Networking for Dummies...Kinda

I cannot claim to be able to publish this info in the famous yellow "...for Dummies" books, but I hope to offer you 10 ways to get to know your fellow LATs/ATCs.

1. You must begin with the end in mind.

What is it that you are trying to accomplish? Are you looking to become a future president of SWATA or NATA, are you wanting to be on a committee and serve your profession, are you wanting to just to get to know other athletic trainers in your area and in the state? You have to decide what is the reason to make this network of people and start from there.

2. What kind of athletic trainers should I network with?

All kinds of athletic trainers. My dad used to tell me that I should be polite with everyone, I never know when I will need their help one day. Get to know those network spiders, those people that seem to know everyone. Be prepared to help people you want to network with, after all you are wanting them to help you.

3. Don't be afraid to meet new people.

Do you fear networking because you are not a "people person"? Chances are you have been in this situation before and you just did not realize it. Think back to when you started in college as that young and eager student athletic trainer. You probably did not know anyone in the training room, but somehow you managed to get to know people. You already have something in common, you both are athletic trainers. We all have stories to share and tales to tell to help break the ice and get to know one another.

4. Baby steps will lead to great strides.

Start with your alumni group of your university or college. You have two things in common with those people, you are athletic trainers and you both went to the same school...voi·là you have some conversation starters that will probably keep you off task for a while! Once you get to know your fellow alumni, you can get to know people that they know when you attend meetings and conventions.

5. Begin in familiar surroundings.

Talking with other LATs/ATCs in your school's district or conference is another great way to get some conversations started with people you do not know very well. Attend the district events like cross country meets, track meets, wrestling meets, etc. where you will be able to work in a common medical area and be open for conversation.

6. Make a district or conference contact list.

Use the list to talk with other LATs/ATCs about the upcoming events. Call them the days before the big games to let them know what you will provide for their visit and you will usually share a few minutes of what is going on in the district before you hang up the phone. Many times the basic conversations will lay the foundation for more complex conversations down the road.

7. Make time to talk before the game begins.

Do not be afraid to make a contact with the LATs/ATCs from the opposing teams. You can use this time to make sure everyone has what they need (if you are the host team), spell out the emergency plans of the stadium, and see what is going on in their part of the world. Remember people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

8. Earn CEUs from all over.

Do not be afraid to break away from the same 'ole routine when it comes to meetings and conferences. Go to different meetings to obtain your CEUs. Make it your goal to attend a meeting in a different part of the state every year until you have been in every different region of your state. Attend the social aspect of the conferences that you are attending. Many conferences offer mixers after a long day of meeting to blow off some steam and get to know people in a more relaxed atmosphere.

9. Get involved in your profession.

Volunteer with your local or regional organization like GHATS, CTATS, BVATS, NTATS, VATA, ETATA, CBATS, SCATA. TSATA and AATA are working hard for you and I am sure that they can use your help if you are willing to volunteer your time. Of course SWATA and NATA are looking for volunteers for various committees and groups. Volunteering is the fastest way to get to know all kinds of LATs/ATCs from all over your region, state, or the nation.

10. Tech options for the talking impaired.

You can visit many different blogs and message boards offered by NATA, SWATA, and TSATA. These are great ways to ask people questions and to lay the foundation for talking to people, but you cannot be afraid to pick up a phone or shake some hands to really establish those relationships. Visit the different websites to link with these resources.