it is important to keep existing contacts warm by touching base at events, it is important to use the captive audience to forge new business connections. In this respect, attending networking events alone is helpful to force you into networking. These new relationships can be useful for new opportunities and collaborations.
Firstly, make sure you attend the right event, one that is directly relevant to your current projects in your area of expertise. This allows you to draw real value from your time. In addition, you will feel more at ease when networking and be able to give more value to give other attendees.
Research who will be there and how you could maximize your touch point with them. What are you working on currently that they could assist you with - this forethought reduces the dilemma of what to talk about.
2. Start the conversation .
Introduce yourself, comment on stimuli from the meeting you are at – discussion points brought up, jokes made by speakers so far, asking what it is that brings them here today or what they hope to get out of the event.
Ask what they do – comment on any similarities with your company or on anything you know about the company. Be sure to listen and interact with further comments or questions to keep the flow going.
3. Be intentional.
Network actively with a purpose and intention, there is often a lot of value up for grabs in the room so there really is not time to waste on some small talk.
With that said, don’t be too quick to move on, by networking with a fewer amount of people this allows you to really get to know them, you will get a feel for their drivers and pain points. This knowledge will be useful for negotiating your relationship at a later stage and aligning your objectives. Here, you are focused on quality not quantity.
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4. Do not ask for permission to leave a conversation, inform them that you are moving on.
So it has been pleasant, great even, but the value of the conversation between you and your new friend has come to a natural end, which is inevitable. The question is: how to move on without jeopardizing all your hard work by unintentionally making a rude exit.
Perhaps run with something along the lines of:
“It’s been great talking to you, here’s my card we should definitely connect again in the future. But I must make the most of being here and chat to some attendees I haven’t had a chance to yet.”
You could even ask if they have spoken to anyone that would have any expertise on your area of interest.
Note some memorable points on their business card to jog your memory for future interactions with them.
5. Make introductions.
This is a good way to exit a conversation and leave the departed with a new contact who is of some value to them. Introduce those at the event who have a similar focus or share objectives.
Remember relationships take time and need investment, so do not be discouraged if you do not see immediate benefits from your networking spree. You never know when the fruit of a well placed relationship will begin to flourish, so it is important to keep contacts warm.
