How do you maximise the first few years after you graduate to kickstart your career? PART TWO
Do you have a post-graduation career journey plan?
Graduation is only the start of a great journey! Any journey needs a plan! In part two of this article I will look at how you can develop referrer relationships, and a referral base, the importance of volunteering to learn, some of the concerns and issues that new grads face and a summary of the key considerations for new grads.
You can learn more about the themes and considerations for graduates in their first years out of your degree in my book which provides a roadmap from graduation throughout your career journey. The Health Practitioners journey is available Check it out on my website.
The importance of developing referrer relationships
Such relationships will form the base a referral base that will nurture your practice growth.
I have called marketing “Relationship Marketing” as it is akin to developing any relationship that you may have. Once you understand this you can work on creating a network of different referrers, from Doctors, sports clubs, social media etc.
To do the above one needs to “put yourself out there” move past comfort and contact people and be prepared to ask questions of referrers about how they wish to refer to you, what they can expect from you are helping their patients gain quick appointments, you will follow up visits with letters or reports to referrers etc. Remember to be professional at all times, reflect your personality by being engaged and not distracted when you are in contact with them.
This is especially applicable even with your interactions with patients/athletes, listen with empathy - as these people will gravitate to you when you care and listen. Then they will tell others about you
The pathway to gaining referrer loyalty
Think about the ladder of loyalty as a guide to monitor how referrals can work.
There are steps that will dictate the progress of the loyalty that a patient or referrer can follow as their relationship with you builds
The first step is that a patient is a suspect! Sounds strange but this means that the referrer or patient becomes aware of you either from others or from something you have written or may be you have made a presentation to a club or like audience. They are aware of you via that stated expertise.
Step two on the ladder is to be a prospect. You have become a prospective person for that patient or referrer to actually either attend your service or refer to you. They are interested in referring to you based upon your perceived reputation.
Step three is when that a patient attends your service as a customer. They are now involved and will be able to assess your reputation as they have experienced your service.
Step four is that the patient becomes and advocate. They now have a commitment to you and/or your practice, refer others and recommend you, even likely telling a referrer that you are great and provide a fabulous service. In a way you now have a professional relationship with that person.
Why volunteer?
I have always been a volunteer in my career. I saw volunteering as an opportunity to learn, to develop meaningful relationships and give back to my community. If you are with those more experienced you will learn just as much as the practical experience you gain in an environment of a local sports club that allows you to develop your manual handling and clinical reasoning.
Concerns and Issues that New Grads can face
Income
As a new grad you need to survive and earn an income! You may have study debt, wish to be able to buy a house, raise a family etc. Therefore, the first few years after graduation can be very difficult. Seeing enough patients to create an income is important even if you are being paid with a fixed salary. Doing and following some of the ideas I am speaking of will have your employer see you are proactive and will assist with salary increases over time
How do I network?
If you apply yourself to the development of relationships your network will grow but as mentioned, put yourself out there, ask, participate in events and use your local contacts to assist in building that network.
Will opportunities come – what to do?
Yes they will if you apply yourself to your work, read, learn , participate, attend courses and build networks etc etc
Road blocks
There are sometimes road blocks!!
Some of these are glass ceilings, sexism, ageism, ableism. If you are tackling those aspects it can be useful to gain some mentoring and to seek out a Mentor to help you. Many may arise when you are working with sports teams are in some sports where it is hard to find a foothold to grow in your role. Speaking with senior persons at those sports etc can also be helpful if you encounter some of these road bocks.
Key considerations for new grads
In the first few years you must consolidate on course learnings.
The consultation
Manual handling and
Clinical reasoning are key deficiencies to work on
Other considerations to consider and some I have mentioned earlier in this article:
Find a mentor
Work as a volunteer
Work at a Sports Club
Focus on Clinical excellence, explore what is needed for commercial success
In private practice : Clinical and Business pursuit – eyes open working in a performance based environment
Develop some personal branding
Plan with a written document clinical, commercial, admin, risk and ongoing education
Be trustworthy, meet your commitments
Count and Measure your performance
Take opportunities when they come your way and put yourself out there
Control your career – be proactive
Always consider your life balance to cater for your health needs:
Physical
Mental
Social emotional
Spiritual
There is always much to consider in your career. Many paths you can take and principles to absorb.
Good luck… and if you wish to probe more deeply into some of these ideas remember my book “The Health Practitioners journey” is there to assist you.
