Network

My interview with an entrepreneur has sparked some interesting actions on my part.  One of the things we talked about was the importance of networking.  There is a word I love to hate.  I must have made a funny face when he gave me the advice to start working my network.  He immediately laughed and said, "It doesn't have to be slimy!"

I would never want someone to feel like I am using them for my own personal gain and so I find the idea of networking uncomfortable.  I have a lot of friends and a lot of contacts with people in my community and now it is time for me to step outside my comfort level and seek their help.

I have gone to a long neglected account in LinkedIn to update my contacts and information.  I even wrote a little essay about where I am in my education/career path.  I feel vulnerable, but I want people to really know me.  I am hoping they like me, and then like what I have to offer.

I have made a goal to contact three different people every week as part of developing my network.  This can be a phone call, email or even a face to face encounter.  I am nervous and excited at the same time. 

$100 challenge
  I am struggling to feel committed to my students because I know they are not staying.  My house is noisy at the times when I give lessons which is a distraction.  On a positive note, I appreciate the end coming.  I now know for certain that if  I were to really start a music studio, I would not be able to be the sole instructor.  I love that my students are learning and enjoying the same things I enjoy, but I am finding the lessons theselves to be a chore.