Part 8 - Networking

Nearly 5 years ago I made the decision to start a small business. Doric Skateboards - a skate/clothing/apparel brand that reflected all aspects of life in the NE of Scotland. My goal was to screen print as many designs as my skills would allow and to get my hands dirty in the process. Over that time I've had 100's of questions regarding all aspects of a small business. Suppliers, social media, websites, designs, software I use, screen printing (lots of them!), and many more. I've shared plenty of information over this time - some publicly and some privately. So this series of blog posts are intended to pull all of that together in one place.

Part 8 - Networking

Disgusting word and concept isn't it? Well it was to me. But my thoughts on this were tarnished by the corporate meaning of the word. People standing around with paper plates of finger food, spitting sausage roll pastry at each other as they talk about "the wife", golf, business blah blah.

But in reality my mind has been opened to the prospect that networking can actually be fun. And not a sausage roll in sight. Without doubt social media has made networking much easier - connecting to other people in the field you work in, commenting on their work, sharing their work - that's networking. I've found that's a great ice breaker when you meet people in person. Lets ignore the last 18 months of lockdown - usually in any town or city there will be many events to go to where you might meet like minded people. I'll be honest and say I had little idea about the breadth of things going on in my own City before starting Doric Skateboards. But it doesn't take much effort to find these things out. Sign up to newsletters from your local Art Studios, Galleries - look for locals that do Blogs. Follow all these accounts across social media. Reach out - say hello.

When I started Doric Skateboards I knew absolutely not one person in the creative scene in Aberdeen (aside from my brother!). My friends had long since stopped skating and so I didn't have anyone to skate with either. I am 100% not a social creature, I'm not the life and soul of a party, I don't like hanging out with people for long periods of time, I don't like small talk too much. But I've regularly got myself out of my comfort zone to do things that I am passionate about and enjoy. Ordinarily I'm not interested in the whole "get out of your comfort zone thing". I usually role my eyes at that - I like being comfortable. What I didn't appreciate is that I simply lacked the motivation that finding something you are passionate about brings.

Networking has meant I've made some genuine friends and many acquaintances - loads of them very interesting and talented people. It's allowed me the opportunity to do presentations, podcasts, videos, workshops, organise and participate in events - all of which have nourished my heart and soul. Again - these things might be scary in isolation but a presentation about something you love? Easy. That doesn't mean I think I'm good at it but I do believe I that I get my passion across and anyone who engages with me will know exactly the type of person I am. No illusions, no airs, no graces.

So my advice would be get out there and start meeting people, going to events, supporting people you admire. Whatever your business is - if you aren't using social media and or in the flesh meet ups to grow your network then you are missing out. And this has nothing to do with money, sales, profits. Use all of Social Media's power - set up Live events on FB, Insta, Tik Tok, Clubhouse - pick the one/s that suit you best but don't dismiss the others out of hand.

If an introvert like me can make this kind of leap (I still have plenty of room to get better too!) then there is no excuse for other folk to do so too. : )

Hopefully you've found this useful? Maybe something has resonated? Let me know in the comments below and keep your eyes and ears open for Part 9 - Customer Service.

You can find Doric Skateboards across social media and our website - hit the link here for our linktree or email me direct [email protected]

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