I am an educationalist who, having left the public sector after 30 years is now setting out on the journey of building my own business. Harolds comments about the importance of networks are occupying my mind at the moment. I had a very strong network within a specific organisation, some of the ties are strong and will remain, whilst others were weaker. In creating my own business, I am mindful of the importance of both global and local networks. Building a business requires a broader skill base than I have previously used in my teaching role so I am keen to network with a diverse range of people, with skills in different domains to me. Harold comments about the importance of melding both local and global communities has got me thinking again. Being as self directed learner, and keen to direct my own professional learning I have participated in a couple of online PD programs and they have been instrumental in me connecting globally. At the moment I've not turned my attention to connecting with local networks, from a business perspective. So it's a very new world for me, taking up an encore career, Harolds wise words about building networks to ensure sustainability have provided much food for thought.....