—Jeff Goodloe, MD, FACEP[/sidebar]

When I want to build a connection that extends beyond that initial conversation, I’ll say, “Hey, great meeting you/seeing you again! Can I send you my business card? What’s a good phone number or email for you?” Then I’ll message them with my virtual card along with a message that reiterates how good it was to see them and that I’d love to follow up on [insert topic we discussed]. I try to write something specific in my message that will remind me who they were because I know I’ll be scanning my messages later when I’m at the airport, and those hints will -prove helpful after a few days of meeting new people.

Postgame 

The postgame recap is as important as the preparation. You invested your time and money into attending this meeting – what did you take home? Who are those new contacts you collected? Did you make connections that could help advance your career?  

When I’m at the airport waiting for my flight home, I’ll circle back to my original list of people I wanted to meet to see how I did. I think it’s the perfect time, while the conference conversations are still fresh, to send follow-up messages to further those new connections.  

One last thing: I know it’s not always easy to connect with potential mentors, and many leaders in our specialty are very busy because they are engaged with so many things at once. Instead of asking for hours of their time, see if you can work on a project with them. Try to serve on an ACEP committee with them. Working together with individuals you respect is a great way to build meaningful relationships.  

Angela Siler Fisher, MD, FACEP, is the former associate chief for operations, section of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).  She is a founding member of the BCM Section of Emergency Medicine and residency training program. She also served as the medical director of the Ben Taub Hospital Emergency Department. She is the founder of leadership consulting firm MaveRx.