https://www.creativebloq.com/career/network-with-designers-712372
Some people are terrified by the idea of networking and selling themselves, especially out in the ‘real world’ and away from the relative comfort of social media.
But it’s really nothing to be scared of. Simply adopt a positive attitude, design a business card to hand over to people you meet, and follow these tips on how to network like a pro.
Follow the golden rule
Don’t come on too strong. You’re aiming to extend your network by meeting similar-minded people, so you’re in a better position to hear on the grapevine of potential work opportunities, happenings or moves in the industry. Be polite and friendly, rather than salesy and self-serving.
Show genuine interest
Networking should be organic. If you have a genuine interest in someone, you’ll naturally gravitate towards those who share that interest, and with whom you might want to keep in touch with in the future.
Take an interest in the people you meet and encounter socially. Through these conversations you’ll naturally pick up tips and advice, and hopefully those will help your work and extend your network that bit further.
Learn to listen
Listening is a skill. Try to truly listen to what’s being said. You’ll retain more and your attentiveness will be picked up by the speaker, which means they’re more likely to listen to you in return.
Ask open-ended questions
If you’re feeling a bit awkward or nervous in a conversation or at an event and want to know how to keep conversations going, then try to remember to ask open-ended questions. Questions that start with such words as ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’ and ‘when’ open up a conversation, whereas questions that only require a closed response such as ‘yes’ and ‘no’ tend to shut things down. It’s an old trick, but a good one.
Go to events and meetups!
Go to things like Meetups, Creative Mornings, F**kup Nights, Startup Weekend, hackathons, industry talks, or conferences.
A lot of meetups have different chapters – so if your city is missing the meetup you really want to attend, you could always bite the bullet and arrange one yourself. Although it’s a bit of a commitment, it’s a great way to meet others in your area who have similar interests. And it adds kudos to your resume.
Join in if people go for a drink afterwards
At the end of a conference, event or road meet up, there’ll usually be a few who want to ‘go for a drink’ in the local pub.
Usually these are genuinely passionate and interesting folk (and you might find some speakers/event organisers will tag along as well). Keep your ears primed for chatter about any after-event happenings and pop along, because it’s a great way of extending your network.
Use social networks
If you’re not comfortable with face-to-face networking, jump onto any of the social networks that will help you get in touch with like-minded people.
Start with the platform you’re most comfortable, established or relevant on, and build up from there.
Start before you’re ready!
Or start your own industry-related blog
Create your own space by starting a blog about what inspires you. If you don’t want to commit to a blog, you can post your thoughts on Medium, LinkedIn or socials.
Give people something to know you by besides your own creative work by giving something to the creative community.
A blog is not only an outlet for what floats your boat but is also a great conversation starter, either virtually or at meetups. You’ll find tons of advice about content in our article How to start a blog: 10 pro tips, and check out our pick of the best free blogging platforms.
Alternatively, platforms like Medium offer a space for you to share long blog posts without the commitment of setting up a custom space.
Keep up with new work
If you keep up with who the innovators, creators and movers-and-shakers in the industry, you’ll never be stuck for something to say either on social media or in conversatoins. New work should naturally draw you in, and keeping up to date with the industry around you will reap rewards long term. Networking doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Be open for referrals
Often at networking or social gatherings, you’ll find someone who knows someone who needs something that you do. Try to nail down the pertinent information – who, what and when? If you don’t want to pester your new contact during the evening, make a note of their details and email them for more information the next day.
Remember it’s a two-way street
Networking is about listening and helping others. It’s a case of ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’ (just remember, you often have to scratch first and don’t always expect a scratch back). Adopt a philanthropic approach to networking and you won’t be disappointed by it.