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In this episode, Barbara discusses: 

 

  • How to stay top of mind by sharing relevant articles, studies, and news instead of generic “just checking in” follow-ups. 
  • Why becoming a connector — introducing the right people to one another — is one of the fastest ways to build a trusted, valuable network. 
  • The “networking graveyard” of opportunities lost to a missing follow-up, plus a simple 24-hour challenge to reconnect with three people. 

 

Key Takeaways: 

  • “Networking does not create opportunities — relationships create opportunities, and every meaningful relationship starts with a simple follow-up.” — Dr. Barbara Hales 

 

Connect with Barbara Hales:  

 

TRANSCRIPT 

 

Welcome & Sharing Value as a Follow-Up 

 

Dr. Barbara Hales 0:02 

Hi, welcome to another episode of Marketing Tips for Doctors. I’m your host, Dr. Barbara Hales, and this is part two of We’ve Met. Now, what becomes a valuable source of information when it comes to following up and being top of mind for the people that you’ve met? Here’s another simple way to stay connected without feeling awkward or intrusive. Whenever you come across an interesting article, a new study, an industry trend, or a breaking news story that relates to someone’s interests or professions? Send it to them. A brief note is all it takes. I saw this article and thought of our conversation at the conference. Given your interest in concierge medicine, I thought you might find it interesting, and this breaking healthcare story reminds me of our discussion a few months ago. You don’t need a reason beyond that. In fact, these small touchpoints are often more meaningful than formal networking follow-ups because they demonstrate that you were paying attention. They show that you remember who the person is, what matters to them, and what challenges they’re facing over time. People begin to associate you with useful information, thoughtful insights, and genuine interests. You become more than a name on a business card or a connection on LinkedIn; you become a trusted resource, and every time you provide value without asking for anything in return, you are making another deposit into that relationship bank account. I particularly like this section because it gives listeners a practical action step. Most people think networking means checking in. The smartest networkers do something different. They share a value that keeps them visible, memorable, and helpful all at once. 

 

Become a Connector 

 

Several years ago, I met two professionals at different times, both of whom were talented, both of whom were smart, and both of whom were trying to solve similar challenges. One day I realized they needed to know each other, so I sent a simple email, John, I’d like you to meet Susan. Susan, I’d like you to meet John. I think the two of you would enjoy connecting. That was it. No commission, no hidden agenda, no benefit to me. Months later, one of them called. That introduction had evolved into a collaboration that eventually created opportunities for both of them. What struck me wasn’t the business outcome; it was the reminder that one of the most valuable things we can do is to become a connector. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. Sometimes your greatest value is simply helping the right people find one another. The lesson people remember is the person who opened the door, who becomes a connector. One of the fastest ways to build a powerful network is to stop asking what I can get and start asking who I can help. When you introduce people to opportunities, resources, and relationships. Something remarkable happens. You become memorable, you become trusted, you become valuable. The people who are most respected in. Professional circles are often not the ones who are the most successful people. They’re the most helpful people. 

 

The Long-Term Value of Being Helpful 

 

A physician once reached out after hearing one of my presentations. We spoke briefly, nothing formal, no consulting agreement, no major discussion, just a conversation. A year passed, then one day I received an email. He had referred someone to me. When I thanked him, he said something I’ll never forget. Barbara, you took the time to help me when you did not have to. I never forgot that. Think about that. The referral didn’t come from a sales funnel; it didn’t come from advertising; it came from a relationship, and relationships often operate on a timeline we can’t predict. The lesson is never to underestimate the long-term value of being helpful today. 

 

Don’t Let Opportunities Die in the Networking Graveyard 

 

I want you to imagine a giant cemetery, not for people, but for opportunities every day. Opportunities die because nobody follows up: potential partnerships, friendships, referrals, speaking engagements, job offers, and collaborations. They all disappear because one person assumes that if they’re interested, the other will contact them, who assumes exactly the same thing, and the opportunity quietly vanishes, not because anyone said no, but because nobody said anything. I’ve often wondered how many life-changing opportunities have been lost because two good people simply fail to send one email, one text, one LinkedIn message, one follow-up note. Don’t let your opportunities die in the networking graveyard. At one conference, I met two individuals on the same day. Both handed me their cards. 

 

Follow-Through Beats Talent 

 

Dr. Barbara Hales 7:46 

The first person followed up the next morning. He thanked me for the conversation, mentioned something we had discussed, shared an article he thought I’d enjoy, no sales pitch, no pressure, just value. The second person never followed up at all. A year later, I remembered the first person immediately. I couldn’t even remember the second person’s name, the difference was not talent, the difference wasn’t intelligence, the difference wasn’t credentials, the difference was follow through. The lesson is that relationships don’t grow from introductions; they grow from intentionality. 

 

Networking Is for Introverts Too 

 

Many people believe networking belongs to extroverts. I disagree. Some of the best networkers I’ve ever met were introverts. Why? Because they listen, they ask thoughtful questions, they remember details, they make people feel heard. Networking isn’t about working the room; it’s about working the relationship. You don’t need to meet 50 people; you need to genuinely connect with a few. In fact, I’d rather have five meaningful professional relationships than 500 superficial contacts. 

 

A LinkedIn Connection Is Not a Relationship 

 

Let me gently challenge something. A LinkedIn connection is not a relationship; it’s simply a digital handshake. Many people believe networking happened because they clicked connect. It didn’t. The relationship starts afterward. Did you send a message? Did you connect? At the conversation, did you provide value? Did you learn something about the person? Did you stay in touch? Technology can facilitate relationships; it cannot replace them. 

 

Staying Connected Through Shared Value 

 

Here’s another simple way to stay connected without feeling awkward or intrusive whenever you come across an interesting article, a new study, an industry trend, or a breaking news story that relates to someone’s interest or profession: send it to them. A brief note is all it takes. I saw this article and thought of our conversation, or given your interest in healthcare marketing, I thought you’d find this interesting, or this breaking story reminded me of a discussion we had a few months ago. These small touchpoints demonstrate something powerful: they show that you were listening, that you remember, and that the relationship matters. Over time, people begin to associate you with useful information, thoughtful insights, and genuine value, and every time you provide value without asking anything in return, you are making another deposit into that relationship bank account. 

 

Networking Ends — Relationships Begin 

 

I want to leave you with this. The most valuable relationships in my life rarely began with a grand strategy. They began with a conversation, a moment of kindness, a willingness to listen, a thoughtful follow-up, a simple act of generosity. Years later, those small moments often became referrals, friendships, collaborations, speaking opportunities, and professional growth. So the next time you leave a conference, a networking event, a medical meeting, a podcast interview, or even a chance encounter with someone interesting. Don’t ask what I can get from this person. Ask what I can contribute to this relationship, because networking ends when the event is over. Relationships begin when the follow-up starts, and that’s the answer to today’s question. We’ve met now, what? Now you build something meaningful. 

 

Your 24-Hour Challenge 

 

Before we finish today, I’d like to give you a simple challenge. Within the next 24 hours, think of three people you’ve met in the last year, maybe someone you met at a conference, maybe someone you connected with on LinkedIn, maybe a former colleague, a physician you admire, a podcast guest, or someone you had a meaningful conversation with but never followed up. Pick three names, then send a message, not a sales pitch, not a request, not a favor, just a genuine note. Tell them you enjoyed meeting them, share an article that reminded you of them, congratulate them on something they’ve accomplished, or simply ask how they’re doing. That’s it. Three messages, three deposits into your relationship bank account. You never know which conversation may lead to a friendship, a referral, a collaboration, a speaking opportunity, a new patient, a new client, or an opportunity that changes the direction of your career. Remember, networking does not create opportunities, relationship creates opportunities, so it’s not networking, but relationships that create opportunities, and every meaningful relationship starts with a simple follow-up. If today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it. 

 

Closing Remarks 

 

Dr. Barbara Hales 14:59 

Send me a message in the comments and tell me about the most valuable professional relationship you’ve built and how it began. You may discover, as I have, that some of the most important opportunities in life started with a conversation that almost never happened. Thank you for joining me today on Marketing Tips for Doctors. I’m your host, Dr. Barbara Hales. Until next time, keep building trust, keep building relationships, and keep making a difference. Until next time.