Networking in the Creative Industry

Stop (only) applying for jobs. I'm serious. While everyone will help, here is what actually works: ✅ Spend that time building relationships with people at companies you want to work for. Here's the math no one talks about: 100 applications = 2-3 callbacks (if you're lucky) 10 genuine connections = 5-7 opportunities How do I know? Hiring and getting hired are very similar. So far, all my hires were referrals and introductions. All my clients came through the same. I've placed hundreds of designers. The ones who got hired fastest? They weren't the ones with the most applications. They were the ones who: → DMed designers at target companies about their work (I've hired people who did this at Miro) → Commented thoughtfully on posts from hiring managers → Asked for 15-minute coffee chats, not job talk at first → Built relationships BEFORE they needed them (that's the actual gold here) Real example from last week: The designer spent 3 months engaging with the design lead's content. When a role opened up? She got a DM: "We have something perfect for you." Never even posted publicly. Meanwhile, 847 other designers are fighting over the LinkedIn posting 👹 But here's the part no one teaches you — WHO to reach out to: ✓ Someone I aspire to get to know ✓ Someone's career I aspire to have ✓ Someone who works where I'd like to work ✓ Someone who may be going through similar challenges ✓ Someone I will have lots to talk about And here's how I prioritize companies and roles: First, I map out my network: → Find all my previous colleagues — where do they work now? → Find all open roles — what's relevant and what sounds like the best fit? → What can I see about those environments from JDs and career websites? This gives me a targeted list of: ✨ Companies where I already have warm connections ✨ Roles that actually match my skills ✨ Environments I'd thrive in (not just survive) Smart networking > no applications > successful hires. Every. Single. Time. The best jobs aren't advertised. They go to people already in the conversation. So stop being application #248. Start being the person they think of first. Your time is better spent building one real connection than sending 20 applications into the black hole. Trust me on this one. 💬 How did you get your last role: application or connection? Tell me and let's do some market research together ⬇️

You don’t need to attend awkward networking events to build connections. Here are 10 ways to network online (from your couch) to land your dream job, mentorship or just to stay in touch: 1. Start with warm calls, not cold DMs Reaching out to strangers is intimidating. So, begin with people you already admire or respect: past colleagues, old classmates, mentors, or anyone you’ve gotten value from. Reach out, share your goals, ask for advice, or simply reconnect. — 2. Build (or join) a 3-6 person mastermind Invite people you admire to check in monthly or quarterly. Ask 3 simple questions in each meeting: • What’s your biggest win? • What’s your biggest challenge? • How can we help each other? This becomes your personal board of advisors, and their networks become yours, too. — 3. Make intros within your own network Instead of always trying to add new people, try connecting two people you already know. It builds goodwill, and often sparks reciprocity. Some of my best opportunities came from introductions I made first. — 4. Be the tortoise, not the hare Strong networks aren’t built in a week. They come from consistency, trust, and staying top of mind. Check in. Celebrate small wins. Be helpful, even without asking for anything.  — 5. Send snail mail Want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn messages? Send a handwritten card or even a fun comic with a note. The person will always remember your “extra” effort. — 6. Elevate the interaction • Only chatted with someone online? Try a call. • Had a few calls? Try a Zoom meeting. • Know them over Zoom? Meet up in person. Each upgrade strengthens the connection. — 7. Pick one platform to dominate Instead of being everywhere, go deep somewhere. For example, if it’s LinkedIn: • Endorse people • Write thoughtful comments • Share niche insights your network actually values   This depth pays off more than shallow visibility. — 8. Curate, don’t just connect Curate the best insights, tools, or articles in your niche, and share them regularly. You’ll become a trusted source people keep coming back or referring to. — 9. Do something fun together Shared activities build bonds. This could be as simple as playing a game, joining a sweepstakes, or co-hosting a webinar.  People remember who made them feel something. — 10. Swipe right (yes, really) Apps like Shapr or Invitly are designed for warm outreach — you match with people who want to meet others. It’s cold networking without the awkwardness. Networking isn’t about pitching. It’s about planting seeds. Start with one person. Reach out. Reconnect.  Then keep showing up, helping others, and making connections that count.

Tired of meetings and dinners that feel… blah? The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker shows you how to fix that. Most gatherings fall flat for one reason: We plan on autopilot. We focus on logistics instead of asking the deeper question: What’s the purpose of this gathering? Purpose comes first. Not “Have dinner and catch up.” But “Reconnect after a tough season” or “Celebrate creative wins.” Define why before you decide how. Then curate the guest list. Right people > all people. Inviting everyone can dilute the experience. Invite those who serve the purpose and trust that’s enough. Set the rules. Want deeper connection? Create boundaries. No phones. No job talk. Everyone brings a story. Whatever works. Just make it yours. Be a bold host, not a chill one. Shape the experience. Guide the group. Close with intention. Don’t just hope the magic happens. Make it happen. When you gather with intention: People open up faster. They remember it longer. And they walk away changed even if just a little. The takeaway: Most gatherings blend in. But the best ones are designed. Make the next one count.

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Last year, during the Miami Grand Prix, an exec saw my LinkedIn post about sponsoring an F1 driver, and a new business opportunity was born. This little moment proved one thing: a solid LinkedIn strategy can turn a one-off motorsport activation into something much bigger. Because, let’s be real, too many sponsorships burn bright for a weekend and then fizzle out like flat champagne. But with LinkedIn? You can keep the conversation and the ROI alive long after the checkered flag waves. Here's how to do it: 1/ Extend the lifespan of your activation. Most activations last about as long as a pit stop. (Quick, impressive, but gone in a flash.) Instead, keep the momentum going by posting behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and even a few bloopers from race day. Let people feel like they're part of the action; who doesn’t love a good paddock anecdote? 2/ Reach the Right Audience LinkedIn isn’t just another social media platform. It’s like the VIP suite of the internet. Full of decision-makers, industry pros, and the people who actually hold the budgets. So, instead of just hyping your sponsorship to fans, target the folks who can turn your motorsport ROI from “meh” to “whoa.” Think of it as skipping the long line and heading straight for the F1 paddock lounge. 3/ Show Your Community Side Activations aren’t just about slapping your logo on a fast car. (I mean, it looks cool too, but still.) Use your LinkedIn posts to highlight the deeper work: how your sponsorship supports grassroots programs, championing diversity, or connects with fans meaningfully. And invite people to chime in. 4/ Flex Your Creativity F1 sponsorships aren’t just billboards with wheels anymore. Got a cool gamified campaign? A wild digital activation? Talk about it! Use LinkedIn to show off how your brand isn’t just riding along; it’s original. (Bonus points if you throw in a pun. People love a good pun.) 5/ Show the Receipts (a.k.a. Prove the ROI) You know what every exec loves? Data. So, share the wins! Post engagement stats, media hits, or even fan feedback. Make it crystal clear that your activation didn’t just look cool; it worked. Because at the end of the day, people want proof that your sponsorship is more than just a “fast and furious” fling. Motorsport activations shouldn’t disappear like tire smoke once the race is over. With a thoughtful LinkedIn strategy, you can keep the excitement alive, impress key decision-makers, and show the world that you’re not just a sponsor. You’re an active member. So, go ahead. Post that behind-the-scenes photo, share the lessons you learned, and flex a little. And who knows? Your next business deal might be just a scroll away.

A totally underrated use of LinkedIn for solopreneurs: Actually leveraging your network beyond "lead generation". Most solopreneurs only come here to land leads & clients. They'll post daily. Send endless messages. Connect with hundreds of people. But they're not seeing LinkedIn's biggest strength. The power to collaborate towards common goals. Stop reaching out only for transactional purposes. This ain't Upwork or Fiverr. And it'll never be. Instead... Propose service exchanges. Swap a consultation for a testimonial. Request feedback for your copy/offers. Ask close connections for biz referrals. Connect with thought leaders through them. The sky really is the limit. If you're only reaching out to "warm leads", you're doing LinkedIn wrong. LinkedIn is a networking platform. Leverage it. Or keep using it like a fancier Upwork. Your choice. P.S. What's your best story of LinkedIn networking and what benefits did it bring you?

Are your networking convos going nowhere?  Then, you are likely not asking the right questions at the end of the chat. So let me fix this for ya. Here are my favorite end-of-chit-chat questions to make sure you keep the new connections moving forward. ⭐ Expanding Your Network: "Based on our conversation, who else would you recommend I speak with to gain further insights into this field?" ⭐ Gaining Deeper Industry Insight: "Are there any groups, associations, or forums you think I should join to connect with other professionals in this field?" ⭐ Understanding Company Culture: "Who in your organization has been pivotal to your understanding of the company culture, and might they be open to a discussion?" ⭐ Exploring Opportunities: "In your opinion, which companies or teams are doing exciting work in this space that I should explore further?" ⭐ Finding Mentors and Advisors: "I'm interested in finding a mentor in the field. Is there someone whose career path you admire and who might be open to a mentorship conversation?" ⭐ Learning About Roles and Functions: "Which colleagues of yours have taken interesting paths or roles that you think I could learn from?" ⭐ Asking for Introductions: "Would you be comfortable introducing me to anyone in your network who you think could provide additional perspective on my job search?" ⭐ Keeping the Conversation Going: "What events or meetups would you suggest I attend to meet like-minded professionals in this industry?" ⭐ Following Industry Developments: "Are there any upcoming industry events or webinars that you think would be beneficial for someone in my position to attend?" ⭐ Staying in Touch: "How can I best keep in touch with you as I continue exploring this field and potentially seek your advice again in the future?" So...will you use these banging questions in your next networking chat? Then drop a "YEAH" Lil Jon style in the comments below. #networking #networkingtips

One meaningful connection is worth more than 100 surface-level ones. I've always believed that genuine relationships aren't built by chasing metrics but by sharing authentically and engaging with curiosity. For me writing wasn't a strategy. It was a passion. And it was through this authenticity that meaningful connections and opportunities naturally followed. Here’s what I’ve learned about building relationships that last: ✅ Be intentional with connections. Don’t just add people - connect with those who align with your values and aspirations. ✅ Personalize your approach. Whether it’s a message or a comment, show genuine interest. Avoid generic outreach. ✅ Give before you ask. Share insights, offer support, or introduce someone valuable - without expecting anything in return. ✅ Consistent engagement matters. Comment thoughtfully, celebrate milestones, and keep conversations alive. ✅ Bridge online and offline. A virtual coffee chat or meeting at an industry event can turn a digital contact into a real-life ally. ✅ Leverage trends. Use voice messages, co-create content, and explore diverse networks to build richer, deeper connections. Start small. Leave a thoughtful comment. Plan a virtual coffee. Because relationships aren’t just about who you know—but who you grow with. Read more in this week's article. P.S. How do you nurture your LinkedIn connections for long-term value? Share in the comments. 👇

Work with people who’d still have your back even if you left the industry for a bit. Because here’s the truth. Most creatives are scared to take a break. They worry that if they say no once, they’ll never be called again. That someone else will step in, do a great job, and they’ll be forgotten. That fear keeps people from resting. From taking holidays. From healing after burnout. From taking parental leave without guilt. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Build real relationships — not transactional ones. → Work with people who ask how your weekend was. → Who care about your life outside of work. → Who remember your kid’s name. → Who check in even when there’s no job on the table. Do the same in return. Get to know the people you work with. Not just their role. But who they are. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you make it safe to pause. That’s how you avoid feeling like you have to start over every time you come back. And when I *do* take a break. I let my clients know. And I send them a list of solid people to call while I’m gone. There’s more than enough work to go around. We only ever touch a fraction of it. Be helpful. Be confident in your ability. And if you’re not. That’s your sign to start building stronger connections.

𝐀 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐈 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬. By the end of the day, my pocket was full of business cards, but I couldn’t remember half the conversations. That’s when it hit me: networking isn’t about collecting names, titles, or LinkedIn connections. It’s about building relationships that actually matter. Here’s what I learned the hard way: - When you treat networking as a numbers game, you end up with contacts, not connections. - When you reach out without a clear purpose, people can sense it—and the conversation rarely goes far. - When you don’t nurture relationships over time, they fade away before any real value is created. So what works instead? - Adopt a value-first mindset. Before reaching out, I ask myself, “How can I contribute to this person’s journey before asking for anything?” Sometimes it’s sharing an article, making an introduction, or just offering encouragement. - Prepare before connecting. A little research goes a long way. Personalizing a message shows genuine respect for someone’s time and creates a much stronger first impression. - Maintain relationships. I’ve learned that small, consistent touches—congratulating someone on a promotion, commenting thoughtfully on their posts, or checking in periodically—make a big difference in keeping connections alive. Over time, I’ve discovered that quality connections always outweigh quantity. The few meaningful relationships I’ve nurtured have opened more doors, created more opportunities, and led to more collaboration than any pile of business cards ever could. 𝐒𝐨, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴? #NetworkingStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessRelationships #CareerDevelopment #LinkedInTips #RelationshipBuilding #CoachIshleenKaur #InternationalBusinessCoach LinkedIn News LinkedIn News India LinkedIn for Small Business