What do you do if you want to establish meaningful connections with industry leaders in biotechnology?

Networking is a critical skill that should not be overlooked and it's easy. It takes intentionality, effort, and most importantly, authenticity. Biotech is a small community and many professionals get to know each other, especially at industry conferences and events. If you see a talk you enjoy at a conference, ask the speaker a question during Q&A, then meet the speaker afterward, thank them for their talk, and ask them thoughtful questions. LinkedIn is a great place to maintain those industry connections and build new ones. Follow interesting people in biotech and interact thoughtfully with their content. Share content that you like and consider procuring some of your own content and be sure to interact with those who comment.

Perfect your pitch! Crafting an impactful pitch involves starting with your values or passions before listing achievements. Rather than a basic introduction like "I'm Maria, a Sales Representative," try something like "I'm Maria Granger, part of a Michigan-based team focusing on biological research materials. I've always been passionate about bridging scientific and business realms through client interactions and project management, so my current role as a Sales Rep for the Midwestern, United States is very fulfilling." This approach answers key questions, sparking more engaging conversations compared to a standard introduction.

Having a strong online presence is crucial in today's digital age, especially in the biotechnology industry. Creating a professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn allows you to showcase your projects, publications, and accomplishments effectively. Engaging with industry leaders by commenting thoughtfully and sharing insights can help you build credibility and attract traffic to your profile. Updating your profile with conference updates or industrial visits further demonstrates your active participation and knowledge in the field.

Industry events are a great way to establish connections. Just like in any kind of communication, it always helps if you're authentically interested in your counterpart and the topic; try to listen more than you talk.

Partnering, or networking, with those in your specific area of science is incredibly beneficial. This is an easier form of networking as you generally will have common ground. A good way to network with these people, is to show interest in their research and prior work. A great way to reach out and connect online is to read a recent published work of theirs and ask any questions you may have or give your own thoughts. This demonstrates that you have taken time to research their work. This type of networking is also of benefit, as it earns you credibility in your own research space. By generating a solid network in your own area you will enhance your reputation.

Seek out good mentors and ask them for their guidance. It may not always be your direct supervisor but many experienced leaders are willing to mentor younger professionals if they take initiative and follow up. In my experience, I believe there are more available mentors in the scientific tracks of biotech and pharma than in other industries.

My advice is to get to know the participants and study their presentations and previous topics before attending events such as forums and symposiums. Therefore, at the event itself, you will immediately be able to start communicating and even move on to solving industry problems. It is also necessary to maintain these relationships after the event.