Get Out of Your Store
By Drew Holmes
As published in the July 2023 issue of Music Inc. Magazine
Owning a small business is one of the most fulfilling jobs I could have ever hoped for. But, at the same time, it can also be one of the most isolating.
I’ve attended local business networking events, but as a somewhat unique retailer in my area, I find it hard to locate kindred spirits — businesspeople who are also artists and dreamers at heart.
These thoughts are top of mind as I take in the view from 30,000 feet above the clouds outside my airplane window as it heads over the Caribbean. It’s March 2023, and I’m going to Puerto Rico to attend my first National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD) convention.
Spring break was a week earlier and my sons missing two weeks of school is not feasible, so I left my family behind in Colorado to attend the conference. Sammy, my five-year-old, gave me a touch of the cold he had, but the worst seemed to be over, and I was feeling well enough to make the trip. I hate being away for even a night, but this gathering of people who “get it” happens only once a year. Being in that room was long overdue.
After putting the boys to bed, I finished packing and at 10 p.m. and made the hourlong drive to Denver International Airport. My red-eye to Atlanta left me with a fourhour layover, so I set up my workstation in the food court when I arrived. I slept most of the flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, bringing my total hours of sleep in the vicinity of four of the last 24 hours.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY
Despite outward appearances, I’m naturally an introvert. I can run with extroverts when necessary, but recharging my batteries means spending quality time in familiar places with familiar people. This was my first time at this conference and, though I already knew some of the attendees, I was swimming in a sea of new faces. The opening reception felt like the first day at a new school, and I had just moved into town.
Each of the three following days were packed with informative sessions and countless opportunities to meet new people. Much like my previous career as a professional orchestra librarian, music retailers live in a rare niche. An opportunity to interact with people who understand the day-to-day struggles is unique and extremely valuable.
By the end of the conference, I realized two things: First, Sammy had definitely given me his cold, and my stomach jitters were equal parts nerves and illness. And second, after 15 years of owning a store, I had finally found a group of kindred spirits in this industry.
After an amazing closing party that included plenty of networking, food, and local Puerto Rican musicians and dancers, I once again woke up in the middle of the night to make the trek back to Colorado — this time leaving a newfound family of kindred spirits. Within our communities, we may feel isolated, but attending industry events, like The NAMM Show and the annual NASMD convention, not only provide great educational opportunities to improve your business, but they always remind me of the power of coming together, sharing our stories and realizing that we’re not alone in our journey as independent music retailers.
I tell you all this because owning a small business does not have to be as isolating as it sometimes feels. By actively seeking out opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals in MI, we can create a network of support and understanding that strengthens our businesses, our spirits and our industry as a whole.