Proven Networking Strategies for Design Professionals

Master the art of networking with our practical guide. Learn how to connect authentically, avoid common mistakes, and network effectively, especially for introverts. Perfect for creatives seeking to expand their network without the hard sell.

Proven Networking Strategies for Design Professionals

Many people move too quickly when it comes to networking (or they just don’t do it at all). They want to meet someone and immediately sell them on their services, but good networking doesn’t work like that. It’s not about making sales; it’s about… expanding your network.

This article will cover common networking mistakes and how to network in-person and online, especially for introverts. Let’s dive in!

Truths about networking

There are some simple truths when it comes to networking that you must keep in mind. First, you want to connect with people authentically, and you don’t want to hound them. Most people are open to meeting new people and want you to reach out, but they also don’t want to feel like they have a stalker. So, balance is key when reaching out online or in person.

The second is that this isn’t a sales call. Most of the work you’ll receive will be from the by-product of your networking. People work with people they like. If people know what you do and they like you, then when they have some work available that fits your services, they’ll contact you. You’ll be the first person they think of because they like you. All of this sort of goes away if you start pressuring people to buy from you the first time you meet them.

The networking formula for creatives

This formula can help you craft your initial message in a way that won’t turn people off. Each piece can be added in a small way to give your message a bigger impact and help it to be well-received

Explain your trigger: the reason or compelling event that sparked you to reach out.
Show genuine interest: be specific to the person you’re talking to.
Make the ask: a simple ask with low commitment.
Offer reassurance: let them know you aren’t selling something.
Add value: this can be small and personal.

Here’s an example of it in action:

“I hope you’re well. I drive by the POM Wonderful office on Olympic every day on my commute, and I thought I’d reach out and say hello. My two-year-old absolutely loves Halo’s; what two-year-old doesn’t? I think you guys have done a stellar job of positioning that brand; there’s a lot to learn from POM’s approach to branding and marketing. Since we’re so close, I’d love to grab coffee one morning and talk shop. No sales, no ulterior motive, I promise. Are you free any morning next week? My treat, of course.”

How to start networking online

Most networking these days is conducted online. Matthew Encina presented a video on The Futur channel about this if you want to watch it.

Networking is like creating your own opportunities, and in the digital age, those opportunities are limitless. You now have the ability to meet anyone from anywhere in the world. It’s incredible when you really think about it.

When sending a cold DM online, you want to ensure the message isn’t all about you. The message should be catered to the person you’re reaching out to. This means you may have to research who the person is, what they enjoy, and what they are working on, and soon you’ll begin to see what kind of value you can bring to them.

You can follow the same guidelines as above. Be genuine, be curious, add value, and go for the ask. You don’t have to overcomplicate it; send a message you yourself would want to read and be personable.

After you’ve done some research, you’ll be ready to craft your message. In general, you want to keep it brief; don’t send huge paragraphs of text. People skim when they read; if someone opens their messages and sees a huge block of text, they’re more likely just to hit delete or ignore it altogether.

Once you’ve sent your initial message, you can follow up with them in a week or so if they haven’t responded. You can also kindly ask for a referral. If the timing or request isn’t right, they may know someone else for whom it may be better suited.

Things to consider when networking

Now that we’ve given a basic rundown, here are the last bits of things you should consider when you start to reach out to others. Don’t put a ton of pressure on yourself; just have a conversation, be friendly, be helpful.

People can see when you are just approaching them because you want something. Think about the last time that happened to you and be honest; how did it feel? When networking, do it because you genuinely want to meet new people and take an interest in their lives.

If you’re treating this correctly, it will be fun for you to reach out and have those conversations. Finally, here’s a quick list to wrap it all up.

Don’t sell
Build the relationship first; be personal
Don’t send bulk emails - don’t spam
Make the subject line personal
Contact people, not companies
Expect nothing
Have fun

To end, this quote by Zig Ziglar sums it up perfectly. “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Happy networking!

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ABOUT

Chris Do

Chris Do is an Emmy award-winning director, designer, strategist, and educator. He's the Founder and CEO of The Futur—an online education platform that teaches the business of design to creative thinkers.

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