There is so much more you can offer!

Here’s a brief story about “Exploring Oneself” I’d like to share:

Few weeks ago, this company based out of New York City contacted me on LinkedIn about a consulting job opportunity – Field Service Management. They want to collect insights from experienced professionals to gain a deeper understanding in the planning, forecasting and optimization of field services and technician resource allocation.

Initially, I was ignoring the message as I couldn’t see myself being a consultant. I mean, me and consulting?!? Heck no! I’ve never done this before, and quite frankly, what if they ask me questions I do not know the answer to? Drown in agony that I don’t know my profession well enough? I didn’t want to take my chance to find out. But I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. I am always looking out for a challenge, and here it came. What happened? Was I afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone? I couldn’t let it go, and ended up replying to the message: “Let’s talk”.

I was ensured that this is not a test nor are there any right or wrong answers. Carrying on, few days later my first consultation was scheduled with one of their clients. The online session was supposed to take up to 90 minutes and, let me tell you, I was quite nervous. So, here’s my experience from my first consultation with the client.

It - was - awesome! First, the client was interested in my professional opinion on how and why things work in Field Service. And me, who was astonished by how much I was able to explain about the profession. Well, after 30 years in the business I better have something to tell… This was not like a conversation with a recruiter asking these typical “book questions”. This was a professional conversation that spanned from the basics to the nitty-gritty details of Field Services. I never felt more appreciated in my entire professional career than during this conversation. I mean, when was the last time your boss, or anybody, asked you for your professional opinion? This was an experience one will rarely encounter to this extent in a day-to-day environment where results are expected, and successes eventually undervalued.

My point is: Believe in your capabilities and keep exploring your possibilities! Don’t let others discourage you, overcome your inner fear because there is so much more you can offer!