Professional Show and Tell

As we approach the end of May, I realize that we have a lot of catching up to do since the last post in *checks notes* January! There are many new galleries available, more images coming to the print shop soon, new SLICES zines are in the works, and FIFA World Cup coverage starts June 13! I’m excited to touch on those in the next post.

Today, I’m talking about another big step at Nwachukwu Works: community building and creating networking space via virtual events. Especially working in independent media, I want people to know what my business does, who it serves, and why it’s important. I care a lot about developing spaces where we — producers and users — can be heard and supported.

I hosted two days of webinars and virtual meetups May 27-28! Two people attended over the six available call times.

Now, that's no personal shade to anyone who didn’t attend! People have other priorities and life happens. I could blame social media algorithms constantly changing. Forcing or guilting people to show up isn’t a recipe for success, either. So for a first go at these meetups, I tried to stay hopeful while tempering any lofty expectations. Truthfully, though, it was (and still is) easy to feel embarrassed being the only one at my own party for much of the two days.

I kept running through checklists and tips to make sure I “did this right”: spacing out the call times; making registration on Zoom easy; public promotion on social media channels over a week in advance (with reminders); sending scores of private outreach via email and professional group messages (again, with reminders) leading up to the call. And, if appropriate, sending text messages.

Doubt and scolding loops can be easy to let seep in if we’re not careful. “You’re not that popular and no one actually cares, so of course no one’s here.” “You didn’t directly reach out to enough people.” “Maybe try louder promotion?” “You should’ve paid for the Instagram advertising.”

While waiting, though, I also thought about folks in other industries who often face similar situations. Ask a musician about busking for cash, comedians performing at empty open mics, people presenting at booths while others walk past at trade shows, or any author about book launches and signings. Ask most famous folks about their experiences before they “made it.” The only things I can control are showing up as my best self and doing good work.

I 100% wish that independent work was 10-15% easier, or that I had 3-5% more success from outreach. Some things just take different time, effort, and patience, especially when a goal looks steep or futile at face value.

The experience, in some regards, still sucks and stings to say the least. But I’m here, I tried, and I got some practice. There’s a stretch of WNBA and NWSL coverage to end May, some invoicing to finish, and World Cup + other summer logistics to finish. Housework and other personal life responsibilities don't wait, so there's not much time to wallow (maybe that's what this post is for)!

I appreciate those two folks for coming AND staying! I genuinely enjoyed talking with them, answering their questions, and talking shop. Who knows, maybe three people will attend next time 😉