As my faithful readers know, this blog began as a chronicle of my ongoing journey as I work to turn my dream of producing a lifestyle show on all things South Asian into a reality. For the last many blogs, however, I digressed from the originally conceived format and instead delved into more substantive, issue-oriented topics. The more I wrote, the more I found to write about. It turns out there is no shortage of interesting, engaging and compelling issues for us to talk about … and that is great news for the talk show! So, this blog will continue to serve as a witness to both the challenges and rewards of producing such a show as well as the issues of the day that grab our attention and imagination.
That having been said, today I am picking up the threads from one of my earlier ‘journey’ blogs. Have you ever had a dream but didn’t quite know how to achieve it? That was me one year ago and, who are we kidding, even today. It is like I am on this never-ending learning curve that is so steep, there is no summit in sight. But I know it is there! Here, then, is a continuation of my journey.
One year ago:
I was a stay-at-home mom with a BIG dream and absolutely no idea how to get there. I had no relevant connections, no investment capital, no experience in this field and virtually no spare time. I had the primary responsibility of raising my children well (something I consider I will always have irrespective of any delegation), of ensuring a smoothly functioning household (debatable at the best of times!), and of fulfilling my responsibilities to the not-for-profit Boards on which I serve. It was truly daunting to add another ball to all the ones I was already juggling, and that too, one which was just one big, fat question mark.
Today:
My dream is now a well-defined vision, I have a fantastic business partner who shares my drive and passion, an experienced and committed director and production team, a shooting location, market survey results indicating an keen interest in this show, an Investor Package in its final stages of preparation, a website in development, the active help of new and inspiring friends, and the good wishes and support of so many people I have encountered along the way.
So, how did I get from there to here?
Step 1: Serious self-reflection and contemplation
I had to face facts. I was avoiding returning to the legal profession as a government lawyer. Something about drafting legislation and regulations for the rest of my life did not appeal to me. Go figure. So, then, what did appeal to me? What did I enjoy? While changing diapers and singing lots of kiddie songs, staying up nights and preparing nutritious yet fun meals (tall order!), I stole moments here and there to think...to reflect...to feel. And about a year ago, I was finally able to recognize the things that matter most to me, to identify what most inspires and drives me and to acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses. Based on all this, I began to formulate this fantastical idea of celebrating my South Asian pride by producing and hosting a talk show relevant to my generation of South Asians.
Step 2: Sharing the idea
Tentatively at first, and gradually with increasing passion and excitement, I began to share my idea with a select group of people...my family and close friends. I wanted genuine support but also wanted genuine feedback, so I approached those who would have my best interests at heart, and who would be honest with me. After all, if I had to be saved from myself, the earlier the better.
Luckily for me, the idea struck a definite chord, and this did wonders for me. You see, the first person I had to sell the concept to was myself, and I was sold. But would others see it, believe in it? Once I could see that the idea had value in other's eyes, I began to believe. This was a huge confidence boost, and it solidified my determination to give this my all. After all, what did I have to lose?!
Great, okay, so decision made to go for it. But how?? I had no idea how to approach this, what to do or where to go from there.
Step 3: Faith and a Conversation with the Universe
First things first, I had a talk with myself. That this was going to be a difficult path with hardships and adversity was certain. What I needed was firm resolve to meet those challenges head on, the strength to persevere in spite of the odds. In other words, I needed faith. I believe in myself and I believe in this concept. This will happen. The only question is when.
And then I had a talk with the universe. This sounds a little hokey, I know, but I have to tell you, it worked (so far anyway). Simply put, I came to peace with my decision and asked the universe for help. If you believe in fate, destiny, karma or any of those great spiritual notions, this is hardly a stretch. Of course, this didn’t mean that I put it out there and then sat on my laurels waiting for great things to happen. Rather, it meant that while I undertook active steps in pursuit of my goal, I remained vigilant and open to possibilities, knowledge and opportunities.
Step 4: Networking, Networking, Networking
Once I had made the decision, or rather the commitment, to do everything I could to turn this concept into a reality, I made a fundamental realization…I could not do this alone. The task was too big, the unknown variables too daunting. I needed help to get there. I needed to find people who were doing or who had done what I was attempting to do. This meant reaching out to friends, and friends of friends. This meant attending events that would bring me in close proximity with such people. This even meant reaching out to people with whom I had no connection at all.
In short, networking, networking, networking!
I cannot overstate how important this has been to my progress, and I would argue, to the success of so many accomplished individuals. We are humans, and humans are all about connectivity. It is why we live in clans and feel the need for belongingness. Why not turn this need into an asset and make it work for you?
I was already applying the principles of marketing without even realizing it, when I stumbled across a great book, Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. Its intuitive wisdom appealed to me and what’s more, it gave me networking strategies that were effective and do-able. The thing that struck me the most was one of the cornerstone principles of networking: generosity. The most effectively networking is the kind that is not motivated solely by personal interest or gain, but one that is done with a spirit of generosity and willingness to help others. Helping others without an expectation in return is, in many cases, reward enough. But interestingly, you will find that the more you practice this kind of networking, the more liberally people offer to help you in unexpected and generous ways. It as the old adage goes…what goes around really does come around!
That’s all for now, stay tuned for more in my upcoming blogs!
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