“Can I pick your brain?” Of course, you absolutely can. But I’ve noticed a lot more professionals expressing disdain for people reaching out and wanting to ask a few questions. But before I dive into a rant based upon passing comments and not a lot of data, I’m going to speak about the type of creative industry I want to be part of, one that is built upon the sharing of knowledge, not just online but person to person. Why? Because that’s how we build community, a reputation, and dare I say it, a legacy. In this episode, I’m going to share eight ways we can build up others around us from newbies to the competition. Can you imagine a creative world where everyone wins? I can and this is how we do it.

8 Ways We Can Build Up Others Around Us From Newbies to the Competition:

1. Interview and share openly.
2. Hold office hours.
3. Maintain an FAQ on your website.
4. Have a direct line of communication—dedicated email address, Discord server, Substack—for students and those starting out.
5. Be a beginner and learn to ask questions of others.
6. Open your space monthly or quarterly for a meeting of the minds.
7. Don’t limit to just those who are starting out, welcome your competition.
8. Be the community member you expect others to be.

Show Links

• Barbara DeMarco-Barrett
• Creatives Ignite
• Austin Kleon
• Christopher Butler
• Stefan Sagmeister – Answers
• Mitch Goldstein
• Episode photo from Envato Elements: Marinated cucumbers or pickles on wood