Networking is a wonderful way to develop and maintain business relationships and friendships. It is also an effective way to keep up with important events and changes in your field. When you talk to other professionals, you discover new ideas and test your own. Often, you will work out problems you are having with various methods and ideas simply by talking them out with other experts like you. Why? New people provide us with different perspectives and insight that might not occur to us otherwise. Having peers you can call on for support and guidance is an important step in learning.
More Contacts, More Resources
Networking allows you to gather contacts, referrals, and sources of information that might be more difficult to access on your own. These connections can be good for anything from teacher friends to bounce class ideas off of to important relationships with costume companies. By building a circle of contacts that is adaptable and up to date, you give yourself an edge as a business owner, a teacher, a choreographer, and more.
Teacher Seminars
Everything you do and experience is a step toward strengthening and advancing your knowledge. Because of this, it is important to gather contacts and sources that provide you with the best content and information. One of the best sources of information and connections for dance teachers are teacher seminars. At seminars, you can connect with other teachers and studio owners that you can discuss techniques with. Seminars also give you access to entertainment professionals such as costume designers and dancers who work in other parts of the industry. All of these people are important. They all have unique information and perspectives that can help you excel and improve as a teacher.
When you set out to network, it is important to develop a professional image. The way you present yourself when you network reflects who you are as a person and a business owner. It is one of many things people will consider when deciding whether or not they want to work with you. Make sure that you are presenting yourself (and consequently your studio) in a way that is attractive and beneficial to your goals.
