Opportunities
I spent a good part of the last week at a regional conference. Conferences are not only a great place to catch up on the work and gain some knowledge on the work of colleagues and get some CEU’s, but the actual value of conferences lies in the opportunity to network. As a nurse, at any point in the profession, networking can lend itself to possibly finding a mentor or mentee, a new role, creation of new work, or at the very least, an addition to your contacts and resources. As some say, “Your network is your net worth .”However, in the process of networking, there is often, if not always, a power dynamics. You’re either networking with someone that holds power in the relationship by being in a specific position, has the knowledge you need, or has the network you need, OR you are that person!
Having said that, You should always know what you want out of the relationship and KNOW YOUR WORTH because you are always giving up something in any networking relationship. You’re giving up time, knowledge, talent, experience… The connections are hardly ever neutral.
This past week I found myself on both sides of the networking relationship. I approached people with whom I was looking for opportunities and opportunities presented to me by others. Some opportunities are low-risk. I asked some speakers at the conference to be guests on my RN-Mentor Podcast and received an immediate yes! The podcast is as close to a WIN/WIN as possible. However, other opportunities have presented themselves with more significant risks. Higher risk opportunities may have greater gains, but you have to be careful as to who is the recipient of the more significant gains. Defaulting to an old blog, I am Guac!, I have to step back and ask what I am gaining, what I am giving up, and how much would the other party stand to gain through this relationship. If you feel uncomfortable or think you are giving up more than you are acquiring, be OK with walking away. But, if you choose to see how this relationship plays out, make sure you are clear about what you’re bringing to the table and what you expect in return, even if it may not look like what they’ve seen before. This isn’t eBay, and your worth is not what others are willing to say it is. It is what you say it is because you have the time, experience, and expertise others are looking for! Negotiate what you want and be OK with walking away if you find yourself devaluing your worth, time, and expertise.
This is where mentors may play a role in your future. Someone that can speak to your next steps and how to negotiate so not only do you gain the outcomes you are looking for but, the other party understands the value they are receiving.
Time to scroll through my network and find a topic specific mentor!
