Healthcare Businesswomen's Association

HBA Central New Jersey Networking for Success: Learn to Map & Strengthen Your Network

Central New Jersey Networking April

On 10 April 2024, HBA Central New Jersey, with sponsorship from Bristol Myers Squibb, hosted a virtual educational and networking event featuring two dynamic speakers from BMS:  Marisa Dolled-Filhart, PhD, Vice President, Translational Research (TME, CICT TRC) and Rose Maruca, RN, BSN, MBA, PCC, Associate Director, Learning Delivery Lead. They shared their insights and tips on how to build and maintain effective professional networks.

Key Takeaways 

  • The speakers explained the three types of networks: operational, personal, and strategic, and how they can help you achieve your goals and advance your career. 
  • The speakers also emphasized the importance of being proactive, generous, and intentional in your networking efforts, and how to leverage your existing connections to expand your network. 
  • The event was the second in the chapter's Networking series, which aims to help members develop their networking skills and opportunities. 

Topics 

  • Operational network: the people who help you get your work done on a daily basis, such as your colleagues, managers, and direct reports. This network is essential for delivering results and meeting expectations. 
  • Personal network: the people who support your professional development, such as your mentors, sponsors, coaches, and peers. This network is vital for enhancing your skills, knowledge, and visibility. 
  • Strategic network: the people who provide you with a broader and longer-term perspective of your organization and industry, such as senior leaders, cross-functional partners, and external stakeholders. This network is crucial for expanding your horizons, identifying opportunities, and influencing decisions. 
  • Networking tips: the speakers shared some practical advice on how to assess your current network, identify gaps and areas for improvement, and plan and execute your networking strategy. Some of the tips included: setting clear and realistic goals, reaching out to people with a genuine and specific purpose, offering value and assistance before asking for favors, following up and staying in touch, and diversifying your network to include different backgrounds, perspectives, and roles. 

Special Thanks

Upcoming Event 

  • Missed it? The next event in the Networking series is Empower Her, which will take place on 8 May, 5:15 - 7:30 PM at Village Brewing Company, Somerville. The chapter’s Board will share their stories and insights on how to empower yourself and others through networking. You will have another opportunity to practice your networking skills and build some meaningful relationships with fellow chapter members.
  • To register for the event, visit here. 
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