EkaBlog - Site Blog for Ekaweeka the Small Business Community

Ellery has had to explain to a few people that the single greatest influence on the ability to come up with and develop Ekaweeka, was my unemployability. Meaning by refusing to take a regular job I was forced to come up with my own businesses to make a living. I could probably get a job... but the idea is I haven't gotten a job from my resume - EVER. I could probably have more luck with this area in my life but I think it just happens that I cannot wipe off the look on my face / tone in my cover letters that silently hints "I don't want to work 40 hours a week for anyone else".
I still need to get work from time to time either in the form of a short term gig or business for one of my small businesses. I believe I owe all my success in obtaining those fruits to my friends. The people I've met casually, via other friends, via the internet etc. And so once again I cannot stress enough the importance of networking. Sooooooo many people I know that are starting their own business hate the idea of "networking" but what they don't realize is networking isn't just going to some aweful lounge and paying $10 per drink to socialize with people you would never speak to otherwise. Networking is gettting off your ass and going out there to do something - anything! This volunteering thing I just did last weekend was totally for the environment and piece of mind, however I met at least 8 people doing things that were relevant to my green consulting business. Now that we've met if I hear of an opportunity for one of them to do work - I'm going to tell them and that goes both ways. And that's just it, by meeting new people, finding out what they do, and telling them what you do - you are not only learning, you are expanding your potential client list and list of resources which will eventually come back and pay you a visit in the future (you never know how - the universe is magical and works in mysterious ways).
Think of it as building new synopsis in your brain.. you know those little bridges that are made between one part of your brain and another everytime you learn something new. The more you learn the more you know and can do. So in the same model - by meeting new people the more people you know and know you - and the more possibility there is for someone to find you and your business.

And that is how I have found all my work going back to my very first job at Round Table Pizza - which my friend Rachel told me about. So start right now, go to lunch with some friends encourage them to bring their friends. Or organize a small get together and have your guests bring someone from work. Make it fun - let the universe expose all the possibilties you were locking out before!