The axiom “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” seems even more relevant in a world where everyone you know is at your fingertips 24-7.
However, data shows that simply racking up contacts and business cards may not be enough. Diversifying your network and deepening relationships is critical to ensuring you have the right advice and information when you need it. In their evergreen Harvard Business Review article “Managing Yourself: A Smarter Way to Network,” academic researchers Rob Cross and Robert J. Thomas note that high performers build a strong core network that covers three categories:
- People who offer new information or expertise.
- Formally powerful people, who provide mentoring, political support and resources.
- People who provide developmental feedback, challenge their decisions and push them to be better.
Meet the People You Need
Events like ACHE’s annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership provide the ideal environment for developing these meaningful and long-lasting connections. With four days of educational sessions and events, you’ll have no lack of conversation starters. Networking Roundtable Breakfasts are perfect for meeting peers and “birds of a feather,” while numerous receptions give ample time to glean insight from leaders in every part of the healthcare industry.
“For me, Congress on Healthcare Leadership is a must-go event annually for healthcare leaders,” says Andrew Goldfrach, FACHE. “It provides not only great educational sessions and opportunities to learn best practices, but also is a great forum for networking, building upon existing relationships and creating new ones. I’ve attended Congress almost every year since 2001 and I find tremendous value across the four days.”
Career Services Onsite
If you’re searching for a new role (or a new candidate), building your network could be crucial. Surveys show that more than 70 percent of job seekers secure a new position through someone they know. Congress offers many valuable career services and session onsite to help in your journey.
“As an early careerist, Congress gives me a fresh focus on the different seminars and subjects presented,” says ACHE Member Billy Neal, MHA candidate at University of Nevada Las Vegas. “It is also wonderful for networking opportunities, to tune up my resume and to receive career coaching from the professionals already in the field.”
Your Year-Round Partner
The ACHE Career Resource Center is your go-to resource for job/candidate searches and building your career skills, all year round. Included with your membership is an exclusive job board, executive search network, mentoring, extensive skills assessments and much more. Not a member? Join today for access and save $140 on Congress for Healthcare Leadership.