Ah, networking for creatives, you say? And we all know how hard networking is.and by the way that’s why it’s called networking. And not netpartying.
Most people find the thought of walking up to a complete stranger and introducing yourself to be daunting. Here I am going to try and show you how to do it, and what the benefits your networking can have on your career in the creative industries.
Networking is really beneficial for your career. You can meet and share with your peers. You can form alliances, collaborations. and you can develop new skills.
My aim with this article is to explain what networking actually is. I want to show you reasons why networking is such an essential part of your career strategy. Networking is also a great way to boost your confidence. And I even have some scientific data that will prove why networking is so important.
What is Networking?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, networking is:
- the activity of meeting people who might be useful to know, especially in your job.
- the process of meeting and talking to a lot of people, esp. in order to get information that can help you.
What sets networking for creatives aside from simply meeting people, is you are trying to build a relationship of trust with an individual that could further your own career.
According to Gail Golden Consulting, there are 3 types of networking all successful people must master:
Operational networking
This is abut networking within your company, or in your film set, to make sure that everyone gets the job done.
Personal networking
Personal networking is about meeting people and developing relationships outside of your day job. Here you are looking for people who can help you achieve personal goals. At Raindance we have a variety of monthly ‘Boozin’ N Schmoozin‘ film networking events in London, Toronto, LA, New York and Vancouver.
Strategic networking
Strategic networking is about creating a network of people who can help with your goal. At Raindance, executive director David Martinez spends a lot of time developing relationships with cultural attaches and talent who might be willing to sponsor the festival.
Non profits also spend time engaging with performers who might be wiling to lend their name pro bono.
As you rise up through the ranks, the value of networking for creatives becomes ever more apparent. The real trick is to manage all three types of networking.
How do you get good at this stuff?
Step one is to get over the notion that networking is somehow sleasy and unimportant. This is totally wrong and will hold you back. Perhaps you can find a role model and learn from them.
Being who I am, I think finding a professional networking group that has regular meetings, like the monthly Raindance Open Shorts Night. This will force you to get out and circulate, exchange contact details and keep in touch. And remember, a good networker gives more than they receive.
Value Of Networking for Creatives
1. Networking for creatives builds your brand
Your brand isn’t your logo or website. it’s what people think about you when your name comes up.
Professional networking can establish you as a decent human being! with the attributes of being supportive, friendly, considerate, classy and knowledgeable about the industry.
What you want to get out of this is to build a really solid reputation. This will lead to offers and partnerships.
Here are three networking tips that will go a long way to helping you gain respect and trust:
- Listen. I mean really listen with every fibre of your body. Active listening it’s called. Hone this skill.
- Offer help: Banish self-interest. See how you might make the person you are speaking to have an easier journey to their goals. You’ll get known as someone who can offer good advice
- Rebound: Even if you can’t help the person you are talking to, there is a really good chance you’ll know someone who can. Offer the referral and this will enhance your standing as someone who is a reliable help.
2. Networking Builds your profile
Attending networking events on a regular basis really builds your profile. I myself go to the Cannes Film Festival every year. Basically, I show my face and let everyone know that I am still around and that Raindance is thriving, And every year we have a Cannes Villa Party. It’s a flurry of networking amongst some of the most interesting indie film producers in the business. People attend to make new contacts and to refresh exisiting ones.
As your networking skills strengthen, and as your circle of contacts increases, so will your personal reputation. You will open doors to new areas you might not have thought of before.
3.Networking creates a support network
4. Networking promotes growth
Most creatives are free-lance. And Networking for Creatives is how you expand your circle of influence, allowing you to grow.
- Connect with your peers: Share your successes and heroic failures with your friends, those who have a vested interest in seeing you succeed. Back in the 90’s there was a group I helped launch called the New Producers Alliance which ran for a dozen years. Their networking events were renown for sharing the results of transatlantic pitch meetings and festival stories.
- Expand your circle of influence: The formula is really simple. The more people that know you, the more people out there who can help you. And more than that, the more people who know what you are doing, the more that will champion you, too. Who doesn’t like and appreciate a social media like or comment?
- Trend updates: It’s such a fast moving industry. At networking events I always find out whats the newest, boldest, and freshest innovation around. And then I can get instant feedback on where it all might be going.
- Know your competitors. There’s no need to feel threatened by anyone. The creative industries is a very small place. And the people you meet at networking events might appear to be competitors. But really, they are trying to magic the same rabbit out of the hat as you are. So why not gain their trust and share hurdles and successes with each other. And who knows – you might end up as collaborators too!
- Keeps you sharp: Connecting with your peers will help you keep sharp as a whistle. Be open to feedback. Not to mention that industry networking events can put you in touch with industry leaders who might be able to offer you mentorship and guidance if you approach them properly.
5. Networking connects you to film industry leaders
Industry heavyweights often attend networking events as the special guest of the sponsoring organisation. Just because you are in the same room as them for fifteen minutes doesn’t me=an you are best friends. But it does mean that you have a common experience.
That’s why the prime networking events at Raindance are so popular. The Cannes Villa Party, Opening and Closing Night and the British Independent Film Awards. It is a treat to see your heroes in the flesh and see how they interact with well-wishers. And the secret trick is to see who manages their diary. Perhaps that person can edge you ever closer to the inner circle.
15 Statistics That Show Why Networking Is Important
In case you need scientific proof that networking is essential to your success, have a look at these statistics compiled by Nov0resume:
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- Networking is responsible for filling in 85% of job vacancies. Source: HubSpot
- 7 out of 10 job openings aren’t publicly advertised. Source: CNBC
- 70% of people report that networking helped them to find their current job. Source: PayScale
- Although less than 50% of people maintain their professional network, 80% of people believe that networking accelerates their career growth. Source: LinkedIn
- Nearly 90% of professionals consider networking vital to their career development. Source: GrowMap
- 23% of job seekers rely on networking to find a job. Source: Chakir
- 35% of people discover career opportunities through their friends. Source: Jobvite
- Nearly 70% of event planners find new clients in networking conferences. Source: Event Manager Blog
- Nearly every second freelancer finds job opportunities through their family and friends. Source: Fit Small Business
- Networking typically provides job seekers with higher-quality job offers, including offers with higher wages. Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- 1 in 4 professionals around the world has established new business partnerships by networking on LinkedIn. Source: LinkedIn
- Networking provides women and men with an almost equal chance of finding a job, which is 26% for women and 25% for men. Source: Clutch
- Employees tend to be happier with the jobs they got through networking than through other sources. Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- 35% of people report that a casual conversation on LinkedIn has resulted in new career opportunities. Source: LinkedIn
- 95% of professionals think that in-person networking is crucial to maintaining long-lasting business relationships. Source: Harvard Business Review
Foolproof networking tips
Nothing about mastering networking is difficult. It requires some good effort. Here are some ways to make sure your efforts are producing the maximum results:
- Connect with the right people.
Be strategic. Connect with the people that can help you. Set up Google alerts that ping every time someone you want to meet is mentioned. Build up a database of these people. Read the trade papers too - It’s a 2 way street.
If you get known as a taker who never pays back, your network will wither and dry up.Focus on how you could help the other person. - Maintain your network.
Your career relationships need care and nurturing just like your personal relationships. And they will fail of you don’t maintain them. Keep in touch with your professional network. Like their social media posts. send short emails congratulating them on professional milestones. Or send a short message on Linkedin. - Perfect your personal branding
Keep your own social media networks up-to-date. remember that most professionals will check out your social media platforms. Stay on top of current industry trends and news. - Consider the Raindance Branding course for specifics on how to create a winning branding formula.
- Visit networking events.
In person networking events are a great way to expand your circle, and keep abreast of industry events. If there are none in your area, consider starting one yourself. or attend virtual events at a time that suits your schedule. - Be first there.
Networking events can get busy. Being early can mean meeting the organisers too. And perhaps you’ll get a chance to read the lie of the land and position yourself accordingly.
Fade Out
I hope I have proven how important networking is. I even have included scientific evidence and statistics as well!
Here are my key points:
- Networking means building meaningful connections with others
- Networking needs to be good for both sides
- You network to increase your visibility and to create a strong support network.
- Good networkers have a strong online presences, and yes, that means social media
- Engage in networking events
