In episode 474, Kathleen Phillips teaches us 10 unique ways to grow our network and create valuable opportunities for our blogs.

Kathleen Phillips is a cookbook author and professional food stylist. She is the creator and digital publisher of her food blog GritsAndGouda.com. Drawing upon years of experience as a test kitchen director (Oxmoor House-former cookbook publisher for Southern Living/Cooking Light/and more), she takes traditional Southern recipes and makes them with a shortcut so you can enjoy them faster. She likes to say she's "Short and Southern, just like her recipes". She incorporates fresh ingredients from her own garden as well as local, seasonal ingredients. Her love for local farmers led to her becoming one of the first Sweet Grown Alabama ambassadors.

In this episode, you'll learn different ways to make long-term connections that will help you grow your center of influence and reach your goals quicker.

- Networking is most valuable when you have a clear goal in mind.

- You cannot predict where the connections you make today might lead you in the future.

- Reach out to a big blogger in your niche and ask to meet for coffee.

- Comment on other bloggers social media - use their first name in comments to have more impact.

- Why should you join your Chamber of Commerce?

- Contact the PR person for cooking stages at large home shows and women's shows.

- Find unique locations in your area where you can teach cooking classes.

- Reach out to local TV stations to be on morning cooking segments.

- Contact local print and digital magazines to feature your recipes.

Connect with Kathleen Phillips

Website | Instagram