“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”

Networking isn’t just about swapping business cards or adding people on LinkedIn – it’s about building genuine relationships that can help shape your career. As somebody who’s been in the business of introductions for over a decade, I’ve see first-hand how networking makes career dreams come true.

Whether you’re a designer, strategist, or creative leader, there’s no doubt that expanding your network can lead to new opportunities. But not everyone finds networking easy. If the thought of ‘putting yourself out there’ makes you cringe, you’re not alone. The good news? Networking doesn’t have to be awkward or transactional. Here are my top tips to make it work for you.

Be interested, not just interesting
People remember conversations, not pitches. Instead of worrying about how to sell yourself, focus on asking great questions. What’s your latest project? What do you think about a new trend? Showing genuine curiosity creates a stronger connection than a rehearsed elevator pitch ever will.

💡 Instead of saying, “I love your work at abc agency”, try “I saw the project you did for abc – what did it take to bring that to life?”

Find your peers
The best networking can happen outside of ‘networking events’. Industry talks, workshops, and creative meetups are more organic when it comes to opening conversations. Events like Common Interest (of course!), and Ladies Wine & Design are all about fuelling thought, rather than flinging business cards.

💡When you’re at an event, don’t just speak to the big names – some of the best connections, with the most longevity, happen with peers at the same level who’ll grow alongside you.

Follow up!
You can easily meet 20+ people at an event, but if you don’t follow up, they’re just names in your notes app. A quick LinkedIn message or email can turn a one-time chat into a lasting connection. Keep it short, personal, and specific – mention something from your conversation and suggest staying in touch.

💡“Hey Tommy, great chatting at abc event! Loved hearing about your project for abc. Would be great to stay connected – are you going to the next one?”

Show up consistently, online and offline
You don’t need to attend every event out there to build a strong network; your online presence matters too. Engaging on LinkedIn, sharing interesting projects, and commenting on relevant posts keeps you visible without always being in the room. It’s something I’m trying to work on at the moment!

💡 Start by commenting on posts from creative leaders or sharing thoughts on what you’ve seen. It makes it easier to start in-person conversations later!

Give before you take
Networking works best when it’s mutually beneficial. Instead of just thinking about what you can gain, ask yourself what you can offer. Can you introduce someone to a useful contact? Recommend a resource? Offer knowledge on a topic? The more you help others, the stronger your network becomes.

💡 The best networkers are connectors. If you introduce two people who should know each other, you become a valuable part of that relationship.

Networking in the creative industry doesn’t have to feel forced. At its core, it’s just building relationships with people who share your interests! Stay curious, and be generous with your time and connections. You never know where one conversation might lead.

See you at the next event! 👋