23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives

23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives

by Thato and Naomi Dadson

Entrepreneurship

Season 1

Balancing Online & In-Person Networking the Right Way

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.

Online Networking for Creatives: Social Media That Builds Trust

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

How Katie Taylor Built a 7-Figure Brand Through Networking

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

Creative Partnerships Start at Home: A Brother’s Perspective

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

Creative Collaboration: The Good, Bad & Funny

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

Protect Your Passion: Insurance Essentials for Creatives

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.

Shoot Your Shot: The Networking Secrets Every Creative Should Know

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.

The Power of One Connection: How a Chance Referral Launched My Career

Sometimes, all it takes is one connection to change the course of your entire career. In this inspiring episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi Dadson explain how one chance referral sparked a full-blown photography and videography business. They share the behind-the-scenes journey of going from zero clients and old gear to working with real estate agencies, building wedding portfolios, and expanding into photo booths—all through focus, strategic networking, and seizing the right opportunities. If you’re a creative person trying to grow your business or build meaningful relationships that lead to work, this position is for you.

Don’t Just Network — Build Real Relationships | Ashley Owens

What happens when you’ve had 23 jobs before 30? It was a transformative journey for Ashley to learn how to build a business out of relationships, not résumés. In this episode, Ashley shares her powerful journey from being a celebrity assistant to founding her company as the first “Networking Concierge.” She generously shares practical gems on how creatives and introverts can network purposefully, build lasting connections, and stop hiding behind the camera. We talk about her 15-minute meeting strategy, how she stays grounded by remembering the 5 lives she’s changed, and why “speed to trust” is the key to real success. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur or tired of surface-level networking—this episode will challenge and inspire you.

From Fear to Full Rooms – Chris Gittings on Building Real Connections

Discover the inspiring journey of Chris Gittings, the founder of Cogent Connections. He shares his remarkable transformation from a self-described introvert, initially fearful of rejection, to his current role as a leading connector and event host for professionals. Uncover the key to successful networking as we explore the concept that real networking is not about transactions, but about building genuine relationships. Discover how creatives can accelerate their growth by adopting a strategic, authentic, and fearless approach to their outreach. Learn how Chris launched his business during a crisis, the secrets behind hosting unforgettable events, and why mastering human connection is the ultimate competitive advantage. 🎧 Tune in for fundamental strategies, powerful mindset shifts, and stories that inspire your next move. Learn more about Cogent Connections: cogentconnections.io ➡️ Subscribe and follow 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives for more real conversations that move you forward.

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