Don't Network. Here's What Actually Works

Unlike most other industries, medicine has never forced us to network. From the day we graduate, we're set. Job security and opportunities. We've been shielded from having to chase deals or collect business cards.

But this shield has created a blind spot. We follow such a defined path that we rarely look beyond it. We study for boards, complete residency, join a practice, and guide those behind us to do the same. It's comfortable, predictable, and increasingly dangerous.

Beyond the occasional regulatory changes, healthcare faces unprecedented disruption from AI and technology. And when doctors finally learn about opportunities beyond traditional practice – like clinical roles at Google – most are completely lost about how to get started.

They need contacts in tech – whether to find co-founders or engineers for a startup, connect with investors and find great deals, or land tech consulting roles.

I've gotten many questions about which conferences to attend, which groups to join, or where to start building connections. But even when doctors end up in the right room, they often approach networking incorrectly.

I'm not an expert by any means, but the opposite of networking has served me well in the tech world. I have over a dozen impressive friends on my short list to partner with for my next project, at least 100 to reach out to for investments, countless engineers I could hire next, and even several billionaires I get advice from. More importantly, I’m also on their lists.

Here's how to avoid falling into the traditional networking trap at your next event:

1. Build Genuine Connections

Most people at conferences look for immediate value: "Can they invest in my company or buy my product?" This transactional approach rarely works. Instead, focus on authentic connections based on shared interests, with timelines measured in years or decades.

I once met a big tech company's AI director and we clicked over common interests, becoming good friends. He later introduced me to a startup that became both an investment opportunity and a valuable partner. I helped that startup get into Y Combinator, which accelerated their growth. They did so well that my friend left his prestigious role to join them as a co-founder.

A positive sum game for both of us. Which would’ve been impossible in a transactional approach.

2. Show Your Personality

People respond to trust and value over superficial connections. It's not about who you know—it's about who knows you and what they say when you're not in the room.

Let people know your hobbies, interests, struggles, and dreams. I think of it like leaving hooks for people to attach to. The more personality hooks I show, the more opportunity I give for someone to hook onto me.

Think of the last time a friend sent you a meme that matched something personal to you. Now replace memes with getting incredible relevant opportunities sent your way.

3. Lead with Value, Not Requests

Adam Grant's Give and Take reveals that the most successful people are "givers." Instead of looking for what you can get, focus on what you can give.

Some people shy away from giving first because they don't want to be taken advantage of. I think it's a scarcity mindset learned from previous zero-sum environments.

But when you offer value, people want to reciprocate, especially in abundant environments like tech.

I approach every new interaction with how can I help this person. It changes how much I speak, what questions I ask, and what I say. In turn, when people freely give to me, I’m eager to return the favor. It’s led me to start this newsletter giving out free value, knowing that I will get much in return from the right people.

4. Leverage Your Weak Ties

Research shows your most valuable connections often aren't your closest ones. Those people you met briefly at a conference or on LinkedIn may open unexpected doors. Weak ties introduce you to new ideas, industries, and people – but only if you created a great impression and left some memorable personality hooks.

5. Stay Authentic

Don't try to fit the mold of a tech founder or investor if that's not who you are. Your real-world healthcare experience and clinical perspective make you valuable.

Dr. Wali told me about how she met the non-medical founder of a mental health startup. She freely offered her expertise on the links between gut health and mental health. That conversation evolved into a friendship and then to a role as Clinical Director of the startup, which grew to be valued at over $200 million.

Final Notes

These aren't networking tricks – they're ways to become someone worth knowing. The world needs more physicians who can bridge the gap between healthcare and innovation.

Start by sharing your authentic self, building genuine connections, and giving value freely. Become a valuable member of the ecosystem, and opportunities will follow.

Like any investment, relationships compound over time – the best time to start was yesterday, the second-best time is today.