Networking & Community Building: Building Authentic Relationships for Growth

• 00:00 – Introduction:
  Jama welcomes you to Living the Whole Picture and introduces today’s episode on the importance of networking and community building for creating a freedom-based business and growing confidence.
• 00:58 – Why Networking & Community Building Matter:
  Learn how authentic connections can transform isolation into a supportive network, nourishing both your business growth and your soul.
• 01:57 – My Early Networking Journey:
  Jama shares her personal struggle with isolation as a new entrepreneur and explains how opening up led to genuine relationships that changed her path.
• 02:36 – Real-Life Networking Experiences:
  Insights from attending photography meetups and business events—how a single conversation can spark collaborations and provide a safety net when you need it most.
• 03:34 – Practical Networking Tips:
  Actionable strategies for effective networking: be authentic, start small, follow up, offer value, leverage social media, and attend events and workshops.
• 05:16 – The Power of Mentorship:
  How finding mentors and building a community of like-minded individuals has helped Jama overcome challenges and expand her professional network.
• 06:22 – Creating a Supportive Community:
  Beyond mentorship, discover how nurturing relationships can create a ripple effect of growth, support, and lasting connections.
• 06:41 – Impact on Business and Personal Growth:
  Explore how networking opened doors for Jama—from run influencer opportunities to speaking engagements—demonstrating that authentic connections drive real career advancement.
• 07:41 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action:
  Jama wraps up by emphasizing that networking and community building are essential for anyone looking to grow their personal brand and business.

Key Takeaways:

• Authentic Connections are Essential:
  Transform isolation into a supportive network that fuels both business success and personal growth.
• Start Small & Follow Up:
  Building relationships begins with authentic, one-on-one interactions that can blossom into lasting connections.
• Mentorship Matters:
  Finding mentors not only boosts your confidence but also expands your network and opens unexpected opportunities.
• Community Creates Opportunities:
  A supportive community can provide encouragement, collaboration, and even help guide you during challenging times.
• Invest in Relationships:
  Consistent, genuine engagement—both online and offline—builds a robust personal brand that stands out.

Call to Action (CTA):

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Living the Whole Picture, share it with a friend who’s building their network, and leave a review to help us reach more aspiring entrepreneurs. For more tips on photography, personal branding, and business growth, follow me on Instagram @JamaPantel - tag me in an Instagram post as you listen, or visit www.jamapantel.com.
Until next time, keep building authentic relationships and living the whole picture!

https://www.jamapantel.com

Transcript

Jama Pantel: 0:00

Hey y'all, welcome back to Living the Whole Picture, the podcast where photography, business and inspiration collide. I'm your host, Jama Pantel, a luxury portrait photographer turned educator, author, influencer and dream chaser. Each week, we dive into topics that help you shine in front of the camera, build confidence in your brand and take bold steps towards your biggest goals. Whether you're here to improve your photography skills, grow your business or find the courage to show up authentically in life, you're in the right place. Let's get started as we work on living the whole picture together. Today we're exploring a topic that's critical for any entrepreneur, brand or woman looking to create freedom in her life and business networking and community building. Whether you're looking to forge meaningful professional relationships, find a mentor or create a supportive community both online and offline, this episode is for you. Let's get going. First of all, I want to talk about why networking and community building matter.

Jama Pantel: 0:58

In today's fast-paced digital world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget that we're not meant to go at this alone. Trust me when I say this I was the queen of isolation when I started my own journey. It wasn't until I started opening up and sharing more of myself authentically that things began to change. For me, networking and community building are about creating authentic connections that not only support your business growth but also nourish your soul and I can't stress that part enough Nourish your soul. For me, it's a way to turn the isolation that sometimes comes with being an entrepreneur into a network of like-minded individuals who share your passions, values and drive for success. Or to just talk you off a ledge when you need it, it's about nurturing relationships that empower you to learn values and drive for success, or to just talk you off a ledge when you need it. It's about nurturing relationships that empower you to learn, grow and overcome challenges, because no one can do it all on their own, not even me, the queen of isolation.

Jama Pantel: 1:57

Let me share a little story with you from my own journey on networking. When I first started out, I was so focused on perfecting my photography craft that I barely thought about networking at all. Well, it wasn't that I didn't think about it, it was just that I was shy and, honestly, the idea of putting myself out there felt scary and intimidating. But there came a moment when I realized that my work couldn't be the only thing that defined me and, honestly, just putting your work out there without context doesn't work in this day and age. It was my story, my values, my knowledge of my craft and the connections I built along the way that truly made what I had to offer unique.

Jama Pantel: 2:36

I have attended many photography meetups and women in business networking events throughout my own journey. Needless to say, I am always nervous and reserved, but I always push myself to go and talk to a few people each time. One conversation really can change everything. I have met so many fellow creatives, some who are small business owners themselves. We have spent hours discussing our challenges, our dreams and even the moments where we felt completely overwhelmed At least I have and they listen and help me out. But I also know that I return the love plenty. This is a powerful reminder that when you open yourself up and network with genuine intent, opportunities start to flow. Now let's talk about practical tips for effective networking and how you can network and create a community that supports you both professionally and personally. Here are a few strategies that have worked wonders for me.

Jama Pantel: 3:34

Number one be authentic. Your personal brand is built on authenticity. Don't try to be someone you're not. Share your story, your struggles, your wins and the lessons learned along the way People connect with real stories and real people.

Jama Pantel: 3:49

Number two start small. You don't have to dive into large networking events right away. Begin by connecting with a few individuals on social media, or join online groups relevant to your industry or attend local meetups. These smaller interactions can lead to meaningful relationships over time. Number three follow up. After meeting someone new, take the time to follow up. A simple message thanking them for the conversation can go a long way. Consistent communication builds trust and helps turn a casual encounter into a lasting connection. Number four offer value. Networking isn't just about taking. It's about giving as well. Share helpful resources, offer advice or simply be a good listener. When you add value to someone's day, they'll remember you and be more inclined to support you in return. Number five leverage social media. Use platforms like LinkedIn, instagram and Facebook to share your journey, insights and expertise. Engage with others by commenting on posts, joining discussions and sharing your own content that reflects your passion and values. Number six attend events and workshops. Whether it's a webinar series or an in-person workshop, these events are fantastic opportunities to meet like-minded people. I've found that the more I invest in these communities, the more my audience grows and my confidence as a leader in my own field strengthens.

Jama Pantel: 5:16

Another crucial aspect of networking is finding mentors and building a supportive community around you. A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, share insights from their own experiences and help you navigate the ups and downs of your entrepreneurial journey. Sometimes, these incredible people in your life don't even know they are a mentor and are huge in helping you come out of your shell. Maybe, if they listen today, they'll know exactly who they are, though I remember when I was just starting out in my photography journey, I felt so lost, so much of the time. Heck, I still feel that way some days, but it's when I feel this way that I reach out to my photographer friends, who I admire. Just chatting with these friends and mentors not only helped me and my confidence by offering advice, but they also connected me with other professionals in the industry and in their own networks. That network of mentors and peers became my safety net, a community that helped me overcome obstacles and celebrate victories. This is what I call my people, and having them in your corner is huge.

Jama Pantel: 6:22

Building a community doesn't stop with mentorship. Them in your corner is huge. Building a community doesn't stop with mentorship. It's about creating relationships where you support each other, share knowledge and lift each other up, whether it's through online groups, local meetups or collaborative projects. Surround yourself with people who empower you to share your core beliefs of authenticity, simplicity and empowerment.

Jama Pantel: 6:41

At the heart of networking and community building is the idea that your connections can propel your business and personal growth in ways you never imagined. When you invest in building meaningful relationships, you're not only expanding your professional network. You're creating opportunities for collaboration, learning and innovation. For instance, my journey as a run influencer for a billion-dollar brand wasn't just about my passion for running. It was about the community I built around my story. Being part of that network helped me transition from photographer to the educator and eventually to the host of this podcast. I wonder if they realized the role they played in that. Maybe, if they listen, they'll know now the role they played in that. Maybe, if they listen, they'll know now. The relationships I've formed at every step of my journey have led to speaking engagements, partnerships and countless opportunities to share my expertise with a wider audience. And that's what community building is all about. It creates a ripple effect of growth and support.

Jama Pantel: 7:41

Networking and community building aren't just buzzwords. They're essential practices for anyone looking to build a brand and grow their confidence. Remember, authentic connections are built on sharing your true self, investing in relationships and always being open to learning and giving back. And that, my friends, is huge. Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of Living the Whole Picture. If you found this episode helpful, please consider subscribing, share it with a friend who might benefit from these insights, or leave a review to help more people discover our community, for more behind the scenes content and tips on photography, personal branding or business growth. Follow me on Instagram @ Jama Pantel or visit my website, www. jamapantel. com. Until next time, keep showing up authentically and living the whole picture.