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S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 / W O R K F O R M E 25 they will tell you that the ability to com- municate professionally and effectively is the skill they value most. Companies can teach you technical skills, but the ability to communicate is your responsibility. Toastmasters have great programs for late teens and twenty-somethings that help you be able to speak with confidence. It would be one of the best investments in your career you could make. It is also a network of its own. 4. Practice in person The ability to network in- volves getting out of our shell. And that takes prac- tice, which means that at times you mess up. Mainebiz events, clubs, church groups, arts organizations, softball leagues and bar scenes are all opportuni- ties to create a network. Practice going up and saying: "Hi, I'm [your name]. Nice to meet you." "Where are you from?" The conversation will start. "What do you do?" "Where did you go to school?" and other surface questions are great opportunities to get to know someone. Don't be afraid to let the person know what you are looking to do or what you are interested in. Ask if it would be OK to connect on LinkedIn. Ask, "Is there anything I could do to help you?" You will be amazed by the response. 5. Keep the connections alive Check in. Have a beer to- gether. Invite people to a party. Always ask if there is anything you could do to help them. The offer of help will open the door for you ask- ing them for help in a connection or a job referral one day. You also will find a whole new group of friends for life out there. n H o w t o Possibly no other industry has been under as much stress in the past year as the health care industry and hospitals. Even before the pandemic, there was a shortage of nurses and other skilled professionals. Help is needed. S p o n s o r e d p r o f i l e s 28 MaineGeneral A growing workforce 29 Martin's Point Health Care Offering more than a job 30 Puritan Medical Products Co. LLC A fast-paced, growing company S TA R T I N G O N T H E N E X T PA G E ยป 2 6 All hands on deck For healthcare workers, 2020 was a year of coming together and learning new skills 2 6 Outlook positive for Maine healthcare students The ability to communicate effectively is a skill that has to be developed. H E A LT H C A R E