Networking for Creatives
The WHO, WHAT, WHERE, and HOW of connecting at events!
Picture this: you’re at an event making small talk. All is going well until the group turns to you and asks: “So, what do you do?”
The question itself is harmless, but the spotlight is on you. A few seconds pass. Various responses float around your head. And the words still won’t come…
It’s difficult for anyone to summarize their accomplishments in 1-2 sentences.
What if you wear several hats?
Or don’t have a one-word job title? You could be a polymath or multi-hyphenate!
How do you present the best version of yourself?
Let’s find out below!
WHO
Your audience matters.
Finely dressed corporate lawyers in a pristine boardroom are much different from free-spirited artists at a gallery opening. Just contrast their backgrounds, educations, and daily routines.
Surprisingly, it’s still possible to find at least one similarity. Even with incongruent professions, two individuals can share the same favorite food, movie, or sports team.
Connection is possible if you take the time to observe and listen.
Great conversations are like a game of tennis. While one “player” serves, the other responds with a forehand, slice, or volley. Some participants are more engaged than others.
Social cues—facial expressions and body language—are telling. If your conversation partner maintains eye contact, leans toward you, and smiles, it’s promising.
Yet, many are opportunists more concerned with climbing the ladder and achieving lofty goals. These are the people that hear but don’t truly listen. Instead of asking follow-up questions, their eyes drift to a “shinier” object or person. If they sigh, yawn, cross their arms, face away, or fidget, it’s probably best to move on.
Not everyone will take the time to dig deeper and uncover your treasured qualities.
When you understand how people operate, there’s no need to impress, please, or seek validation.
WHAT
Expressing yourself is natural. In fact, “idea elaboration is a critical part of collective creativity and innovation.”1
Collaborating with your inner circle is meaningful. Mentors, friends, and family members can help you narrow down your priorities, but timing is crucial.
As creatives, we need to protect nascent ideas.
If you’re in the initial stages of research and development, reserve time to brainstorm individually. Take a break from your lists, mind maps, and collages. Reflect and then return to your project with fresh eyes.
Once you reach the illumination phase, it’s helpful to delve deeper and consider opinions from trusted sources.
Read more about the 5 stages of creativity here!
A cacophony of voices can be distracting. If you welcome opinions too early, you may be tempted to delay or disrupt fledgling dreams. Both possibilities lead to doubt, and you’re left wondering: what if?
What if I had built the prototype? Moved out of state? Taken the job? Started a business? Traveled overseas? Learned a foreign language? Just fill in the blank.
If you wait for the right window of opportunity, it may never come. Action is key. No matter what others think, take your idea and run with it! It could be a stepping stone or door that leads to something greater. You’ll never know unless you try.
WHERE
Imagine a bustling restaurant with loud music. The atmosphere is energetic and lively. If your cohorts are drinking, eating, and joking, it’s not the best place for deeper, philosophical discussions. Even if you mention aspirations, they may not remember them in the morning…
If your team joins a phone-free, zen meditation retreat, then you may feel more comfortable being vulnerable.
Before choosing your topic of conversation, consider the context.
In the modern world, people are over-stimulated. All five senses are constantly on high alert. With the advent of social media platforms, attention spans have markedly decreased.
If you open up in the wrong place, people might unintentionally dismiss you or fall victim to distractions.
Most of the time, it’s not personal. You just have to know when and where to approach.
HOW
Instant connections are rare but exceptional. One idea leads to another. Conversations flow freely, and you don’t overthink.
So, how do we connect when people range from approachable to guarded?
The next time someone inquires about your professional or personal pursuits, answer honestly:
“I work in [field], and I also operate [passion].”
“I’m a [title], and I [passion] in my free time.”
“I help people…”
“It’s a funny story…”
“I started as a [title], but I currently work in [field].”
“In my industry, there’s a need for…”
“I recently learned…”
Your career doesn’t define you. You may work as a salesperson, lawyer, accountant, designer, or photographer. But there are other sides of your personality deserving of recognition.
Enthusiastic people draw others in like magnets.
Focus on what lights you up. Beyond the opportunities that increase revenue, promote your interests and skills. You never know who may identify with your eclectic hobby.
After responding to pointed questions, you could inquire:
“What did you study?”
“Do you have a favorite book?”
“What are you passionate about right now?”
“Did you always want to work in this field?”
“How did you enter this industry?”
“What kind of projects are you leading?”
Solid partnerships are about give and take. The most dependable friends and team members will listen intently before offering a stream of questions, comments, or critiques.
Above all, it’s imperative to identify your audience and value. Determine what sets you apart. Everyone has something special to offer the world.
Remain true, and the right people will find you.
