I am often asked how to create relationships or widen employment opportunities in the counseling field. I wrote this for my upcoming students.
Woven
throughout the 4 Domains, one can appreciate the need to be aware of resources
available to people with Substance Use Disorder. Resource Directories are less
plentiful now than prior to the advent of the internet. Addiction Professionals
are wise to collect resources to access for client referrals.
To begin
collecting resources, consider these tips:
First-hand Experience
Take note of
organizations when a client, family member, friend, or colleague mentions them
and follow through with your own research. Visit the website, place a phone
call, or set up a meeting with the community outreach representative for the
organization.
Attend Networking Events
Attend
networking events to interact with others in the profession. Gather information
about organizations and people.
The Texas
Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP)
has chapters throughout the state of
Texas. Many of the chapters host monthly networking events or periodic
symposia.
Attend Conferences
Not only
will you have an opportunity to gain new information about current issues and
trends in addiction counseling, you will have an opportunity to network with
colleagues and organizations. Many organizations exhibit at these conferences
and provide a plethora resources and professional connections.
Conference
exhibitors collect business cards. By providing your business card you will
likely be entered into an email distribution list and will electronically be
connected with many resources.
TAAP’s State Conference on Addiction Studies
and the NAADAC Annual
Conference are considered quality and well-attended annual conferences.
Volunteer
Volunteer
for conferences, events, or professional boards. There are benefits to
professional service work, beyond networking. Often, by volunteering for a
conference committee, volunteers are offered free or discounted entry into the conference.
Yes, students are welcome to volunteer. Why not get connected now? For those
with upcoming practicums, internships, or job search – this is a way to find available
positions.
Build Relationships
Once you
have established networks, build those relationships. We are much more likely
to feel comfortable providing a client referral to people with whom we are
connected.
Public Speaking and Presentations
Chose a
Substance Use related topic to cultivate into a presentation. Become
well-versed on the topic. Offer to make presentations at no cost. Explore
options for where to make the presentation.
Your existing network
Inform
those in your network of your presentation. Ask them for leads.
Community
Contact
churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques.
Consider
reaching out to schools, PTA groups, or after school programs.
Professional Associations
Look for
Call for Presenter applications for upcoming addiction conferences.
Contact Rotary Clubs and local
hospitals.
Listen
Listen to
those in your profession and community to ascertain what people seem to need
and where opportunities lie.
Business Cards
We live in
an electronic world, but business cards are still effective. Always carry your
cards with you. Do not leave a professional conversation without exchanging
cards.
Follow up
After you have made a
new contact, follow up with a quick email. Create a template so following up is
less of a chore.
