Life Is Work - Ep 61 - Building a NetworkCo-hosts, Producers:Danielle Stenger Cameron Navarro, LMSW Mel’s Mindful Minute: 38:28Melanie Wilmoth Navarro, LMSW, RYT, TSTSY-FOwner, Lead Facilitator - Whole Moon Wellnesswholemoonwellness@gmail.com Contact Info:WebsiteEmailTwitter Instagram Music:Intro - King Must Die, by Picnic LightningMMM Transitions - Sur, by Picnic LightningOutro - Pa’lante, by Hurray for the Riff Raff NetworkingRESULT: To explore the function of networking, the pitfalls of how it often works, and ways to network in a way that is authentic and meaningful to you and your goals.CamnecdoteIm awful at itCollege department triviaProtein - Main Event - Topic d’jourNetworkingWhat it means in work culture, generally: making connections with people that will help you attain future opportunitiesUsually looks likeNetworking “events”EwIntention is everyone is there to connect (like a dating site)Issue is similar to most formalized tools (see “teambuilding” and “icebreaker” episodes) - you are taking the natural occurrence of connection between people and formalizing/commodifying it so it feels less like connection and more like performance artInformal networking eventsNot labeled as a “networking event,” but the attendees have access to power/positions/resources so we attend to be seen (show face) and to know and be known by those in attendanceAlso - temporary jobs/internshipsSurprise Danecdote - was so exasperated when, in my first temporary position in a department I wanted to work in full time, that it was awkward and taboo for me to be clear about my intentions of wanting to stay in the department long-termIn our current culture, expected that you are ‘grateful’ for a temporary position and go above and beyond to prove your worthiness for a long-term positionVolunteer positionsSee episode on labor/serviceIn nonprofit sector, a way to network is to provide your labor for free to prove your interest and worthinessHow to network authentically and meaningfullyHuman connection - SURPRISE this is what we are really talking about all of the timeIt is helpful to be aware of power dynamics, but centering them creates a disconnection - a feeling of ‘using’ people and opportunities vs. being present in the momentNotice where you are already spending your time and live into your values when you are in those placesBe the person you want to be with all people all of the time, not just when you have determined it might be specifically beneficial for youDan hairdresser job storyDan CCFW storyIf you notice that you are not spending your time in a lot of spaces, be curious about why that is and how you can change thatSee our adaptive self care episodesTake inventory of your timeWhat are your interests/“hobbies”/ that draw you in? Find communities around themDan sociocracy/NVC exampleTechnical Tool: LinkedInEspecially when first starting off in a career, helpful to use LinkedIn to see the trajectory of other people’s careers who have held the job titles you are interested inDO NOT “ask to pick their brain”Just make note of their path and see if anything speaks to you/aligns with your visionIf you want to reach out, make sure you offer something in returnBuy them coffee/lunchOffer a skill you have to compensate them for their time and energyThey may not take you up on it but the awareness that their time is valuable and their advice is /work/ will be so appreciatedBe a networker for other peopleSay people’s names in meetings they aren’t inGive ppl creditBe a networker for others - gift economyBE YOURSELFDan (so many anecdotes for this, sry) moved around A LOT in early 20’s, didn’t have language to describe the need for community but found if I just did me, just did things I wanted to do, I met people I connected with and was able to build relationships anywhere that I wasFind your version Mel’s Mindful Minute: 38:28Sun Breaths MeditationWe Are Always StudentsDaring Greatly by Brene BrownAreas of Life chartCommunity Care cartoon by @deannazandtSharing is Self-CaringSelf-careWhat are communities in your life that you are actively involved in? What communities would you like to connect with?Community-careIs there anyone in your current communities you haven’t spent time with? What is a way that you can reach out to them?Systems-careHow are our systems currently designed to cultivate - or not cultivate - a network of support? What is a change, if any, that you would like to see in our current systems?Reach Out!lifeisworkpod.comFind questions submission linkInstagram @ lifeisworkpodKo-Fi Coffee info@palanteconsulting.com
