Networking Magic

You know that anxious feeling when you walk into a room full of strangers and you know you’re supposed to be talking and getting to know them? In the back of your mind you wonder “what will I say if they ask about me?” Now imagine that same situation, only the room is filled with nurses. Anxiousness is immediately replaced by smiles and relaxation because you share the common bond of nursing. The NNBA is that room filled with nurses and I am very happy to be one of the many nurses there. The greatest benefit of our association was highlighted this past week when one of our members in Boston was asked to be an expert witness in an upcoming trial. She contacted me asking about a particular course she had read about. I wanted to give her additional options so I connected her with two of our members that are experts in the legal field. Both have over 20 years experience including having been expert nurse witnesses. She was grateful that she could call these nurses and that both were willing to help her understand what she would encounter and help her prepare.

Now, from a part of the job I love to a part that isn’t necessarily my favorite, but is still necessary in running a business. After several years without an increase in price, NNBA’ s annual membership fee is increasing from $99.00 to $149.00 starting July 1st. The value of the NNBA membership is well over the increased price. NNBA members automatically receive $100 discount to their registration for the Annual Conference, which is going to be a very informative and fun event this year; the Business Plan and the template are worth over $55.00; the articles in the nurses compendium contain valuable information not only to the novice business owner, but also to business owners that are looking to grow their business. Add in the members forum, a free customized coaching session with me, opportunities for promoting your business and advertising discounts; all in all, NNBA’s membership has a value over $600.00 in benefits and discounts. We will soon be launching new functionality to the members area that will be extremely valuable if you put on events, seminars, conferences, etc. More to come on this shortly…

However, there are many things that are priceless about membership and why so many nurses have continued to be members through the years. The top reasons nurses tell me that they love being members of the NNBA are the friendships that have been developed, the careers that have been launched and networking with like-minded nurses from all over the country. I love this job, networking and connecting nurses. The nurses I speak to each week amaze me with their creativity, intelligence, passion and courage! I look forward to continuing to learn more about our members, sharing valuable information and continued growth of the NNBA.