If you are looking for the best way to grow your business and advance your career, then networking is it! Networking in nursing not only helps you learn and grow as a professional, but it is essential for nurse entrepreneurs that want to leave the bedside and try their luck as nurse business owners. 

When you finally get your business up and running, the connections that you make while nursing networking will help to provide you with the support needed to have a leg up on the competition. 

While there are some principles for social networking and the nurse, which we will get into later, networking for nurses can be as easy as getting to know your colleagues and patients.

In this article we will be going over pro tips and tricks for networking in nursing, as well as exploring some practical networking and marketing strategies for Nurse Practitioners, RNs, and other healthcare professionals looking to start their own businesses. 

But before we show you all the cards in our deck, let’s address the elephant in the room: why is it important for nurses to network in the first place? 

Why is it Important for Nurses to Network? 

Before exploring some bullet-proof tips for nursing networking, it is important to understand the importance of networking in nursing and how it can help you as a healthcare professional and entrepreneur. So let’s dig in, why is it important for nurses to network? 

• Attention- Networking for nurses is important because it draws attention to individuals and their causes. If you want people to take notice of you, then focus on networking with colleagues, patients, and other individuals you may come in contact with. 
• Possibilities- Successful networking and marketing strategies for Nurse Practitioners and other nursing professionals includes networking with individuals outside of the nursing field. By networking outside of healthcare you can open yourself up to new possibilities both personally and professionally. 
• Knowledge- Knowledge is perhaps the most compelling answer when asking, why is it important for nurses to network? What better way to learn than connecting directly with others? Learning from other professionals can help grow your knowledge as a nurse entrepreneur. This includes individuals inside and outside the healthcare circle. 
• Support- One reason why it is important for nurses to network is the support that nursing networking can provide. When times get tough, and they probably will, you can rely on your network for encouragement and support! 

5 Networking Tips & Tricks 

While networking in nursing can be as simple as getting to know other professionals, there are some nursing networking tips and tricks that you can utilize to make the most of your connections. Here are some pro tips for networking for nurses and nurse entrepreneurs: 

• Create a Mastermind Group 

You do not have to wait until someone in your circle takes initiative to create a mastermind group–just do it on your own! Mastermind groups for nursing networking can come in many different forms. With the convenience of the internet you can do virtual mastermind networking for nurses through online communities on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other popular platforms for networking in nursing. 

If virtual nursing networking is not up your alley, then try creating an in-person mastermind group where like minded professionals can get together and share their knowledge and experiences face-to-face. Creating a mastermind community is one of the best networking and marketing strategies for Nurse Practitioners/Registered Nurses! 

• Share Your Own Experience Through Guest Speaking 

Do you have nuggets of wisdom and advice to share? Maybe you are a master in principles for social networking and the nurse? Perhaps you have developed your own multi-million dollar nursing business? 

A great way to build trust with potential clients and fellow nurse entrepreneurs is through guest speaking. By creating a higher comfort level through guest speaking you can win over clients and establish long-lasting professional relationships that can take your business to the next level. 

• Be Open Minded & Treat Everyone Like a Friend 

Sometimes the best networking and marketing strategy for Nurse Practitioners/Registered Nurses is friendliness. Take a genuine and friendly approach to meeting new people–you never know what connection could take your business to the next level!  

Most people are not interested in hearing a long business pitch or sales gimmick. Instead of trying to sell right away or pushing your way in, just take the time to chat with others and interact on a personal level. Just like any other relationship, nursing networking requires a foundation. So do not worry about selling right away. Just focus on keeping an open mind and treat every connection like a friend. 

• Stay Up-To-Date

Networking in nursing is a lot like dating–you don’t want there to be any awkward silences in the conversation! Stay up-to-date on industry news so you can add valuable insights to the conversation and you always have something to talk about. 

You can also stay fresh on someone’s mind by sending them a follow-up email with more related information about your conversation. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going, build credibility, and create long-lasting relationships.  

• Follow-Up With New Contacts

Last but certainly not least on our list of pro tips and tricks for networking in nursing is following up with new contacts. Networking for nurses is not about collecting business cards, it’s about what you do with the business cards after you get them! You can follow-up via email, or by phone call, or even on social media, whatever makes the most sense in the context. 

If you want to make a lasting impression when you follow up make sure that you take down a few notes about the people that you are networking with to sprinkle into conversation. Taking the initiative to be personable with follow-ups can mean the difference between a long-term relationship and a client that could have been.   

Launch Your Business 

Networking in nursing can start long before you have established your business. In fact, networking for nurses can be defined as making connections with other colleagues and entrepreneurs, even before you find your great business idea! Anytime you make intentional social or business connections you are networking–pretty cool, right?

Although you do not need to have your business up and running to engage in nurse networking, once you start the process of launching your business you are likely going to want to utilize some of your connections to make the process of launching smoother, that is why is it important for nurses to network long before their businesses are off the ground! 

If you are ready to take the leap and start your nursing business we are here for you! From the early stages of procuring your LLC to providing assistance with networking and marketing strategies for Nurse Practitioners/Registered Nurses, and everything in between, we are here to give you the best start when setting up a thriving business. 

No more surfing the internet for terms like principles for social networking and the nurse, because at NursePreneurs we provide you with all the tools you need to find success as a nurse entrepreneur! Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and book a discovery call.