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Make Connections—Unlock the Power of Networking
May 17, 2023
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By Thalia Zolis
Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Do you want to make valuable connections that can help you achieve your professional goals? As we approach the SNMMI Annual Meeting, think about using your time in Chicago not only for education but also to grow your network. In-person conferences and meetings are invaluable when it comes to meeting fellow professionals, and networking is a powerful tool in forming fruitful relationships that can advance your career.
Social relationships can have strong ties or weak ties. Strong-tie connections refer to those individuals with whom you interact frequently, while weak-tie connections encompass individuals you rarely engage with or may not even be aware of.
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Surprisingly, the weak-tie relationships may be more valuable to your career, for several reasons. First, you can have many more weak-tie relationships than strong-tie ones, and these numerous connections can connect you to numerous resources. Second, because weak-tie connections are more numerous, they give you access to a broader array of social circles outside your own, expanding your reach.
Networking is a great way to find current job opportunities or to establish a connection that may be useful for a future change of position. Other benefits include learning new perspectives, creating resources you can call on for questions or ideas, becoming more visible and getting noticed, and laying the groundwork for stronger connections that can become long-lasting personal relationships.
The upcoming SNMMI Annual Meeting is an ideal opportunity to expand and fully leverage your connections. If you are attending, prepare a list of questions, items you would like to discuss, and connections you would like to make beforehand to maximize your effectiveness. There are many planned networking events, and additional, less-formal opportunities are sure to arise throughout the meeting.
If you’re not planning to attend the Annual Meeting, there are many other ways to connect with your SNMMI peers:
- Attend local chapter meetings
- Volunteer on a chapter or national committee
- Join and participate in an SNMMI council – or become an intern
- Apply for the SNMMI-TS Leadership Academy or SNMMI Future Leaders Academy
- For those looking for new career opportunities, SNMMI offers a career center that includes job postings and offers resume help.
In the interim, start growing your network by reaching out to your weakest ties. These ties are more powerful than you might think and can aid in building bridges toward new opportunities.♦