Why the Widespread Idea of Overnight Success is Bullshit

I just signed up for someone’s webinar that was titled, “How to Run a Six-Figure networking event.” And I signed up and watched some it because I was REALLY curious as to how this person was going to convince me that I could make six figures from throwing some events. It’s a really nice thought, but I have learned over time that these webinars only work for a specific kind of person. A person who probably has a lot of resources, privilege, wealth, etc. already. As a cis, white woman I already have a huge head-start, but I don’t have some of the resources and privilege these other people do who promise that if you just work hard enough you too could make thousands.

In this webinar this entrepreneur was suggesting hosting an event and inviting photographers and videographers to work for free because in exchange they would get exposure. I’m sure there are some artists out there who would agree to this, but as a writer and creative who understands that exposure is actually not an equal exchange at all, I could never bring myself to hire someone without paying them money for their time and effort. No matter how many business cards they get to pass out that night, they still have to pay for groceries that week, gas, and pay the rent. Exposure doesn’t pay the bills, so I refuse to throw my ethics and values out the window for my own personal gain.