The GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY

Networking. It's about meeting other people. Some may be like you, some may be completely different, but more than likely you have something in common with each other.

Why do we network? It may be as simple as camaraderie. Finding a like-minded soul to share a cup of coffee with. Perhaps you are seeking a PR rep, or photographer, or what retail and craft shows are "a sure bet." Networking allows you to find what you might be looking for without having to spend hours researching, making phone calls, and doing some footwork. Basically, it makes your business life a little easier. That's the GOOD.

However, as an artist, the truth is there are folks out there who will want to rip you off. Some will give you false leads just to get you to part with your limited supply of cash. Others will hook-up their friends. (Of course there is nothing wrong with referring friends, as long as the intention is to help a fellow crafter.) Others will copy your designs and present them as their own. Some will try to to blacklist you to up their careers. Unfortunately, the list goes on. That's the BAD.

In life and in business, there are risks. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everyone successful. But I cannot. We all live and learn. Perhaps the best advice I can give about networking is this:

Don't be lazy! Take advice. But never take someone else's advice as golden. After all, what might have been a success for them, might not work out well for you. That's life. Now go do a little research on your own and couple that with what you have learned from networking to form the best possible advice/leads/scenario. Understand that all risks should be calculated risks! That's the UGLY.