As I have gotten to know one of my Bikram yoga buddies, Nicole Carbon (Editor, Writer,Blogger), I was very intrigued and interested on how she has established herself and her business so rapidly and effectively since moving to Sarasota in 2016. I would recommend Nicole to anyone and her contact information is at the end of the nugget.
Her story is one that anyone can put into practice with diligence, hard work and focus and she is my guest Nugget contributor this week.
In her words:
“Even though I was established in other markets as a freelance food, wine, and travel writer, when I moved to Sarasota in June 2016, I had to start from scratch to break into the media world here. I started networking online remotely months prior to the move by connecting with top chefs and those in the food, wine, and media industries via Facebook and LinkedIn.
In order to get acquainted with the food world quickly, I went to one of the city’s best and contacted Steve Phelps, chef and owner of award-winning “Indigenous” restaurant, and asked him if we could meet to pick his brain about the dining industry in this area. He graciously accepted and met with me one afternoon. An hour and half later, I left with more knowledge then I could have gained in a few month’s time on my own.
During our meeting, he let me know who to connect with for food writing, one of which being the publisher and editor of Edible Sarasota magazine, Tracy Freeman. After an email introduction referring to Phelps, Tracy invited me to contribute to the magazine and continued to give me assignments for future issues.
Through the online networks and reaching out via emails another connection I made was the with the marketing and communications director at Selby Gardens. She got in touch with me after a Florida Public Relations Association meeting that she attended to connect me with Ed Scott, editor of the Venice Gondolier Sun, who was looking for freelance writers. Because of my credentials with Edible Sarasota and SRQmagazines, Ed invited me to contribute a monthly wine column to the paper. I continue to make connections with those in and surrounding my field and even those who aren’t but are involved with interesting endeavors.
Here’s my networking nugget summarized:
Introduce yourself to the very best in the industry in which you are involved or wanting to become involved and ask them to meet over coffee or lunch. More often than not, these experts are more than willing to share their knowledge with you and help get you going on the path you wish to follow. They will recognize your drive and possibly think back to the people who helped them to get their momentum going. Once you’re on your way you may be able to pay it forward and be flattered that someone turned to you for your expertise in your same industry. ”
Nicolecarbon.com
www.clippings.me/nicolecarbon