Sometimes people ask me if I I can give them a piece of advice about their photography career to help them to grow, and I am always saying this. You need two weapons in your pocket, Your Works and Your Connections.
Your works speak for themselves but when it becomes to growing your career as a photographer it is not all about artistic talent. It is about making powerful connections too. This is crucial because, at the end, you have to show your work either in a publication, in a gallery or in any major media or even if you have your own selling or promotional system, you need an audience. So, growing your network should be your priority. Plus with modern-day networking tools like social media, Everything is much more accessible for photographers than it was even 20 years ago when I was growing my own career.
Hope this one helps you.
-Make Your Own Chance