Advice

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

Self-reference for success

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You love your Pomeranain, which is why your gamerhandle lets people know they've been P0wned by CerebusPom23.  Your sig file on your favorite message board references your Twitter account.  Your color scheme for your fansite is a subtle variant on your favorite sports teams, each page lovingly coordinated.

If you're a fan/geek, especially if you're heavily online, you've probably got a lot of self-references.  Handles reflect interests, websites reference other sites, your cosplay costume is based off of your love of Japanese history, etc.

Congrats.  You're practicing one of the skills necessary for career success- self-reference.

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Fandom Reminders

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You're in a job you don't like or aren't thrilled with.  You want to move up or out (or over).  It's tiring, exhausting, and you are having trouble focusing on what you like.

It's time for a Fandom Reminder.

Those posters in your cube?  A reminder of what you love.  That action figure?  A reminder that you want to move on to marketing.  That amusing LOLCat?  A subtle hint of the business you plan to start.  Those pictures from your last convention?  More than a conversation piece, a constant lighthouse guiding you to the day you'll have your own fan/geek career.

Those seemingly pointless reminders, collectibles, decorations, and pictures are a way to remind you of what you care about even in the worst job situation or bleakest career.  They're little sparks of light to guide you a bit farther whether you want to change jobs where you work now or want to start your own company.

Those geeky reminders that seem so pointless or ephemeral may be very important to you to help keep you on track in your life.  Don't discount them at work – a single desktop theme may be what you need to keep going a little farther.  Everything does add up.

In fact, it can be more.  Want to move to the IT division?  Put up articles on IT you've been reading for your co-workers to talk about and you to be reminded by.  Want to be a voice actor? Put up that picture of Scott McNeil or Steve Blum you took at a con.

If you're lucky your job reinforces you.  But if not, find a way to make your environment a little more of a guide and reminder to where you're going to go.

– Steven Savage