In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi welcome back networking expert Chris Gittings for an exhilarating exploration into how creatives can unlock the full potential of LinkedIn. It's not just a résumé, but a powerful tool for fundamental growth, and we're here to show you how.

We talk about:

Why creatives avoid LinkedIn (and why they shouldn’t)

How to make your LinkedIn profile stand out as an artist, photographer, or creative

Innovative posting strategies that drive real engagement

The art of reaching out (without being spammy)

Using tools like Sales Navigator, digital business cards, and newsletters

Cross-platform tips to maximize your content

If you’re a creative ready to stop hiding and start connecting, this episode is a must-listen. After tuning in, take the first step towards professional growth by applying the strategies we discuss.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-gittings/

Learn more at Cogent Connections: https://www.cogentconnections.io/

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In this impactful episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Bethany Williams, event strategist and co-leader of Wolf of Broad Street, candidly discusses the practical steps to build community through networking. She shares actionable advice on how to make people feel seen at events, the importance of maintaining authenticity online, and the specific strategies women in the creative industry can use to navigate networking spaces with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time event host or looking to foster deeper connections, Bethany’s practical insights will guide you in making a lasting impression and staying committed to your networking goals.

In this episode, Thato and Naomi delve into the practical aspects of online networking for creatives. They stress the importance of a strong LinkedIn presence and the strategic use of Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, providing actionable ways to make an impact and get noticed.

They discuss how creatives can transform their online portfolios into potent tools for attracting clients, why visibility is the key to trust, and how to network without coming across as a salesperson. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming to enhance your online presence, this episode offers advice on establishing credibility in the digital realm.

Key Topics:

• Using LinkedIn to get hired and build connections
• Instagram and the value of behind-the-scenes content
• How Facebook groups can land you clients
• YouTube as a branding and trust-building platform
• Smart cold outreach tips that don’t sound salesy

Katie Taylor, founder of Savvy Custom Swag, shares how she built a seven-figure business from the ground up, starting as a single mom with no roadmap, hustle, faith, and the power of networking. In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Katie breaks down how she used vendor events, personal branding, and community relationships to grow her product-based business into a national success.

We also delve into how she balanced motherhood and entrepreneurship, overcame mental health struggles, and used consistency and authenticity to build her business even on tough days. Katie’s story is a beacon of hope, inspiring us to trust the process and keep showing up, no matter where we are in our entrepreneurial journey.

Follow Katie: www.savvycustomswag.com

Hosted by Thato & Naomi Joy Dadson

#23JourneysPodcast #CreativeNetworking #EntrepreneurTips #SavvyCustomSwag

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, we sit down with host, speaker, and all-around creative force NanaKofi Dadson, who also happens to be Thato’s younger brother.

From red carpets to youth events with the NBA and high-profile moments at TMZ, Nana shares how networking across, staying ready, and leading with humility helped shape his unconventional career path as a professional MC.

But this isn’t about career wins, it’s also about family. We dive deep into what it takes to collaborate with those closest to you, why support should come before partnership, and how to handle working with friends and relatives without damaging relationships.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• How to assess a family member’s work ethic before going into business together

• When to say yes (and when to say no) to collaborations

• What to do when someone’s not ready for your level

• How to leave ego at the door and communicate with respect

…then this conversation is for you.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Building a career through peer-level networking

• Why trial periods save business and family bonds

• Supporting your family by using and promoting their product

• Working with siblings without ego

• How AI is changing but not replacing human networking

⸻

🎤 Guest: @iamkdadson

📸 Hosts: Thato & Naomi Dadson

🌐 Learn more: 23journeyscreative.com

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi, two seasoned creatives, delve into the intricate dynamics of creative collaboration. They draw from their own experiences, sharing candid lessons, real-life anecdotes, and practical advice to empower you in fostering stronger creative partnerships.

You’ll learn:

• How a wedding collaboration led to discovering Aftershoot
• Why contracts matter....even with friends
• How to barter skills for exposure, referrals, or marketing
• Red flags to avoid in creative partnerships
• How to network with purpose while protecting your vision

Whether you’re a freelancer, event planner, DJ, YouTuber, marketer, or solopreneur, this episode is a treasure trove of insights on working smarter together. No matter your creative field, you'll find valuable advice to enhance your collaborative efforts.

Notable Quotes:

“It’s not about what you can get now; it’s about building something that blossoms in the future.” – Thato

“You don’t have to be the best. Just be the best they know.” – Naomi

Insurance may not sound glamorous, but it could be your business's lifeline. In this episode, we sit with commercial insurance broker Don Blizzard to break down the coverage every creative entrepreneur should know about. From protecting your gear and reputation to guarding against lawsuits and cyberattacks, Don explains how the right policy, found with the help of a good broker, can mean the difference between bouncing back or going broke.

We cover:

• What a Certificate of Insurance means
• Why online insurance often leaves creatives exposed
• The must-have policies for photographers, videographers, DJs, and writers
• How to protect yourself against copyright disputes, lost files, and client lawsuits
• Cyber insurance: why it’s exploding and how it protects your clients, too

Whether you’re a freelancer or building a creative agency, this episode is a game-changer. It will revolutionize how you perceive risk in your business and demonstrate why having the right broker matters more than ever.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, we sit down with Josh Butcher, founder of Wolf of Broad Street, to explore how he transformed small networking mixers into Philly’s go-to real estate events. Josh shares his journey from magazine publisher to event strategist, diving deep into how authenticity, niche focus, and creative partnerships fuel his success. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

We discuss what makes a networking event impactful, why social media is your secret weapon (if used right), and how creatives can get in and stay in the room with the right people. From the power of showing up with ideas to leveraging your phone contacts like a goldmine, this episode is loaded with practical gems for anyone trying to grow through relationships, events, and strategy. By the end of this episode, you'll clearly understand how to make your networking events more impactful, how to use social media effectively, and how to connect with the right people and stay connected.

Listen in and get inspired to take your next bold step—whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or just trying to expand your circle the right way.