Chapter 18: Networking
All things considered, there’s one aspect of your business and life that will undoubtedly drive the most success: Networking. When I started my first business, I had absolutely no network. Over the years I’ve amassed a robust personal network that will ensure I have access and support in any new venture I choose to undertake. This section will outline the best practices and advice for getting good people around you, so failure is simply not an option.
Starting a network from scratch can be difficult, especially if there’s some barriers to entry for your business. The main strategy off the bat is to look at where your competitors are going to be, and where your customers like to hang out. When I started as a car photographer in high school, I decided to go to every single car show in my state. I brought my camera and would talk to all the car owners about their cars. I talked to other people at the shows who had cameras. I talked to everyone, all the time. Over a couple months, I started to make some friends in the car scene, and became recognizable at all the events.
The main idea is to figure out where people like you are going to coalesce. This doesn’t have to be in person either (although that’s typically ideal). Joining things like Facebook groups, Twitter (X) communities, or Discord servers can be a great way to start having conversations with like-minded folk. This is also a tremendous way to learn the industry that you’re starting out in. Study what your competitors are doing, talk to them, learn from them. Figure out what your potential customers are liking or disliking about your competition. And be vocal, make friends. Being known is required.