It’s easy to keep your head down and imagine work as a sprint to a distant finish line, grimacing through endless emails and putting off dinner until you pass hunger, especially when you’re a small business owner and the relationship between hours worked and the number in your bank account is so entwined. Work twenty-four hours a day and you’ll reach that far off goal of doubling your annual income, right? It’s an expensive mistake to ignore the quality of time in your working day, this is supposed to be a passion, not a chore, after all.
Treat your small business like a large one by imagining more hours will equal more success and you’ll soon realize you’re pushing a boulder up a hill in one, endless go. How would we ever find time for networking if we only see it as time better spent on the work we get paid for? Networking is a fad, no? Maybe it’s simply misunderstood.
Cynicism is easy when it comes to networking and for many small business owners it’s hard to distinguish from ‘notworking.’ As always, the secret to the trick lies in sleight of hand — networking is just befriending neighbors, think of it this way and that cold Thursday morning get together soon becomes a way to be with people you like, talking on subjects you’re passionate about, learning from people smarter than you. Making friends in business is as crucial as reading is to the aspiring writer, it nourishes your view of the world and replenishes the energy you have for it.
Reaching out to your peers and competitors — why can’t we be friends? — is essential in making smart progress in business but making acquaintances online is only a periscope, you’re still removed from the people around you — getting out and looking smart, funny, interesting people in the eye is the best way to make friends with your neighbors, putting faces to names and not thinking of them as outsiders.
Meeting the people who either do what you do or something complementary provides valuable insight into how you’re seen and what the landscape looks like outside the hole you inhabit for the majority of your hours. Aside from that, those people are just like you, they’ve all made the leap of faith to do something with their time, with their name, probably making less money than they deserve. These people are special.
There’s more than enough work to go around, especially for talented people willing to put their name to their craft. Every time we get out and talk with our neighbors we’re always reminded of how good it feels to share time together. Go make friends.
← →
October 25, 2023
Perfect prints for fall found on the Jolly Edition Etsy shop! Starting with our “Oh my Gourd!” print.
September 28, 2023
Colorful, playful, and supremely charming invite set for the lovely @mirgrowney !! Custom crest and hand lettered details are framed by sweet pops of colorful illustrated blooms. Such a blast to see the invites come to life when the details of the wedding are revealed. Photo styled and shot by the supremely talented @breewoollyphoto Thank you so much Read the rest.
August 28, 2023
I’m so grateful any time a client shares their professional photos with me, thank you Anmyn! Photo credit: Katie Stroops, you genius! Another stellar St. Barths project. It feels beachy, it feels bright, it feels optimistic, and like the guests are having the time of their lives!
July 25, 2023
Solveig and Joshua are absolute dream clients. They have the sweetest ideas and making designs for them just feels like how I felt playing as a kid. Luckily for all of us, their family has expanded and I got to design their announcement!
June 27, 2023
Wow! Ida & Tim had the most stunning wedding! I’m so proud to show off this lettered invitation set with sweet floral frames. A favorite part of creating wedding stationery is that I get a little sneak peek of what’s to come. I love introducing elements of the wedding before they ever materialize and then Read the rest.
