Do unto others before they do for you. That’s my motto when it comes to networking. I believe you have to give to get. It ‘s like a checking account. As you help and support others, you start to build up an account with them. You now have a balance you can write checks against. If you try to write checks against a negative balance, they bounce.
It is not about using people. It is about relationships and a long term approach. People who are only takers wear out their welcome very quickly. Eventually they burn so many bridges that there’s no way to get back in with people. The word does get out.
So how do you ask for help without looking like a taker? Start by looking at your goals. How will accomplishing these goals help others? Who benefits besides you? You’d feel better about asking for help when you know it will benefit others as well.
Networking allows you to barter services and get things done on a shoestring. What do you have to offer that others would pay for? Can you trade creative writing, storytelling services, coaching for something you need?
Offer support to others when they are in need. That is the sign of a true networker, and a caring person. It is easy to support someone when things are going well for them. You show your truest colors when they are down and you still stand by them. When they bounce back, they will remember and reward your loyalty.
Trade your services for hands on experience, portfolio pieces and connections.
One of the best things i did was form a speakers bureau. It is a win/win situation. I win because i get a finder’s fee from the speaker and I get a repuation as a reliable source for creative speakers, so I get more request. The creative speaker wins because they get business they wouldn’t have had otherwise. The client wins because they get the speaker they need without much extra effort on their part. It works.
Be there. If you think I don’t notice who comes to my seminars, you’re wrong. I remember. I believe that when it comes to supporting people, you should make the effort to attend their openings, shows, signings, weddings. It means a lot to me when people come, and I notice when they don’t.
What Can I Expect?
Here’s an outline of The Hero’s Journey in Paris: Create Your Own Legend.
Create Your Own Legend Outline
- Introduction
- What’s Right About Being Right-Brained?
- You Are the Storyteller of Your Own Life
- What is Your Quest?
- It’s Not Just a Job, It is a Hero’s Journey
- Selling Your Story
- Self Made
- Your Travel Companions
- Be Your Own Boss
- Right Brainers in Business
- The Lean Years
- Business Plans
- Pitfalls
- Help! I Need Somebody
- The Cheering Section
- Networking is a Two Way Street
- Mentors: Been There, Done That
- Role Models
- Tell Your Story
- The Seven (Bad) Stories of Highly Ineffective Heroes
- The Power of Your Story
About Peter de Kuster
Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project, a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.
Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing, MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences
IS THE HERO’S JOURNEY FOR YOU?
You are a creative professional who is interested in developing yourself and your creative business.- You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. A guide like Peter de Kuster can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
- You want to learn more about how to tell yourself a more powerful story, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
- You are curious and want to engage in an interactive learning journey with Peter de Kuster.
- You are motivated to work in-between journeys on yourself (e.g. working on questions that will help you develop new storytelling, mindsets, skills, and behaviors).
WHAT’S YOUR QUEST-ION?
The Hero’s Journey is all about your development. To make the most out of your journey with Peter, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with him. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration.
PRICING
One Hour Virtual Coaching for Euro 150 (excluding VAT)
One Day Journey for EUR 1,200 (excl. VAT)
Two Day Journey for EUR 2,150 (excl. VAT)
Three Day Journey for EUR 2,950 (excl. VAT)
BOOK THE HERO’S JOURNEY
FAQ
Who can sign up for The Hero’s Journey?
Creative professionals who wish to improve their storytelling, mindset(s) and develop their leadership skills.
What language do we speak in the journey?
English
Can I bring my own topics?
Yes, you get to choose your own topic.
Are journeys confidential?
Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the journey.
Where will the journeys take place?
Sessions will take place travelling with Peter a world city like Paris, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Amsterdam, London, Antwerp, Venice, New York, Berlin, Madrid.
How do I sign up?
Send Peter an email to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com
How do I pay?
After you booked The Hero’s Journey by sending an email to Peter you will receive an email with info how to pay.
How do I book and reschedule a journey?
Once we’ve received your payment, our Program Coordinator will book your journey. She will also support you with rescheduling journeys if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual journeys can be postponed up to one week before the journey.
The Hero's Journey 