5 tried creative tips for finding mentors, resources and your tribe

Happy new year, guys! 2018 was quite the year, and I’m entirely hopeful for 2019.

Do you have your new year goals and plans set up, or do you fall under the cynical camp of those who believe they are cliche?

Regardless of how you choose to start the year, I have some tips for finding mentors, “your people”, and generally knowing the ins and outs of your industry.

If you’re wondering why this is a big deal, I’ll give you one:

• It gives you access to many opportunities that might not be privy to others who are not so connected. These opportunities might come in the form of collaborations, knowledge of industry events and updates, job opportunities, coaching and masterclasses, and so much more that can set you up for success.

So if you want to network or connect with like-minded people, keep reading.

1 Who’s doing something you want to do?

Do you want to write someday? Follow your favorite authors. Do you want to go into event planning? Search for people doing that–globally and locally– and follow them.

This can open you up to more people in your niche through recommendations from those you already follow.

For example, there was a time in 2017 I searched for creative agencies in Nigeria and followed them, including some of the creators of those businesses, because I wanted to know their thought process.

At this point, I discovered Adaora Mbelu-Dania, who’s always generous with helpful information.

Much later on, in one of her posts, she talked about Amin Ameen, the founder of Everything Na Art and I carried my amebo over to her page. I liked everything I saw, and I realized she had created a real community for creatives where they share great stuff like how to approach brands, good-paying job opportunities, etc.

And through this tribe, I’ve had even more resources that have helped me in my work.

@TribeCalledENA

2 Delve into the awards

Yes, awards. Like the Forbes 30 under 30, African Youth Awards, The Future Africa Awards, Leading Ladies Africa 100 Most Inspiring Women, or other niche-specific awards. They are especially great for finding the underdogs.

Some of my interests include African history, design, food, dance, culture, community development, media, and communications.

So whenever I find these award lists, I head to the sections that interest me, look up some of the people listed (both nominees and winners), and do a little research on them.

3 Follow the hashtags

I’m biased towards Instagram. I can’t help it; it’s my favorite social network because I’m a visual person.

Being able to follow hashtags on the gram is genius. Because with the constant algorithm updates, there are only so many people you can follow—that show up on your feed.

But following hashtags gives you the choice of seeing some work before deciding to hit the follow button.

It also gives you access to a wide array of resources from different parts of the world without following every single one of them.

A quick tip: For every hashtag you follow, search at least one account that publishes on that topic consistently and follow them.

“Let them know you.”

4 Pinterest

Pinterest is another excellent resource for inspiration. It’s more of a visual search engine than a social medium. Look up whatever interests you, find inspiration, find resources, apply them, or save them to different boards for later.

5 Google alerts

Do you know that you can set an alert for your name or any topic in whatsoever field? And Google will compile the resources from all over the web and send them to your email.

I’ve found this helpful in knowing what’s trending in my industry. To set up your Google alerts, go to google.com/alerts and proceed.

Le fin. I hope these help you in one way or the other.

Read also: This book helped me deal with procrastination

And in all your networking, collating of information/inspiration/resources, I pray that you apply what you’re learning and do the work you need to do to grow and be better.

Also, don’t forget to be social on social media. Comment and engage with these people; don’t be a “ghost follower”, or you’ll miss out on establishing solid connections. Just don’t spam.

I wish you all (and me) a productive and consistent (in all our doings) new year!

And if you have any tips to add to these, please share them in the comments, and I’ll respond. Thank you!

Seriously, don’t hold back.