In the fast-paced world of digital healthcare, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and forget about the importance of internal networking. Internal networking refers to building relationships and connections within your organization, beyond your immediate team or department. It is a crucial skill that can help you advance your career and contribute to the success of your organization.

Why is internal networking important? Here are a few reasons:

1. It helps you get things done. When you have a problem or need help with a project, having a network of contacts within your organization can be invaluable. You can quickly reach out to the right people and get the support you need to move forward.
2. It enables you to collaborate more effectively. By building relationships with people in different departments or functions, you can create opportunities to work together on projects or initiatives that benefit the organization as a whole.
3. It can help you advance your career. When you have a strong internal network, you are more likely to be considered for new opportunities within the organization. You’ll also have a better understanding of the company’s culture and values, which can be helpful when pursuing career advancement.

Here’s a real-life example of the power of internal networking in action:

One day, I discovered that the app I was managing was suddenly not accessible. I quickly did some investigation and discovered that the cloud server was not responding. I knew that time was of the essence, so I reached out to my network of contacts within the organization. I formed a task force through our internal communication channel, which included senior engineers and managers. With their help, we were able to quickly identify the root cause of the problem and implement a solution. My internal networking was crucial in resolving the issue quickly and effectively.

So, how can you build your internal network? Here are a few tips:

1. Attend company events and get involved in company-wide initiatives. This can help you meet people from different departments and functions.
2. Take the initiative to connect with people outside of your immediate team or department. This can include setting up informational interviews or simply reaching out to someone for coffee.
3. Join internal groups or communities that align with your interests or goals. This can be a great way to meet people with similar interests and build relationships.

Internal networking may not be as glamorous as external networking, but it is just as important. By building strong relationships within your organization, you can increase your impact and advance your career.