“If your idea is going to spread, you need to build a following around it.” – p. 101, Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It, by: Dorie Clark
While having a patron is a great launchpad for your business, you’ll need to grow your network if you want to grow it to the point of becoming self-employed.
Building a network is like peeling the layers of an onion — the outer layer is easiest to get to. So, like peeling an onion, start with the easiest to reach and contact those you already know. Let your current network know what you’re working on, the help you can provide, the help you need, and the kinds of customers you’re looking to reach.
When your network recommends you connect with someone new, make sure you follow through. Even if it seems intimidating or unrelated to your business, you never know what might come from those meetings. You might find those new connections have connections or know people who can help you even more.
Takeaway: You never know where a connection may lead, so be sure to follow up with everyone in a timely fashion.