Cognition #11: How to grow as a creator with video call networking?

Heyy! How have you been?

I'm sorry I couldn't publish for two weeks as I was completely occupied with work.

But here we are finally, and let's get started.

Oh wait,

Before we begin, there are a couple of big UPDATES for you!

Cognition is now a biweekly newsletter. You'll receive two editions every month—on the second and fourth Fridays.

I took this step is to maintain the newsletter's quality and manage my workload with my clients.

The new phase of Cognition begins with this edition, and you'll see:

• More insightful and in-depth content.

• More learning resources.

• More fun recommendations.

Will share the second update at the end of this issue.

On that note, Welcome to Cognition #11.

If you're a regular reader of Cognition, you already know my story of not having any growth for seven months on Twitter, then I started speaking in spaces and gained traction to my profile.

Well, that's what happened publicly.

But I've been doing something else at the backend: VIDEO CALL NETWORKING.

Here is the backstory:

I know a lot of creators, startup founders, freelancers, etc., by the work they do and their social presence.

But I noticed I don't really have a connection with them, or I don't know them on a personal level. I just engage with their content or sometimes DM them. That's it.

For example, if I admire a designer on social media, I only know her as a designer and nothing else. And she knows me just as a writer.

Although these kinds of professional relationships are perfect in their own way, I wanted to know more about the people I admire.

If you consider the above example,

I don't only want to see her work and go WOWW!

I want to know her working process, how she delivers her amazing work, what she does to relax, how she learned her skill, where is she from, interests and hobbies, goals and visions, and more.

Basically, I believe people are much more than what they portray on social media, and I wanted to explore the 'more' part.

So I made a list of all people I've been following for a long time but never really had a chance to talk to.

I began pitching one by one, and in the last 2 months, I've DMed over 40 people and video called nearly 25 peeps.

Also, I'm documenting the journey. 👇🏻

And I should update it. 🥲

All this is cool, but why am I telling you this?

It's because we all know networking is a superpower, and building genuine relationships is the best way to do it.

In today's edition, we're gonna cover:

1. How will networking help you grow as a creator?

2. How to ask people for a call?

3. Three things to remember while networking.

4. Non-technical, aka fun segment.

How will networking help you grow as a creator?

The list is as long as a list can get, but here are the top three benefits I saw for myself and my personal brand:

You're not alone anymore

Content creation can be a lonely journey when you don't know your fellow creators on a personal level.

But once you network, you have people to talk to.

Since these people are in the same domain, they understand what you go through and can give the needed conversations or solutions.

I always reach out to guys like Nirmit, Sahil, Mitesh, Meena, and many others whenever I'm stuck with something—it can be about clients, content, giveaways, info products, management, or even personal advice if need be.

This is we being supportive to each other.

But there's one more thing I want to share. It's no exaggeration, but networking made me a better person.

I'll tell you how.

Earlier I used to see a creator's work and get intimidated or jealous of them. Honestly, I wanted to be happy for them, but I couldn't be.

But after networking, when I understood how folks manage many things and yet create content, my respect for them skyrocketed.

Since then, I have never felt jealous of any creator nor got intimidated.

In fact, I feel very happy when I see someone do well, and knowing I've become this person gives me great satisfaction.

So yeah, there are multiple ways of acquiring such satisfaction.

Networking is one of them.

You become a better conversationalist

The best thing about video call networking is talking to people from all parts of the world.

You understand and learn many things from different cultures.

You learn to adapt and converse with people from different locations.

You ask better questions with time.

You become a better listener with time.

Your speaking skills improve immensely.

I realized that the more I did video call networking, the more I lost social anxiety and developed self-confidence.

You get more opportunities

The number of opportunities you get because of your network is damn high.

It's because now they know what you do, and talking to you gave them an idea of the level of your expertise.

So if your network finds you an ideal fit for a client or a role, they'll forward the opportunity to you.

And of course, you do the same for them.

That's about how networking would help you.

Now let's talk about how you'd ask people for a call.

How to ask peeps for a video call?

Well, it's not as difficult as asking your crush out, but it isn't that east too!

I follow a very simple method.

I respect their time and mine. I cut the small talk.

I just DM them mentioning I love what they do and I'd want to have a conversation with them.

Also, if they're specialized in something or are popularly known for a particular skill, I might specify the topics I want to talk about.

To give you a better understanding, here are a few DMs I've sent and convinced folks for a call:

DM 1: Cold DMing for the first time.

DM 2: Converting a casual chat into a call.

DM 3: To the person I know via their content, and they have a little context about me.

That's it. As simple as that.

Don't do too much research.

Don't try to personalize too much.

Just be honest about what you want, and see the magic happen!

3 things to remember while networking

There are a few basic protocols I always follow. Sharing 'em one by one with you.

Pick wisely

There will be a huge temptation to pick people who are doing exceedingly well or have a great social presence.

We think talking to them and tweeting about it will grab some eyeballs.

Let me tell you something. You're thinking right. That's a very strategic way of networking and building your brand.

But what's even more important is talking to the people you find interesting.

Imagine meeting a person because they have some power vs. meeting a person because you find them interesting.

For me, I choose the latter. Always.

You like their perspective? Ask them for a call.

You like their work? Ask them for a call.

You like their shitposting? Yes, even shitposting. Ask them for a call.

Any person who makes you curious to know more about them is an interesting person.

Find who interests you. Network with them.

Understand your boundaries

I kept telling you I wanted to know people on a personal level.

It doesn't mean I ask things like, "Tell me about your girlfriend. I see you tweet a lot about her."

Knowing on a personal level includes questions like:

1. What do you do away from work?

2. What activities help you manage stress, and how?

3. Where are you from? Can you tell me about your place?

Now asking about girlfriend might be within boundaries for a few people, but my point is try to understand what people are comfortable talking about.

If you sense any discomfort, just switch the topic. You don't want to be inviting people for a conversation and then make them feel bad about it.

The 60-minute duration!

All my calls are usually scheduled for at least an hour. It's because a few people get comfortable after 30 minutes of the call.

I don't want to rush anyone. Let them take their time, and when they're ready to speak, I'm all ears.

I'm not sure if everyone's schedule allows that, but if you can, try to have a minimum of 60-minute calls.

Trust me, they're way more fun than quick 15-30 minute calls.

So that's all about video call networking!

It worked very well for me. I love the kind of people I met and the relationships I've built.

Try this and see where it takes you.

That's the end of the technical segment!

Before we get into the fun segment, I'm gonna share the second update!!

I'd love to inform you that I'm doing monthly GIVEAWAYS on my Twitter.

I give a list of 5 books every month, and you can choose one book and tell why you'd want to read the book or how will it help you.

I'll pick the 5 best answers every month and gift books to them.

You can follow me on my Twitter to stay updated.

It looks something like this.

That's about it! We'll jump into the non-technical segment, shall we?

Non technical aka fun segment!

Favourite quote from a book

I loved this quote when I read the lean startup, and this is something I apply in my content.

It is easier to create and provide basic, generic, and cliche content to the audience as we think that's what drives engagement.

But the real beauty lies in creating and presenting the content in a manner where the audience finds it insightful.

That's how authenticity builds—slowly and steadily with quality content.

Movies/shows I loved recently

I watched this feel-good movie titled A Dog's way home. If you're an animal lover, especially a dog lover, you're gonna enjoy this!

Originally in English. Available on Netflix.

I began watching How to get away with murder? on Netflix.

It's a long show with 6 seasons. I'm sure I'm gonna finish all the seasons, but this is a very interesting show for crime and thriller lovers.

It's in English.

Also, I watched 14 peaks, a highly inspiring documentary. It's about a mountaineer's goal to summit the world's 14 highest mountains in just 7 months.

Loved it! Originally in English and is available on Netflix.

Yep, I borrowed Netflix from a friend, and I'm binginggg everything while I can, lol.

Tweets I loved

YouTube video I loved

Watched 10% of this podcast and loved it before they made it members only.

Found the conversation interesting, though. You might be willing to pay as these two men have amazing perspectives on life.

Song I'm listening to on a loop

A mashup can't get more beautiful.

Two of my favourite Telugu songs blended into one!

I don't say much, just listen and vibe!! ❤️

That's it from Cognition #11!

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So please promote Cognition if you enjoy reading it. It'd mean the world to me.

See you in 14 days!

Until then, take care, stay safe, and video call the people you find interesting!!

Love,

Vikra Vardhan.

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