Stop Wasting Time on Pointless Connections: The Real Power of Networking in Clinical Research

In clinical research, we all know the drill—get connected, attend conferences, and swap LinkedIn messages with a smile. But let’s be honest, how many of those so-called "connections" lead to anything meaningful? If you’re nodding along, you're probably stuck in what I call the networking hamster wheel. It’s time to stop. Right now.

Here’s the reality: Networking is not a numbers game. It’s about building relationships that matter.

You can have a LinkedIn network of 10,000 people and still be invisible in the industry. Why? Because connections without intention are just noise. The real power in networking doesn’t come from how many business cards you hand out—it comes from who knows you, what value you bring, and how well you nurture those relationships.

Let me hit you with some truth: if you’re in clinical research, you’re already part of a hyper-connected industry where relationships drive results. I’m not talking about schmoozing at conferences; I’m talking about building deep, intentional, and mutually beneficial relationships.

Here's how to do it effectively:

1. Be Human First, Professional Second Everyone loves to talk about themselves, so let them. Ask thoughtful questions that go beyond work. What challenges are they facing at their site? How are they managing recruitment or dealing with protocol amendments? Make the conversation meaningful from the jump.
2. Add Value Before Asking for Favors This is where most people get it wrong. They connect and immediately ask for a referral, an introduction, or a job lead. Slow down. If you want a real connection, offer something first. Share an article, introduce them to someone in your network, or offer advice on a challenge they’re facing.
3. Follow Up Like Your Career Depends on It—Because It Does Networking doesn’t stop after the first conversation. It’s the follow-up that separates you from the pack. Send a follow-up note that references something specific from your conversation. Stay in touch, even if it's just to check in periodically. Relationships are built over time, not in a single LinkedIn message.
4. Don’t Overthink It, Just Reach Out Overthinking kills more opportunities than failure ever will. Reach out to that senior CRA, that clinical operations manager, or that PI you’ve admired for a while. Chances are, they’re more approachable than you think, and the worst thing they can say is “no.” Pro tip: most people won’t even say no—they’ll just ignore you. And that’s okay. Keep moving.

Why Does This Matter?

In clinical research, networking can literally make or break your career. Clinical trials are run on relationships. Whether you’re a CRC looking for your next opportunity, a CRA hoping to move up, or someone eyeing a leadership role, it’s your network that will get you there. Not just your CV or shy LinkedIn profile.

Clinical research is all about trust. Trust in the data, trust in your sites, and most importantly, trust in each other. The more meaningful connections you have, the more likely you are to be trusted—and with that trust comes opportunity.

Let me leave you with this:

If you’re networking just to check a box, stop wasting your time. Focus on quality over quantity, and watch how the opportunities start showing up at your doorstep.

Your next career move is one intentional connection away.

Rudy Malle

Writer at Chronicles of Clinical Research

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