Hi everyone! I'm trying to get better at networking but I'm not sure how. Is there any advice you could give me? It would help me a lot!
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- It depends on the industry I think! I find that Instgram is great for starting up conversations with like minded individuals in creative industries though and once you have established a shared interest or goal then you can take it offline (or off IG). Draft a message and drop it across to 20 or so people and see where you go from there, then connect with them across other platforms. Support them in their endevours and it will come back around!
- During Covid is the best time.Group potential 'targets' into categories/sectors/areas in life where help is is needed/ new network etcSend email-introduction about your intention and always acknowledge something(s) they do/did that caught your attention.Then aim for a physical meet up when things open up.
- Hi Sueli, I answered a similar question to this, here (scroll down to see my response):https://the-dots.com/asks/what-s-the-best-way-to-reach-out-to-a-studio-agency-asking-to-work-with-them-or-if-they-are-hiring-29565#comment-108635So, using that strategy, you could try to find out who is attending the event. Then do some online stalking, try to find the work they've made, the things they've accomplished in their careers, if you dig deep enough on each person, do your digging on enough people, you can enter the networking event armed with endless excuses for approaching people and starting a conversation - you want to compliment them on their work.Then you can tell them what you've taken from their work, learned from it, how you plan to apply it. Then, if you want to keep the conversation going, it's all about having great questions. Here are some I find useful:Describe an average day in your job. If it helps, describe a day from last week.Tell me your career history in three, 1-sentence bullet points.Why do you do what you do? What need (other than paying bills etc.) does your job fulfil?What three character traits do you think people who are good at what you do, have in common?What irrational fears do you have about your job or your work?When your job is easy, why is that? What is happening or not happening to make to so?When your job is difficult, why is that? What is happening or not happening to make to so?What is a problem in your industry that will never go away? What is your personal approach to trying to solve it?What are some new, emerging, and big problems, how do you plan to solve these?What is a common mistake you think people in the same job as you make?What’s your personal approach for managing your time, choosing what to focus on, and making things happen?“What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?”What book has most made you question your career choice? or life decisions?How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made? (Could be an investment of money, time, energy, etc.)What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the “real world”? What advice should they ignore?“What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approaches helped? Any other tips?When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?)”What’s your one-paragraph idea for saving the world?
- Networking sucks but I it can help to be direct. If you want to go for a coffee with someone because there's genuinely something they can help you with, or vice versa - just reaching out and asking can help. Just be clear on why you're getting in touch, be polite and have realistic expectations. Good luck.
- Hi Sueli,Seeing you are an Animation Director/Animator, I remember walking into a networking event at Annecy Film Festival many years ago and everyone was in cliques speaking fluent and fast-paced French and it was pretty intimidating!If you’re not sure what to say, some advice I was given is to always ask questions - people that are the best networkers are curious about others and ask lots of questions, so always have a bunch of questions up your sleeve to kick off conversations.Also at film industry events, it’s worth remembering that most people are there because they love movies, so that can be an immediate jumping off point. And I’ve always found the most meaningful connections I make with filmmakers are when they connect with me on a mutual love of film, or even something more random - rather than just pitching me their project/cv.Hope that helps!
- A few years ago I started attending organised networking events.Armed with business cards I’d arrive in anticipation of having to stand up and do a one minute pitch to a room full of about 60 people.Some of the other presentations were super confident, some more scripted.I‘m no public speaker, so I knew that being as good as the best, let alone better, would be a tough call.So rather than being better I decided to be different.As I was pitching the benefits of a rebrand I made it visual.I held up the original Apple logo with the brand name removed.I gave a critique of this engraving of Newton under an apple tree with it’s antiquated feel, it's fine detail and complexity.I’ll never forget the look of surprise when I placed it next to the simplicity of the version we’re all familiar with today.The thing I learned is that you’re not going to walk away with a contract.It's about building relationships so make it informative, helpful and entertaining.This goes for Linkedin too.
- Hi Sueli.You've already done the first step by posting the question. Everyone answering could be a potential networking opportunity.The good news is that networking can happen in many different ways: in person (at some point again), through online meetings, or through a simple connection request on linkedin or social channels. It often helps when you can add a few words as to why you like to connect with said person. From experience, people are nicer than you think and often write back. You can then leave it at that, start a longer conversation or maybe use it again in the future when you can remind them that you already linked up previously... But with everything: the more you network the easier it gets. Maybe you can set a little challenge and contact one new person every week? This way you can make meaningful connections in a planned but also relaxed environment. Happy networking.
- It's hard networking if your role is not people facing.I worked with machines, people, and animals.The best experience by far is working with animals. Then comes machines, then people, unfortunately.However, working with machines and animals won't grow your network much.Sales people have good networking opportunities throughout their career because they get to meet many people at work.Also, customer care professionals speak to many people but I guess those improve their communication skills more than networking.To get better at networking you should do the following:1- Cold call people. Work as a salesperson for anything (product, service, event). Calling many strangers will help you network better.2- Join events that encourage discussions around one topic of your interest. Do not join networking events for the sake of networking only. If you like cats, join groups for cat lovers and speak to fellow cat lovers, your network will grow like crazy.Mind you that networking does not always have to be professional or related to your career.On the example above about networking with cat lovers, you can still find clients or companies to hire you to do whatever you do for them. Cat lovers do not only lead to cat related jobs, it's just their conversations are 99% about cats, but still these people have jobs and they know others that might be a potential client or company hiring you.Hope this helps.
- Hi Sueli. I'm unsure if it's personal tips that help with confidence or practical tips on useful bodies or groups to join. Coming at this with my happiness coaching head on, from a personality perspective I would say that networking is a skill you need to hone and invest time in. Quite simply the more you do it the easier it will become. Putting ourselves in situations where we feel awkward or out of our depth can be incredibly good for us - they help us to evolve. There's a theory on psychological avoidance you should check out. So overcoming that is the first hurdle. Also many of us suffer from imposter syndrome but it's important to remember that you have so much value to add. In conversation listen, ask questions and hopefully you'll engage with people who reciprocate. I find more than anything passion is infectious so if you combine that with a desire to hear from other people you are onto a winning formula. Good luck!
- Hi SueliI’d ask where you think you need to get better.Do you need to find better events?Do you need to meet more likeminded people?Do you need to find better deeper connections?Do you want to be better at building a relationship post the networking?My favourite networking advice is ‘give, give, give, get’ ie don’t think about what you can get from a networking meet up in the first instance - think about what value you can create for the other person you’ve just met.Then, give again. And keep giving.Only once you’ve done that, will you make an ask or get.It works on the power of reciprocity and also karma. Do good, get good, be good.Stay Boom!
- I recently learner about Agency Hackers and also The Agency Collective - they aren't free but they are fantastic networking tools if you want to meet other directors who will introduce you to more collabartors and potential clients. I also joined the DBA and the IPA and have made some incredible connections via both memberships - highly recommend joining some industry bodies for a career boost.
- I found social media to be the best place for networking with like minded creatives as well as prospective clients. Of course it isn't for everyone but it's definitely a great way of networking. Instagram is where I started posting personal projects over 3 years ago and I haven't looked back since. There are several people I have met online that I still haven't met in person but have impacted my life in someway or another.Good luck with it all
- Hi! I recommend doing informational interviews through connecting with people on LinkedIn that are in positions you want to be in/aspire for. This will get you more comfortable with having different types of conversations with different people and has helped me get better at not feeling so "awkward" at in person networking (when we can go back to in person networking!) Added plus is being able to grow your community and gain more resources to get you where you want to be!Happy Networking!
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