Are you the person that struggles to make professional connections? Maybe you feel that you missed out on opportunities that would have been ideal for your career growth?  While you may not believe it, networking is a skill that you can develop and leverage to maximize your career potential.

Professional growth isn’t about what or who you know - it’s who knows you and what they say about you that is truly important.

Making introductions happen can be a tall order or the introverts among us. You have to step outside of your comfort zone to find the magic. By developing and nurturing professional relationships you can create a supportive community that encourage you, guides you, helps you and reveals opportunities that you never knew existed.

Networking is more than building a list of contacts. It allows you to create long-term relationships that help both of you grow professionally. Think about it, the smartest or hardest working people are not necessarily the ones who advance, right? Why, because people tend to refer and hire the people that they are most comfortable with. Skills matter. Relationships matter more.

First let's eliminate the myth that extroverts are better networkers compared to introverts. It's simple not true. Extroverts may capture more contacts faster, but even the most shy and introverted people can learn to develop connections effectively. Networking is a skill that anyone can develop.

Believe it or not, introverts may be more effective at building connections. According to author Jamie Flinchbaugh, "Networking isn't about collecting names, it is about connection. Introverts don't bother with meaningless connections, only meaningful ones." A recent study from Lehigh University backed that assertion up when it found that regardless of age, gender, career stage, or level of extroversion or introversion, networking skills can be developed to accelerate your career. Here’s how:

Anyone can become a successful networker. Lean into these tips to level-up your networking skills, build relationships and grow your pharmacy career to its full potential.

Ridgemont Resources is a proud supporter of Ainsley's Angels of America, a national non-profit group that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be included in endurance events.

In addition to ensuring everyone can experience endurance events, Ainsley's Angels of America aims to build awareness about America's special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life, by promoting awareness, providing education, and participating as active members in local communities.

As the Ainsley's Angels of American Ambasador for the Tulsa area, Jana Rugg and her Angel Teams run in local races every month, pushing their Athlete Riders to the finish line!  

You can be a part of this amazing organization too. Click here to 'Roll with the Angels'!