What are the best practices for maintaining privacy in professional networking?

1 Choose your platform wisely

Not all networking platforms are created equal when it comes to privacy and security. Some may expose your personal information, contacts, or activities to third parties, hackers, or unwanted audiences. Before you join or use any platform, check its privacy policy, settings, and features. Look for options that allow you to control who can see your profile, posts, messages, and connections. Avoid platforms that require you to link your accounts, share your location, or access your contacts without your consent.

2 Be mindful of what you share

Even if you trust your platform and your network, you still need to be careful about what you share online. Remember that anything you post or send could be screenshot, forwarded, or leaked by someone else. Avoid sharing any information that could identify your patients, violate their privacy rights, or compromise their care. Also, avoid sharing any sensitive or confidential information about your colleagues, employers, or yourself that could harm your reputation, credibility, or legal status. Use discretion and professionalism when you communicate with your network.

3 Seek consent and feedback

If you want to network with someone who is not already in your circle, you should always seek their consent and respect their boundaries. Do not spam, harass, or pressure them to connect with you. Introduce yourself politely, explain your purpose, and ask for their permission to contact them. If they agree, follow up with relevant and respectful messages. If they decline or ignore you, do not persist or take it personally. You can also seek feedback from your existing network on how to improve your networking skills and etiquette.

4 Protect your devices and accounts

Your devices and accounts are the gateway to your online networking. If they are compromised, you could lose access, data, or privacy. To prevent this, you should always use strong passwords, encryption, antivirus software, and firewalls on your devices. You should also update your apps and software regularly, log out of your accounts when not in use, and avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. If you suspect any breach or unauthorized activity on your devices or accounts, report it and change your passwords immediately.

5 Learn the laws and regulations

As a health care professional, you are bound by various laws and regulations that govern the privacy and confidentiality of your patients and yourself. These may vary depending on your location, specialty, and employer. You should familiarize yourself with the relevant rules and standards that apply to your practice and networking. For example, you should know how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) affects your online communication and sharing of health information. You should also follow the ethical codes and guidelines of your professional associations and organizations.

6 Review and update your network

Your network is a dynamic and evolving entity. You may gain or lose connections, change your goals, or discover new opportunities. To keep your network relevant and effective, you should review and update it periodically. You can do this by deleting or blocking inactive, irrelevant, or unwanted contacts, adding or requesting new ones, updating your profile and preferences, and engaging with your network regularly. You can also ask for recommendations, endorsements, or referrals from your network to enhance your credibility and visibility.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?