#112: How To Get Started In The Toy Industry When You Have ZERO Contacts
Listener Erika wrote in asking how you can “Make It” in the toy industry when you’re just starting out with ZERO contacts. So, for today’s episode we will dive into 3 networking strategies that will help you jump start your toy network to connect with toy brands and toy people. Networking is best done when you don’t need anything because Networking is essentially lending a helping hand, making another person's day a little brighter or their load a little lighter so that they hold you and your name in high regard. But the hardest part of Networking is just finding the right people to network with! So where do you begin?In this podcast episode The Toy Coach dives into the top 3 networking strategies that you can start using and implementing TODAY to grow your own toy network. All you need to start doing this work is an honest interest in being a part of the toy industry, getting to know your fellow toy creators and helping in any way you can even if that help utilizes your non-toy skills. To learn how to make the most of your non-toy skills, your unique toy story, and free toy communities online, tap play and listen to this episode.EPISODE CLIFF NOTESFind out how one of the students of toy creator's academy first grew her toy network [07:08]Find out why you might want to wait until you’re a little further along in your toy journey to start networking with networking strategy #1 from today’s episode [10:59]Swipe a script on exactly what to say when you have unique non-toy skills that you can offer a toy brand when the opportunity arises. [12:54]Learn about the different toy industry organizations you could join and how you can contribute to these organizations through committees. [13:38]How to harness the power of your unique toy story to grow your toy network through content creation. [15:23]The definition of your toy journey [16:43]How to set yourself up for success even before you start developing your toy or game idea. [18:10]How to structure your heroic toy story by looking back on your toy journey. [20:30]Find out where and how to connect with fellow toy creators like yourself online for free [27:20]A list of free online communities for toy creators on Linked in and Facebook for toy makers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and corporate toy people [31:22]MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/112Support the show🎓 5 Streamlined Steps To Your Next Playful Product Launch in 1 Interactive Masterclass: learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass💡 The Great Toy and Game Idea Bootcamp: Visualize, Validate, and Vow to make your toy or game idea real in just 5 days. Register here: learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp