How to build a network

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I have been able to gather a rather large group of creators who want to work with me, talk about my projects, and generally have positive things to say about me.

People ask me how I have been able to build a large network in a relatively short time, so now I will tell you exactly how I built a kickass network full of amazing creators who support each other.

Why building a network is critically important for your success

It's hard to go it alone. Really hard. Like desperately hard to sit alone trying to create something and then sell it to other people. Having a network of like-minded people helps for a bunch of reasons.

First, they offer you support and encouragement when you find it hard to keep going. Second, they are great sounding boards when you have new ideas. Third, they are a second pair of eyes when you aren't sure if something is good or not.

Fourth, they can introduce you to other people in their network which might be able to move your career forward. Fifth, they can introduce you to their audience, and help you make more sales. Sixth, you can promote your products together.

And there are hundreds of other reasons why finding a network is both awesome and critical for your success. Mostly, like the old wizard in Zelda said. "It's dangerous to go alone". So, how did I build my network? Here are all the things that helped me along the way.

Photo by JOSHUA COLEMAN on Unsplash

Make great products if you want to build your network

That's the first step. Honestly, you have to make something amazing. Not mediocre. Not good. Something that makes people stand up and take notice. This doesn't happen at once, but if you keep working at it you will be able to make something awesome.

Now, that doesn't mean you can't start meeting creators before you create awesome work. In fact, I was building my network while I was still creating Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter, my first truly great work.

However, while the people I met were part of my network, they didn't start vouching for me until way later. Before then, we were just friends, which is how all relationships should start, as friendships, and they can evolve from there.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Pay your collaborators ON TIME in the AGREED UPON amount if you want to build your network

So, this sounds stupid, I know, but you have no idea how often I am complimented by collaborators that I actually pay people when I say I'm going to pay them, and I don't play games. It should go without saying, but there are a lot of jerks out there, and just doing the right thing goes a long way.

Seriously, it pains me to say that paying people will set you apart, but it is true. It doesn't matter if you have to open a new credit card. If you told somebody you would pay them, and they deliver the work...pay them!

Paying people on time and in the correct amount is simple to do and so often ignored, but your karma is what you do over and over again. If you always pay on time, you become the creator who pays on time, and people WANT to work with people who pay on time.

If you create a good work environment, people want to work with you because you're pleasant. Paying people is a sign of respect that you value their work, and respect is important to building a robust network full of amazing creators.