What eccc taught me

by Willow Enright

It's been a week since Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC,) and I haven't been able to stop thinking about how it inspired me. It inspired me to improve my website, exhibit at cons, research other companies, learn how to target my audience, and build a larger stock of goods. Overall, I feel like I can be doing this... better. 

For all those wondering whether or not to attend cons and network with other geeks who have made a living out of what they love to do, the message is clear. Get your stuff out there, get yourself out there, and keep at it. I can't tell you how many times numerous people said this while I was attending ECCC. 

There's a community of nerdy/geeky themed entrepreneurial enterprises that are waiting to hit their big break, just like you. It's reminiscent of the old days when craftsmen and tradesmen would hone their crafts and enter into trade, barter, and commerce alike. While it may seem like these established companies don't need your business, the reverse is true. As your company thrives it has to grow. This means you need to hire someone for photography, web design, marketing, packaging, printing, and budgeting. Let me tell you, no one has the time or the skills to do it all themselves. That's why you have to surround yourself with an army of positive acolytes to help you build your passions into products.