You’re only as strong as your network, and that’s as far as success will take you. Unfortunately, this is something many people do not learn early enough in life, or do not take seriously. In America, we are made to believe that if you have confidence in yourself, you can accomplish anything…That’s not necessarily true. Yes, confidence is part of the equation, but we typically accomplish more together than alone.

I have been amazed by the feedback we’ve received from PreMed StAR students pertaining to how much this community means to them. Multiple students have reached out to us and noted that this network has added extreme benefit to their premed journey. Each time I read one of these messages, I am pleased because I know these individuals are understanding the significance of team, community, and network!

It is important that you strategically grow your network. The people closest to me all bring something of unique value to the table. No two are exactly alike. They are all serious about their life’s work (not job, but work…there’s a difference) and they are all generous. These are the type of people you want in your network if you desire to accomplish great things, and these are five tips to help you build such connections.

1) Explore: You can’t grow your network if you’re not willing to meet new people. This is the first barrier that you must overcome. If you want to grow your network, you have to want to grow your network. In order to do that, you must step out of your comfort zone to meet new people. Also, a key part of exploring is meeting different people. A network full of people just like you isn’t nearly as valuable as a diverse network with people of varied backgrounds, experiences, careers, etc. Be willing to explore, meet new people, and learn new things.

2) Give More Than You Receive: This is perhaps the most important aspect to building a valuable network. In today’s society, we are told to focused on self. We are taught that we should go out and “get ours”, don’t worry about other people. That is a mistake. At the heart of everything you do, benefiting others should be the primary driver. The byproduct of helping others is they will see that you genuinely care, and in your time of need, they will be honored to stand by your side.

3) Listen: This is the little secret that drives many people straight up the ladder of success. Have you ever been in a meeting where one person is talking and talking……and talking. I don’t mean that annoying guy or gal who everyone knows is off their rocker, but rather, the person who is able to trick people into thinking he or she has the best ideas in the room. I’ll share this little truth with you, more often than you may realize, the intelligent and devoted individuals who actively and intensely listen then speak are the real movers and shakers. You can’t know what people need if you don’t listen to them. You can’t solve a problem if you can’t describe the problem. If you master the art of listening, you can more effectively accomplish tip number two above.

4) Invite: A mistake that many people make is trying to jump on board other peoples’ train too early. When I say invite, I don’t mean invite yourself to their function; on the contrary, I mean invite them to your function. The fear of rejection too often prohibits us from inviting people to join our activities and into our lives. Yes, we do get rejected many times, but this isn’t because people don’t want to be around us; it’s just that people are busy. If you think someone is worthy enough for you to invite them somewhere, that means other people probably agree and have also invited them somewhere. Don’t be afraid to extend an invitation. Just make sure you pick up the tab.

5) Confirm Via Connect: In 2017 part of networking means connecting on social media. It’s a really strange thing actually. If you’re not connected with me on Facebook then we mustn’t really be friends. That’s obviously not true, but that’s how many people feel. As a premedical student, of course I would suggest you connect with other premeds on PreMed StAR. The simple action of sending a connect request to somebody when they are not present shows that you were thinking about them.

Build a valuable network. You might not think it’s worth your time to start working on this today, but tomorrow you’ll want to have it. One last piece of advice, always remember that the network is not about you. It’s about leveraging each other so you can serve others. That’s why we’re here, to help others!

Let me know which of the five is your favorite, and what other tips you have!

Are you a premed? Join Diverse Medicine now. It's free!