How to build and maintain your professional network Lisa B. - PDF document

How to build and maintain your professional network Lisa B. Marshall Meet someone new, really! 1

Was that networking? How do YOU network? Three steps to build and maintain a network C Conversation eConversation o eConversation n n v o 1 e i r t s a a Conv Conv s t i o r e n v Time Connection Connection 2 C o n n e c t i o n Connection Connection Connection Connection p 3 s h i eRelationship n t i o l a R e Relati nship 2

Thanks to my network! Why bother with networking? (as a scientist) 1 How do I start conversations? Conversation n eConversation eConversation o i t a Conversation Conv Conv s r e v Time Connection Connection C o n n e c t i o n Connection Connection Connection Connection p s h i eRelationship n t i o l a R e Relati nship 3

“Who should I talk with?” (peers or VIPs?) “Don't assume anything. Don't think anyone or anything is irrelevant. It is very hard to predict. Having a large network of people who know you is very important.” People internal to your organization Every two - one internal one external “Take advantage of what Harvard has to offer!” 4

“Get out of the lab! It’s so important!” Every two - one internal one external Meet people external to your organization “Get out of the lab!” “I didn’t understand how important it was to make broader connections.” “Hate networking? Volunteer!” Every two - one internal one external “How do I join/start a conversation?” ?” 5

Before the first words are spoken… Preparation and practice Before the first words are spoken • Practice science sound bites • Test our handshake (more later) • Prepare b-cards • Practice open-eneded questions • Check posture (more later) • Review news (science, regular) • Research “targets” • Check breath and attire A = General area of research B = Sub field or specific area of interest C = Why important …contribution D = Specific work…detail summary E = Specific quantitative results F = Scale of the contribution of work (maybe) G = Future research plans (maybe) 6

Set the context of the work Two levels: One they know; one they don’t My work helps determine if cancer is present in breast tissue through improved pathology tissue staining techniques. The two main procedures that I work on are (IHC) and (ISH). Both are used to diagnose the type of cancer and to help determine the patient’s prognosis. My work specifically tries to predict the tumor’s likely response to antihormonal therapies by simultaneously detecting multiple biomarkers --features or facets in the tissue used to measure the progress of disease. Research area: I support immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) tissue staining projects Sub area: Specifically we enhanced a multiplexed immunohistochemistry (MIHC) process which can simultaneously detects up to 5 antigens in breast cancer tissue. 7

Why is this work exciting and interesting? (Why is this work important?) We used an anti-hapten quantum dots method (versus direct QD labeled antibodies) which enhanced (MIHC) staining performance in human breast carcinoma tissue. This work is important because it can accelerate the diagnosis and selection of specific therapy. What exactly did you do? (Give some details!) 8

It detects multiple targets decreasing the amount of tissue required and allowing for detection of overlapping or co-expressed markers. What were the quantifiable results? (conclusions, or conclusions summarized) So far the results have shown a much greater signal to noise ratio (a stronger signal) and greater specificity. 9

What is the scale of the contribution? (submitted, published in major journal, major field contribution, etc.) Although MIHC has been successful in other areas, we are the first to use this analysis for breast cancer and we are working toward publication of this work. Practice activity Practice activity 10

• “I work in the area of “ A ”… A = Generic field or area of research • “Specifically in the area of “ B ” … B = sub field or specific area of interest • “This work is important because of “ C ”… C = How it contributes to overall body of work • “My specific work is “ D ” … D = Questions you are asking – be specific as possible • “So far the results have shown “ E ” … E = The specific and quantitative results of your work • “Which is been “ F ” successful … F = The scale of the contribution of work (optional) • “My plans for future research are… “ G ” G = The scale of the contribution of work (optional) Practice activity Practice activity 1. Shake hands 2. A asks B “Tell me about your work” 3. B asks A “Tell me about your work” 4. A gives 1 thing to improve 5. B gives 1 thing to improve 6. Exchange b-cards (if available) It takes energy and effort! 11

Practice activity Practice activity 1. Create 3 OEQs for movie night 2. Create 3 OEQs for conference 3. Create 1 OEQ for today’s seminar 4. Form group of 4 & share How to join a conversation group How to start a planned conversation 12

How to start an unplanned conversation Ending a conversation politely Practice activity Practice activity 1. Start an unplanned conversation 2. End your conversation politely 3. Go join another group 13

2 How do I make strong connections? Conversation n eConversation eConversation o i t a Conversation Conv Conv s r e v Time Connection Connection C o n n e c t i o n Connection Connection Connection Connection p s h i eRelationship n t i o e l a R Relati nship “How do I follow-up conversations?” Give to strengthen connection 14

“How do I manage contact info?” Managing your contact and contacts 3 How do I manage relationships? Conversation n eConversation eConversation o i t a Conversation Conv Conv s r e v Time Connection Connection C o n n e c t i o n Connection Connection Connection Connection p s h i eRelationship n t i o l a R e Relati nship 15

“How do I manage contact?” Managing your contact (no “s”) “What makes relationships stronger?” 16

Persistence to strengthen relationship Don’t make the same mistakes! Three steps to build and maintain network C Conversation eConversation o eConversation n n v o 1 e i r t s a a Conv Conv s t i o r e n v Time Connection Connection 2 C o n n e c t i o n Connection Connection Connection Connection p 3 s h i eRelationship n t i o l a R e Relati nship 17

Practice activity Practice activity 1. Meet someone new (if time) 2. “Best thing you learned today?” Questions/Tips? Connect with me: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Nature Network Learn from me: ArtofSpeakingScience.com ThePublicSpeaker.tv http://www.lisabmarshall.com/PDFs/links.pdf Contact me: lisa@lisabmarshall.com 856-330-1623 18