What do you do if you want to connect with industry professionals online as a healthcare manager?

LinkedIn serves as the top-tier professional networking platform globally, facilitating connections with influential figures in the healthcare sector. To leverage its potential fully, begin by refining your profile to highlight pertinent experiences and achievements, drawing the attention of relevant professionals. Active engagement is crucial; contribute meaningfully to discussions by commenting on posts by industry leaders, fostering valuable interactions. Additionally, don't shy away from sharing your perspectives on trending healthcare issues, establishing yourself as a thought leader in the domain.

**LinkedIn Tactics:** LinkedIn is particularly useful due to its global reach. As a professional in Ethiopia, ensure your profile highlights any unique experiences that can stand out, such as tackling healthcare challenges in a developing nation or implementing innovative solutions with limited resources. Engaging with content from global healthcare leaders and sharing your insights on healthcare trends in Ethiopia could provide a unique perspective that garners the attention of industry professionals worldwide. Participation in relevant groups can lead to earning badges that showcase your active involvement and expertise.

You have to create your brand and showcase projects you are doing or have done. Have a portfolio, start working for free if need be. Try to get into a Healthcare institution and volunteer; showcase the work you are doing and continuosly engage with industry leaders and attend events where industry professionals gather as a volunteer (exhibitions, CPD point events, lectures etc). It's a lot of work and needs thick skin, time, courage and everything in between. It takes 1-3 years of consistency. Don't expect immediate results.

Network! In my experience, it's incredibly valuable to build your online network through various platforms, such as LinkedIn. Figure out which one is mosts fruitful for your industry and invest time into creating content, such as writing newsletters, posts, articles, etc.

If you're a healthcare manager looking to network with industry professionals online, start by joining relevant professional groups or forums on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with posts, share insights, and connect with professionals in your field. Attend virtual conferences, webinars, and workshops to expand your network and stay updated on industry trends. Utilize social media platforms to showcase your expertise and connect with peers. Building a strong online presence can help you establish valuable connections and opportunities in the healthcare industry.

Online Forums: Participating in online forums related to healthcare management can elevate your presence as a knowledgeable professional from a developing country. Share stories of navigating healthcare challenges and how you overcome them; these narratives can resonate with others facing similar situations and establish your reputation as someone who finds solutions amidst adversity. Such contributions not only build your credibility but also enable you to gain from others' experiences and solutions that might be transplantable to your work environment.

Virtual Events: Engaging with virtual events is especially beneficial for professionals in developing countries as it breaks down geographical barriers allowing direct access to global experts. Being proactive by researching speakers and attendees, asking relevant questions that may reflect the circumstances of healthcare management in developing contexts, and following up post-event all serve to foster connections that understand the nuances of working within different healthcare systems.

Virtual events are a great way to maximize time and feed your eagerness to learn and grow. There are many more events at your fingertips from across the world, rather than being limited to your city. Virtual events are also a great opportunity to become a change maker and drive focus for new growth by networking and recommending presentations/implementation of the topic in your space of influence. Virtual events are also a great opportunity for exposure to budding trends and measuring potential future paths of your industry and what your organization may need to follow.

Social media presence is an opportunity to express yourself and interact with individuals of various backgrounds. Choosing topics of posts and discussions can help gauge which items are "hot topics" and trending.

To connect with industry professionals online as a Healthcare manager, I'd join relevant LinkedIn groups, participate in virtual conferences, and engage in healthcare forums. Sharing insights, networking with peers, and following thought leaders fosters connections. Additionally, I'd leverage social media platforms and professional organizations' online communities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. As it is currently a Non-negotiable strategy to stay in the game. By actively engaging online, I can stay informed, build relationships, and contribute to the healthcare community effectively.

Connecting with industry professionals requires leveraging available digital platforms strategically by emphasizing unique experiences and perspectives characteristic of working within a developing country's healthcare system. This approach fosters both learning and networking opportunities which could lead to wider recognition within the global professional community and potential collaborations aimed at improving healthcare across varied settings.

I started a podcast. I believe people's stories are powerful, and giving people the opportunity to share it benefits them and those listening. As people we love to talk about ourselves, and our accomplishments. I genuinely love people's stories so I use them to connect with them.