Artists in “Team”
I have been thinking a lot lately about web 2.0 and it’s effectiveness for artists, artisians, and really anyone doing any kind of business or networking on the web. Most of you know that I am a fan of Twitter and I use this as my main source for networking, meeting others and generating "real" relationships.
However, this got me to thinking that in this day and age of "easy access" to almost anyone with any talent in a specific area, that we still tend to work on our own. As artists we often have the mentality that we need to work our butts off, keep our head to the grindstone, and work, work, work work.
Now I don’t know about you, but I suck at keeping books, updating databases, coming up with fresh marketing ideas, and really just staying on track! I am a creative person, I like to create new and exciting things and I don’t like doing the monotenous chores like book keeping, and sales tracking. Unfortunately, the fact still remains that if I don’t do these things I might as well watch my small business circle the toilet eventually to be flushed in the crapper.
So this is where my thoughts lead to teaming up, a strategic group, or what is often called a mastermind group . Now, a group of friends whether it’s virtual or off-line cannot necessarily take these loads off of you shoulders, but they can provide useful resources, as well as support and tough love when it’s needed.
So here is what I am proposing to you the reader,and anyone else that might be finding themselves in the same type of situation I am in. "Start an Internetworking group" It is a cross between web 2.0, mastermind groups, and traditional networking. Use things like twitter and facebook to generate friends of like interests. Develop relationships with people and invite them to join your "Internetworking group" Try to find people with diverse backgrounds and who’s personalities and strengths compliment your own. Think of your group like a puzzle of people who’s talents interlock to form a complete picture. I would think the group could be anywhere from three to six people. The goal of the individuals should allign wth the goal of the group. The goal of the group may be as simple as each person growing their business by 25% each quarter. The idea here is to grow with each other and the individuals will bring with them experiences that they can share with the group. The group can then share their experiences with the world through a shared blog or podcast. One person may be an accounting expert, the other may have a constant stream of creative ideas, while anther may be a internet coding whiz. Again, the key is to put together a group of individuals who are passionate about what they do and passionate about helping others.
Start your own "Internetworking Group" today. Grow your business honestly, and help each other in the process. Take your hundreds or even thousands of web 2.0 friends and boil them down to a select few with aligning goals. Make a difference in yourself, the group and the landscape around you. Change your paradigm of "I’ll do it on my own" to "I’ll do it in a team" and take action.
I f you are interested in joining the group I am putting together. Please send me an email . I would love to hear from you. Remember, everyone has something to add!
Some Cool web 2.0 tools you can use to help with "Internetworking Groups"
WordPress Blog - Use as a multi-user blog to share with yourselves or the world.
ooVoo - Video Chat with multiple users "Brady Bunch Style"
Skype - Individual or multi user chat VOIP interface.
Ustream.TV - a video presentation can be given while other members are in the chat room providing feedback.
Talkshoe - Multi user call in system that can be used for a group podcast, brain dumping.
These are just a few examples, and please let me know if you have others. I would love your comments and feedback.
Keith Burtis
Popularity: 3% [?]
Stumble it!
April 16th, 2008 at 8:42 am
I think this is a great idea and many of these little groups exist out there. Many are behind the scenes, informal and very interactive and helpful. You KNOW that if there is anyway I can help to let me know.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Great points. One possible example of this is JC Hutchins offering to pimp blogs in his podcast and vice versa. Part of how we can help one another is to advertise across genre/platform (vidcast/podcast/blog/etc).
April 17th, 2008 at 7:35 am
What a good idea — I know from my own recent experience (trying to put out some knitting patterns after being pushed and pushed by friends to take the leap and do it) that there’s a lot I don’t know, there’s other people’s experiences to draw on, and sometimes I just don’t see what someone else might.