How Networking Changed my Business

I've technically been in business since 2016, but to be frank I don't think I've been truly successful until 2020. So what changed? The short answer is: I did. The creative world is filled with so many talented artists/content creators/videographers and bloggers that it's EXTREMELY overwhelming at times. As a new/young artist and creator I think we all know that it's intimidating, and sometimes it even feels threatening to be venturing out on this path for the first time. I think it's only human nature that we compare ourselves to others, but what if instead of comparing our work to each other we could rally around each other and celebrate our differences? In 2020, that's what changed for me. I decided that yes, I may have my bad days, I may feel overly critical of my work, and play the comparisons game, but I WAS NO LONGER LETTING THAT CONTROL HOW I RAN MY BUSINESS.  I actively decided that engaging with other photographers, sharing the insights given to me from my own experience and senior photographers was something that was important to me, and I was ready but even more importantly… I was willing to share it. ​

Taken by: Mikayla Anne Photography during her marketing mentorship over the summer.
Find her at: Mikayla Anne Photography

Silk flowers provided by Robin Brady for a styled shoot over the summer. Find her at: Silk & Satin

I truly wish it was a switch that could just be flipped, but it takes work, there are many backtracking moments, but there is also a lot of joy over your new found appreciation of the creative community. On a practical level this can look like following fellow creators online, commenting on their work, saving posts you’re inspired by, sharing  their work with the knowledge that your own  is different... but that's okay. Be generous friends, be generous but don't expect any return on investment, this isn't about 'if I do X then, they'll give me Y in return' this is about authentic connection and fostering community among creatives. ​

A shot I grabbed of Zeruviah during her mentorship on Networking. Find her at: Rustic by Zeruviah

During the lockdown I had my “aha moment”, this moment was when I realized I wanted to go all in.  All of that being said, I reached out to people who inspired me and just let them know how I loved and appreciated their work as I continued to aspire on my own. Thanks to the generosity of photographers such as: Kasey Winder (Rochester, NY based) and Tasha Puckey (Williamsport, PA based), I feel like I was able to actually get my footing professionally, and locally, so I took the combined knowledge of my own experience and their expertise an put it into practice. The result was unexpected but the connection that we were able to form over a common love of photography was evident, and it inspired me to continue paying it forward. ​Since then I have made it a priority to network with other creatives and it has truly changed the way I do business for the better. I now have a group of individuals to share my wins and my losses, to recommend clients to when I am booked up, to put my name in the hat for a referral, to share what I’ve learned, and ask questions without fear of judgement. That, my friends, is pretty cool.

A headshot I grabbed of Mikayla during the shooting part of our mentorship session.

A personal favorite from the styled shoot I did with Crystal Harrison, find her here: Crystal Cenita on Size-Inclusion

All of that to say, if you're new, if you're lost on this creative journey... YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are so many people who care, who are willing to help, and want you to succeed. We don’t need to compete, compare, or copy another artist’s work, there’s room for everyone at the table and all you have to do is showup and be yourself.

Resources: 

If you are looking to join a networking group, check out my group:
East Coast Creatives on Facebook 

You can find Tasha at: https://tashapuckeyphotography.com

You can find Kasey at: https://www.kaseywinder.com

She also put together an amzing Facebook group for learning about Elopements, you can check that out here: 
​East Coast Elopement Education

​Thanks for taking time out of your day to spend it here, feel free to comment or share your take on how networking is a complete game changer!

Connect with something you saw here? Let's get social!