Comments on: Contrary to the Experts: Networking is NOT Working

By: Drew Griffin LPN, WCC (future RN and CLNC)

Drew Griffin LPN, WCC (future RN and CLNC) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:50:06 +0000

This was an article that gave me something to reflect upon. I recently attended a conference and met Bob Burg, author of The Go-Giver and Endless Referrals. I found what Bob Burg had to say was helpful and insightful when it came to networking. I think there is opportunity in every networking experience. Although every networking event may not be ideal for a CLNC^® business, it does have the potential to greatly enhance our businesses nonetheless.

Typical networking experiences are mere card exchanges that usually end up as poor afterthoughts. If we go to these events and master the art of networking, we may get better results. I also agree that we should network where the business is located! If we blend the two together, success is inevitable.

I tested this strategy at a “MeetUp” networking event I located at MeetUp.com. I attended the meeting and decided to employ some of the new strategies to see what happened. Instead of blurting out my elevator speech like verbal vomit, I decided to change my approach. I decided that I would listen and ask questions.

For example; I asked someone I met there by the name of Hannah, “Hannah, How can I know if someone I’m talking to would be a good prospect for you?”

Surprisingly, that opened things up for more conversation, in which they talked more about their business and I learned more about them. I also followed up with Hannah when I came across someone that was an ideal prospect/candidate. Now when Hannah received that lead, guess who she thought about? You got it. Planting the seeds in pastures that may not be ripe for the picking can yield huge crops in later times. Start sowing!

I also agree that we can find ripe prospects in the proper fields. Having balance and providing value in various forms to our communities can be huge.

By: Deborah Amato, RN

Deborah Amato, RN — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:35:12 +0000

Networking is important in everything you do in life, but connecting with the right person or group is the key. I am almost half way through my Core Curriculum for Legal Nurse Consulting^® textbook and am looking forward to the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar I signed up for in April 2010. For years I had kicked around the idea of becoming a CLNC^® consultant. Recently I had an appointment with my attorney who was handling a problem I had in my divorce. I happened to notice a Taber’s Dictionary on his desk, which prompted me to ask if he also handles malpractice cases. That simple question opened up a dialogue about my desire to become a CLNC^® consultant. I left his office that day with the nursing home files that he had obtained from a family member who felt her mother’s death was due to malpractice. I literally sat by my pool and reviewed the file for approximately two and a half hours. When my bill came from my attorney, I noticed that he had credited me almost $400.00 for my opinion on the case. I’m now working with this attorney on the case and he informed me that he can get me plenty of work when I’m ready! It isn’t who you know, but what you know that will get you more work. Obviously, simply doing what I’ve been doing for years was enough to launch a working relationship with my attorney and a potential for many more clients. By asking one simple question I opened up a new door to my future in nursing…I love it!

By: Julie R. Gunn RN, CLNC

Julie R. Gunn RN, CLNC — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:48:08 +0000

Within the first year after I became a CLNC^® consultant, our urban BBB contacted me, touting the benefits of its “Networking Luncheons.” The BBB is a terrific organization. However, the “Networking Luncheons” were a bust! I failed to remember that every business from electricians to landscapers would be there, each of them trying to network for his/her own business. I am certain that one or two of them took my card and all seemed interested in what I do. However, it was not the best “bang for the buck” and definitely was NOT the best use of my valuable time. If you pay for an access to anything that includes a “networking” benefit, be sure you are obtaining contacts with the specific market you are trying to reach as a CLNC^® consultant. Don’t waste time with “Generic” networking. We all live and learn.

By: Brian Brandser, RN, BSN, CCRN, CLNC

Brian Brandser, RN, BSN, CCRN, CLNC — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:58:05 +0000

Thank you, Vickie. I agree, you have to network with the right people. Otherwise, much time is lost. Great article.

By: Diana Schmitt, RN, BSN, CLNC

Diana Schmitt, RN, BSN, CLNC — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:15:09 +0000

Networking has been very helpful for subcontracting with other CLNC^® consultants concerning the medical malpractice and personal injury cases that I have contracted. On one particular case, I had three CLNC^® subcontractors focusing on specific aspects of the case. I have developed several strategies to build a pool of CLNC^® subcontractors to work on cases or be expert witnesses. The first and obvious strategy is to attend the NACLNC^® Conferences. After I return home, I implement the remaining strategies to strengthen my CLNC^® subcontractor pool. My ability to provide attorney-clients with the resources needed to move their cases forward would be very limited without the networking power of the NACLNC^® Conference and the NACLNC^® Online Directory of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants. Thank you Vickie and fellow CLNC^® consultants.