Many people like to say that networking is the most effective way to expand businesses. However, in the line of education business, there is an equally effective alternative path: word of mouth. As young educators and instructors that aren't fixed in any particular institution or organization, we know that sometimes it isn't about how great you are at your craft, but rather, how well your clients know you and the VALUE they see in your services. I had the opportunity to work with very smart and determined students in the past three years that boosted me into the spotlight for various teaching and coaching opportunities. People have seen what wonders and results I can produce when given near-full permission to maneuver with the students. I thought all this time I was just giving some students a good experience with true English coaching and transparent communication. I was gaining silent allies from all sides of the society. The people on the streets who know what I do for a living. The restaurant owners who saw my passion in debate and public issues. The homeless person who sits by FamilyMart and talks me from time to time. The teachers and students who saw me conduct myself with honesty and accountability. Two to three years ago, the offers for specialist help on various English-related competitions and needs began coming in. Did it feel magical? Yes. Was it really magic? No.
Did I speak to experienced teachers who understood what I did? Yes. Like any normal human being should at a social congregation like a contest and such. Did I tell them that if they needed me, I can help/teach/instruct/coach? Never ever directly. The thing is I only showed what I can do and if there was a need, they have my contact and I'd be happy to look into my schedule to see if I can work something out. My service is solid and overdoing any form of persuasion strategy is unnecessary for the unique skill set that I possess. For the general Taiwanese population, this seems quite arrogant or cocky. If you have been following my blog or other social media platforms, you'd know by now that I don't follow the Confucianism formalities strictly.. My behavior seems to bear the resemblance of the disciples of Mo-Tzu and Chuang-Tzu, but again that could just be a coincidence. Whatever you'd like to call it, from the education background I was brought up in, it's called sense of self-pride and self-esteem. Educated confidence comes from the fact that I am capable of bringing the best out of students with a productive mentality. Now I know the title of the article is gaining allies, but that's exactly what I want to address. Gaining allies is the process of self-recognition. While having the homeless agree with what I do did not directly affect my career, it reinforced my sense of belonging and empowerment. While the homeless started to see some shred of hope for change and work ahead for him, I understood that I gave him some perspective to see government in a different way that he hadn't thought of before. That's mutual empowerment. Through this simple process, I became mentally stronger and more confident on the journey for social reform. These allies, regardless of whether they were directly to my teaching routines, placed me in a position to succeed in the things I intend to achieve. You might think that different professions require different ways to deal with socializing. The truth is, there is no difference at all. Gaining allies WITHIN and OUTSIDE your trade or job makes you whole, healthy, and positive about dealing with the harsh, cold world. As a former doctor, current educator, and news team, my connection with the whole community has brought me more power and perseverance than I can ever imagine. I hope you can do and feel the same way as I do.
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AuthorDoctor, journalist, English instructor, and social reformer Archives
May 2022
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