BWW Blog: Micah Young - School of Hard Knox

We talk about networking like it's this ubiquitous thing that is a part of everything concerning our businesses. That is the macro-level; on the micro, personal level, networking is the small meet-ups, the coffee-dates and happy hour drinks. Networking is wherever we meet, and however our paths cross; the more organic and less orchestrated, the better.

I sometimes find it amusing when we are taught about networking from the academic world. Yes, we need to attend some sort of training programs to hone our skills, develop the routine and sharpen our technique, whether it's music, acting or dancing. But when academic institutions gain in classical training, they lack in the practical application. But is that really their fault? They are institutions, not cafes.

Yet, we make more business deals and relationship bonds in cafes than we do in conservatories. They can lecture on the real world, but until we are out there living it, it's just a lot of great ideas. There seem to be conflicting forces at work: the safe, ideal world of the college or conservatory bubble, and the school of life, where we learn by getting out in the world and doing. At least I've found that to be true working in the performing arts.

After we've learned how to sing, act and dance, we then have to learn how to network with colleagues and other professionals. It's akin to riding a bike: you can read about it, learn about it, but at the end of the day, you won't really know what it's like until you get on the bike and start riding.