We are two weeks into 2024 and I’m wrapping up my reflection time with a last big thanks and goodbye to 2023!
It was a phenomenal year. Incredibly busy, full of early mornings and late nights, travels, hours and hours of practise and work. It was also a year marked by the power of human connection. Many of the things I’ve got to do were thanks to referral, you know, recommendations, reviews, people telling others how much they like my work, etc. The importance of networking cannot be overstated: put effort on it, tell people about what you do, and always do your best so they remember you and tell others about what you can do.
So, where did I play last year? I can’t do a comprehensive list because this post would become a book, but I can give you some highlights:
- At the British Motor Museum, when Porsche organised a product launch during their celebration of International Women’s Day.
- At Krantz Design, during their charity event. I had already worked with them for a Christmas celebration themed after the roaring 20s.
- At the Legacy Centre, with my Not Just Jazz Band, for a special edition of Wednesday Mic Fever.
- At Heathrow Airport and the British Airways corporate offices, in occasion of Black Histoy Month.
- At a yatch booked by the spirits company Erdrington for the TFWA World Exhibition & Summit in Cannes, France.
- At the grand opening of Vivis Luxe Laser.
Things weren’t quieter off the stage. My projects Success Beyond The Score and Time For My Music had multiple activities during the year. The podcast I publish with the former got a 14% increase in audience, while the meetings I host with the latter jumped from the screen to a real life location in Birmingham. I also had the opportunity to travel to Kolín, Czech Republic, to support the music branch of my church in the area. Finally, I wrote a second article on the topic of menopause.
In terms of self-improvement, I went for a third cycle at the Natwest Accelerator programme. While I had to step down of the Executive Committee of the Musicians’ Union in order to do so, I could continue working on the Midlands Committee for a good while.
I feel very thankful for everything I learned from the brilliant mentors and classmates at the Natwest Accelerator programme. This year, you’ll see the results of this effort with the Time For My Music live concert and activities, as well as with a very exciting new webinar that I’m about to launch in Success Beyond The Score.
There is more. Award nominations, getting played on the radio, private events, you name it. Some times, I feel like I multiplied myself to get everything done! It’s invigorating, but only because I keep an eye on my limits. I have days off, hobbies, family activities, and friends who are that, friends, not connections. The importance of networking aside, you just can’t decide who to interact with based on how they can help you climb up the ladder. I think we all can agree that’s awful!
Anyway, I’m looking forward to all the exciting things that 2024 will bring. I hope that you are, too. Acknowledge your achievements, plan your next step, and go for it!
