Taking Classes Offers a Great Networking Opportunity to the Business Owner

 I recently received a grant from NAWBO that can be used for furthering my education. The idea is that the classes that I take will improve my business skills in various areas, creating a better chance that my business will succeed.

I recently signed up for a course at the college. I was a little hesitant, as this is a community college and I envisioned myself, an almost forty year old mother of two, sitting in a class filled with twenty year olds who had just graduated from college and were wondering what in the world the old woman in the back of the room was doing still in school. It's been a while since I've gone to college. I forgot that you needed a student ID to purchase a book (thought my driver's license worked just fine).   I also forgot that some kids just fresh out of high school don't enjoy extended learning and often skip class, but this was brought back to memory when the instructor made a point to say that you must actually attend the class to pass.

I was one of the only ones who raised her hand when the instructor asked if anyone in the class could cook. Well, sure I can: I have kids. 

However, what I found was that many of the students in the course were actually my age or a bit older! Some owned their own companies, like a graphic designer who has been in business for 15 years and the instructor, who has owned his web site design company for a decade now.

I also realized what a great networking opportunity taking a college course could be! The guy sitting beside me is a php programmer. I'm  learning some programming now, but I often have clients who need php databases and I can't do them yet-but now I have someone local who can! The graphic designer owns a print design company and has clients who need websites . . . well, there is another potential business relationship just waiting to be explored.  

If you have been hesitant about taking courses because of your age or time involved, don't be. I found that the class was loosely structured and while I will have projects to do, they are in an area of interest for me, and in the meantime I'll be expanding my skills and meeting people who could mutually benefit from a business relationship.

Have a great weekend!