Networking, Collaboration and Building with Each Other

[Liberated Muse Productions]

I am guilty of it. That's right. I am guilty of that syndrome of paranoia that crops up when you have a new thing going on and you become so entrenched in protecting it that you either horde or smother in an effort to "protect" it.

When creating this site, I remember corresponding with a member of this social network community and asking him to try and simmer down when it came to advertising for his own Ning network because it may take away from the traffic on this site. Being a very deep and down brotha, he didn't trip at my request and actually became apologetic, simply letting me know that he didn't mean any harm and actually invited me to his site.

Fast forward from then simply a week later, and a brotha from another site that boasts over two thousand members notified me that he would like for me to stop inviting people from his site to my site because it might interfere with his traffic. Hence, karma had begun her teaching lesson of showing how things look from the opposite perspective-- simply put, I got a taste of my own medicine.

As the brotha before had said to me, I explained to this new brotha that I meant nothing by my invitations to distract from his site, and, in fact, was one of the most active members on his site-- engaging my "friends" within my network on his site with an interactive blog series and participating in daily forums.

However, in his eyes, rather than a welcome member, however, I had become, now, a competitor, even though this site is different from his and a bit more specific in its target audience and content.

I say all of that to introduce this forum discussion on what are some of the boundaries that hinder us from networking, collaborating and building with each other? For me, I can honestly say that I have stifled myself in the past with building and collaborating because of not wanting ideas stolen or clients drawn away. In my naive early view of networking and building, it was a "me against them" mentality.

I've seen that mentality rear its ugly head even more so as we've been in preparation for the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest. People who were cool and down when I was a reporter interviewing them for a story were now cold and wary when they learn that my planning group is behind the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest...its like now, I've moved in on their territory. This feeling is evident regardless of the numerous attempts to include them in this wonderful opportunity to put this festival on.

So, in closing, I would like to hear from you. I would like your opinions and ideas on why, as a community of artists, organizers, promoters, venue owners, etc...we don't do more to network, collaborate and build with each other when the opportunity arises to do so?

[TGrundy]

Oooh, what a great question/topic.

There is so much to say on this one, but I'll (try to) keep it short for now. Unfortunately in this day and age "jealousy" and "hoarding" still trumps "bridge building" and "sharing". Perhaps it can partly be explained by the fiercely independent, individualistic trait that has characterized life in this country ever since it was founded. On the other hand I believe that it may also be an inherent flaw in us, the human animal as a whole. In either case this manner of thinking ("mine, mine, mine!") is usually more detrimental to the individual and the community in the long term than it is beneficial to either one in the short term.

If there is anything that the advances in computer/Internet technologies have taught us it's that sharing (knowledge, information, etc.) is much better than hoarding.

[Liberated Muse Productions]

I agree Tgrundy...but I don't think it is as inate though as we would like to think because I know many people who are not like that at all.

I've analyzed myself as to why I may display some of these tendencies initially and I know that some of it may stem from having had people take credit for things I've written, produced or coordinated in the past. One of the worst feelings is to work for an organization and have your supervisor be awarded as an individual for things that you've crafted carefully and without help from anyone else.

I've reflected on it though and work towards not bringing that energy into new interactions. That is one of the reasons why I always stress to those who I look to collaborate with that this is about them and promoting their services, work, etc. as much as it is about collaborating...I guess you can't soothe all people's demons though I guess...

Do you think its that deep Tgrundy?

[Gemini Visions]

I am all for helping and supporting others whether we are doing something similar or not. But I always feel at times that some folks think it's "all about them" and don't understand that support looks different to different people.

For example, support to me looks like what I do for others whether it is to participate in a forum, or what have you. I also attend and support (pay) for goods or services.

I have found people want you to continue to do that and keep their name "in lights" but seldom or never attend or support what you are doing. It's like, their attitude is "well it's not about me so even though she's doing that, I'm not wasting my time unless I can get some of that spotlight."

I notice that attitude a lot since I've been in DC and it's puzzling. There's something endemic about this area that is "me, me, me."

I started to I draw the line with that and have been accused of many things for it, but in the end, I feel better...for me words is not enough...if I put the effort to attend your function, buy your product, promote what you do, I expect the same.

I think people need to explore what support is to others. We are in a world where there is so much competition...trying to ignore or not support people who have clearly DEMONSTRATED support is dangerous.

My 2 cents

sjb

[Moon]

I agree when it comes to performances. For me, I am aware to the fact that I am usually involved in a lot of things and to expect people to come to EVERYTHING if I'm a performer would be a bit much, but in a situation where it is an event I'm planning and seeking collaboration with and not a "come support me or come see me", it makes you wonder. I've actually had a few people say that, thats its basically about them so why come or put their name on something being spearheaded by someone else. However, that hasn't happened that often, for people are more open to collaboration when they can say they were part of this or that even though they didn't plan it or really execute it.

I can understand why you may see that a lot in DC though. There is a lot of things going on DC and it may be hard for people to find the time to attend your things, true. However, I think it also has to do with something else.

For some reason, its like there is a select group of people who are known to do events and have been doing them for a while so people associate events and happeneings with them...

but now, as more people are becoming empowered to put on events-- and in some cases, even purchase venues and then put on events (like Artmosphere, which is an awesome spot in MD)-- its like people see that happening and believe that their own efforts should be about self-promotion only and operate as an island. What that does, though, is force the targeted audience to have to choose to go to one thing or the other and not making it convenient for them to get everything in one stop as they would if the collaborated with others to promote or present.

For me, I offer my support in various ways. I think my biggest help has been with spreading the word through promotion-- whether its here on LM, writing an article in my column for East of the River, blogging about it on the tons of social networks I'm on, etc. I agree with you Sharon, everyone can support in some way and it can be offensive if someone you've done it for purposely refuses to return the favor.

:-)

[JaWar]

You hit on a very important point in mentioning exploring what support means to others. Most of us probably know exactly what support means from someone who has a business and is selling something.

Wal-mart, Target, Chevron, Macy's, Best-Buy, Circuit City, Black Enterprise, Fortune, Forbes, Essence Magazine, Radio Music Conference and a host of other businesses seek our support, for the most part by paying to use their products and services.

I've attempted to exchange support as a form of non-cash/credit payment/currency at the grocery store, gas station, to pay car notes, car insurance and cell phone bills, etc., but it hasn't worked yet. lol

While support may take on various forms at the end of the day those forms must lead to cash/credit payment/currency for a business, if that business is to stay in business. The closer that support is to cash/credit payment the better it is for the business, especially those start-up, small and so-called minority owned businesses.

Gemini, thank you for supporting businesses with currency, it is always appreciated. make money online

[Gemini Visions]

You are right...people know..but don't want to do it unless it benefits them. I do agree that people may not have the financials to support you right off and that promoting, spreading the word, etc. is good. But the strongest show of support is physically doing something less passive. People would rather do what's convenient and easy than what's "hard" or takes effort (i.e. attending a function, paying for a product/service, etc.).

Again, people have to explore and understand what is important as far as support is for another person...you can't assume that doing more passive activities is really showing support for that person or business unless there is a communication between the two parties that it's cool.

[Gemini Visions]

I give kudos to you girl, because not only do you do so much but you are a single parent. I give a lot of love for single parents in this town because of the kind of hustle it takes to survive an area with a high cost of living. Double that with being in the area of art!

I would love to see you at my events, but I know that you geniunely support me and with all that you do and being a parent it's hard. I do appreciate the efforts you do through LM and East of the River.

I'm always hardest on those who don't have those kinds of challenges. I'm a single woman with no dependents, have a demanding full time job in federal govt run an increasingly demanding arts organization and try to find time to develop and prosper my own art. Not to mention the family challenges: an aging parent with demanding health needs. So when you see me somewhere, it's because I truly support whoever I am there to support, and it may mean juggling a few events, activities, etc. to get there. Not everyone has that kind of personal ethic, and that's what I'm learning about in this place called DC.

You stated: "For some reason, its like there is a select group of people who are known to do events and have been doing them for a while so people associate events and happeneings with them...but now, as more people are becoming empowered to put on events-- and in some cases, even purchase venues and then put on events (like Artmosphere, which is an awesome spot in MD)-- its like people see that happening and believe that their own efforts should be about self-promotion only and operate as an island. What that does, though, is force the targeted audience to have to choose to go to one thing or the other and not making it convenient for them to get everything in one stop as they would if the collaborated with others to promote or present"-- Hmmm..you have given me one of the more rational explanations to date about events here. I need to think more about that. About 75% of my events are collaborative and though it has been positive, there are some that have taken advantaged of my ability to network, market, promote and have even dogged me out in their own way at these collaborative events. It's sad because I really believe in it as a win-win, but when you get burned...it's hard to come out at times.

But in an area where there is so much transition all the time, I find it interesting that people will be so loyal to just one or two event promoters and not spread that love around. This place is constantly moving and new people appear daily...how can you not want to explore and try new events, people, etc.?

Anyhoo,Thanks for your response.

sjb

[Moon]

I heart you girl. That day I interviewed you, I told Hook, "I really like her. I want to be her friend." LOL.

You are an inspiration for real and I like being around positive and progressive peeps.

I'm glad you understand how much I want to be more places but can't because of parenting a lot of times. I'm not married yet, but I do have to give my partner/baby daddy props because we do live together and I couldn't do half of what I do at work, after work, at home, no where, without his support.

I have someone I want you to meet too btw, remind me when we talk:-)

[Vanessa Renee Williams]

Everyone is not supposed to go with you, and as much as you would like to, sometimes you just won't be received with gladness-- no matter how helpful you can be. Even Jesus couldn't get a break in his own home town, so other people reaped the benefit of his greatness. As long as you are on equal footing with others, you're cool. Dare to go higher and it may not sit well with some people who were probably never in your corner in the first place. Perhaps your competence scares people into recognizing their own mediocrity. Remember the dreaded middle school group project? There was always someone who did no work, never showed up, or made no contribution--or when they did, it was unsatisfactory--but they got the grade for the work everyone else completed. Past experiences, lack of trust and fear drive a lot of what we do--or don't do. Some people just want their own thing, and wouldn't share if their lives depended on it--especially if there's credit to be given. I've lived in the city for a long time. I would love to be more involved in it's arts community. It seemed to be easier when I was a teacher. I was so happy to find this site! I would love to know how to submit work for public spaces, participate in events, and support programs even if it's merely by showing up and applauding! I've been told so often that I should stop posting pictures and writing. I like sharing art. I don't want to be so afraid that someone will steal from me that I don't exercise something that, frankly, is amazingly therapeutic and gives me great satisfaction. When you walk around thinking there is lack, you'll hoard. When you're not secure, you won't support or encourage others. When you're deluded into thinking that there is something new under the sun, it'll make you paranoid. Don't let the shade of others stop you from making an impact. Someone told me that God knows a lot of people....: )