I took courage in hand and called up a fellow designer and simply went out to lunch with her and a mutual designer friend. That started me going in a somewhat loose women-centered network in my professional community. I promised myself to attend at least one professional networking meeting; at the meeting I talked to three people, gave them my business card and told them I would see them at a future meeting. That way I promised myself as well as others to do it again. For a more women-focused network, I attended a women's business network association meeting. I also started getting info about the web through Nancy, who I met through Lu Bauer's class.

I redid my studio set up to be more user friendly to my body. I sold some inefficient (for me) equipment and furniture and used to money to buy a good, ergonomic chair and some simple, surprisingly low-cost work surfaces. I brought in an easy chair and created a small space to relax in during breaks from the computer. It helped a lot and made my studio more inviting.

I mentored with Sue, who had successfully mastered the bookkeeping for her and her husband's business. She explained the simple stuff I was embarrassed about not knowing, and supported me in installing Quicken and finally getting going on my bookkeeping!!

After I got a better idea about inflow/outgo of money, I started drawing a bi-weekly paycheck.

I took on a small, gratis writing job, hoping to diversify a little. The client was pleased, and recommended me to an organization which asked me to bid on a steady, twice-a-year write/edit/design project. I submitted a bid that asked for a comfortable amount of money, enough to ensure that I would be adequately compensated for my work. It got the job! I felt validated, and excited by the new direction my business was taking.

My networking began to take off. I started to get jobs with people I enjoyed and who didn't quibble with my price structure. I didn't have to leave my home studio in order to feel fulfilled socially because I had established a good network system. I began to share clients with other designer friends. We help each other out.

Life is good and I feel great about my small business, which has grown along with my ability to handle it. I am paid fairly for the work that I do and I am proud of my work.

I have time off to relax and explore and make sure that the other parts of my life are in balance. I am careful with my health.

Ahhhhhhh.

Don't it sound good??? Hope it actually HAPPENS!! Actually, I'm moving slowly towards fulfilling it. Networking has been fun; my new studio digs are so great...

K. M.