A Maker Vegas Spring Recap

One thing that I am often reminded of after a Maker Division retreat is this:

At our core, we are social creatures.

Regardless of whether you are introverted or extroverted, you have similar neural circuit architectures encoded in our brains for social needs — just as much as physical needs like food and water

For many of us, we sit at home alone for the majority of our working life.

We talk to screens and technology. While it's true that there is a human on the other side, it's mostly through the digital proxy we call Zoom or Google Meet.

Or worse, we communicate through text or email. We scan lifeless words written by someone else. The subtle nuances of tone stripped away, leaving us to guess. Let's be honest, how many times have you panicked over an email because you mistook the tone of it?

In person, it's different.

In person we connect deeper. Things are authentic and meaningful. We can see the whole picture… unlike through our digital proxies.

This stark contrast became clear at this year's Maker Vegas Spring Retreatboth in the connections with the members who attended and with the connections created while networking at the Licensing Expo.

There's just something about being together in person.

If you missed this year's retreat, I hope you'll join us in the future.

We had such a blast with those who attended. We had many laughs, played games, ate great food and made meaningful connections. All while connecting with massive brands at one of the largest licensing expos there is.

Stay tuned for news on upcoming retreats, and in the meantime try this piece of advice:

Get out and socialize!

I challenge you to find a local meet up going on near you. It could be with other creatives or potential leads for work, just get out there and connect.

As I mentioned earlier, new science shows that social connection is just as important as food and water. Would you starve yourself of valuable necessities? Then why are you starving yourself of social connection?

And one more thing, when you do get out and connect: do not go straight into sales mode.

People work with people that they like.

Focus on the personal connection first and the potential for work will follow.

And if it ever feels like too much, that's why we are here.

Maker Division is a community dedicated to supporting creatives like you as they grow their business. That includes guides like myself and the infamous Tony Kimble who are here to help with your networking and outreach.

And of course we have our amazing coaches, Stephanie Owens and Ben Burns, to provide guidance based on their years of experience owning their creative businesses.

So what are you waiting for?

We’d love to have you inside.

Zach Ebert

Zach of all trades, Expert of none

Community Manager | Maker Division

Maker Vegas

Retreat Spotlight

A special shout out to all of you who attended the Maker Vegas Spring Retreat!

All of you really brought this event to life.

This retreat, and by extension this community, would not exist without you.

It was great connecting, playing darts, sharing meals together and taking a break from the hustle of life to connect at a deeper level.

Thank you all for coming and bringing this retreat to life, it wouldn't be the same without you.