Networking 101 for Pharmacy Technicians

// May 26th, 2009 // Pharmacy General, Pharmacy Technician

Networkingnet·work·ing – the process or practice of building up or maitaining informal relationships, especially with people whose friendship could bring advantages such as job or business opportunities.

Sounds boring, I know, but the truth is that networking with colleagues is critical to success…and with the advent of online social media networks, it can be a lot of fun.

Here are three steps to get started.

1. Select a new group or network to join (see suggestions below)

2. Share a little bit about yourself with the group, list your areas of experience/expertise and offer to be of assistance to the members. (Remember, networking is a two-way street)

3. Stay active in the group dialouge – whether that is answering questions, posting questions, sharing news/information. This doesn’t need to be a daily task, but try to stay connected at least once a week.

Suggested Networking Groups for Pharmacy Technicians

  1. NPTA Group on Facebook
  2. NPTA Group on LinkedIn
  3. NPTA on Twitter
  4. NPTA Discussion Forums
  5. CPhTLink Discussion Forums

If you are skeptical, I challenge you to try this for just 3 months and then reevaluate.

5 Responses to “Networking 101 for Pharmacy Technicians”

  1. fred says:
    May 26, 2009 at 9:06 am

    Thanks for including me in your list Mike. I agree, inside and outside of the pharmacy technician field, networking can bring opportunities that may have never been possible without it.

    plus the opportunities to share your experience and learn from others.

  2. Kelly O says:
    May 26, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Thanks for the ides, Mike! I’m working as a pharmacy clerk, studying for the technician exam and trying to get as informed and involved as I can. I like these ides simply because they also work for those of us currently in more rural areas.

  3. fred says:
    May 27, 2009 at 7:23 am

    @Kelly O i also live and work in a rural area. had to drive over an hour to the nearest PTCB testing site when i took the exam, in fact.

    It’s very useful in that case. Say in another year you find yourself in a more populated area/city… contacts and friends you build through these sites are an instant connection to job leads. I think even in today’s economy, an employer can’t pass up the hire of a good experienced tech. especially one who’s reputation follows them with the proven knowledge we have the possibility to share here.

    (my two cents)

  4. Izxdad says:
    June 3, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    As a former construction worker, networking sites are the new rage in a lot of careers. Many friends you make on certain jobs can direct you to where the work is at. Now as a PT trainee, my instructor has shown by example the values of networking. He’s got a lot of contacts we’ll be visiting on field trips, then applying for jobs at later.

  5. Jane says:
    June 5, 2009 at 7:24 am

    I like the idea of this. Being able to talk with others in the same line of work. Sometimes, the only ones that will understand, are people in the same predicament as you are. Thanks, Mike
    I work in an independent pharmacy. Tine ,little hole in the wall that can sometimes crank out 400+ a day. Coming from a corporation, I was impressed with this little pharmacy. nice to be rid of the corporate hang-ups.