Avatar photoSteven Savage

So get out and contact them!

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I meet a lot of interesting people on the job, in my career, at conventions, and of course, reading books.  Some of them are famous, known professionals, and otherwise largely cooler than I am – or at least richer and more famous.  But usually cooler.

Now when you meet these people, you may want to ask them for advice or information.  However you feel scared, concerned, and don't want to mess it up.

Scared aside, meeting and learning from people who have been successful is one of the major ways to learn to be a success.  So if you don't swallow your fear and contact them, you will loose out.

In fact I usually find such people are often glad to help out if approached properly – I've corresponded with two major authors of employment books, several website publishers, and a life coach with a decade plus career in the last few months.  I've learned a lot from them, and they were to a person helpful and glad to give me advice.

There are two major parts of contacting people:

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Fandom and business prototyping

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So you want to start your own business.  Lots of people do – and let's face it, lot's of people fail.  If you're thinking of starting your own business, you've probably done research and realize the challenges.

Of course being a fan, a geek, and otaku, you've got a great resource right there in your life – fandom gives you a place to practice and prototype your business.

A problem with many would-be businesses is that people need a time to practice it, get it right, and build their business skills.  They also need to try out different business models or ideas.

So why not use your fandom as your testing ground?

Fandom gives you potential customers (even if it's a service you offer for free to try it out), plenty of feedback, and what is likely a safe environment to fail in.  Plus it's a market you probably know better than any else, so gives you a chance to try out those skills and ideas in a more understanding environment.

  • Maybe you want your own accounting business.  Offer free services to some conventions – or a discount to a convention guest or friends.
  • Perhaps you're trying to be an artist – which probably would be very easy to practice in your fandom.  Even if the model doesn't fit what you do, you can learn business and contact skills.
  • You might be an IT consultant – so perhaps your local sports team needs help with their office, or a local band needs help with a website.

Fandom isn't just a place to try out and gain skills for your career – you can practice an entire business model.  I'd advise that you keep in mind that the environments probably different than the overall business environment, but even with that difference, it's a good place to learn.

– Steven Savage