7 answers
Pearl
Student
India
25
Questions
Asked
1129 views
How can I get better at networking not just making connections, but actually building meaningful relationships that could be beneficial in the long run? Also, can you suggest any good networking platforms for artists, apart from LinkedIn, that are beginner friendly and great for connecting with like minded creatives?
Thank you so much in advance! I’d truly appreciate any tips or insights you have to share.
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7 answers
Katie Jacobs
Consultant
12
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Katie’s Answer
It’s a good idea to even start locally or leverage the built in network that you already have. This could include family and friends, school mates, colleagues from any extracurriculars you are involved in. It doesn’t have to be difficult or initially create a huge network. One rule of thumb that I think is always worth keeping in mind regardless of if you are intentionally networking is treating people with kindness and making them feel valued. People always remember how you make them feel and you never know when you will cross paths with someone again.
Thank you, Katie!
Pearl
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
47
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
To build meaningful relationships through networking, focus on being genuinely curious and supportive—engage thoughtfully with others’ work, follow up over time, and aim to create mutual value rather than just collecting contacts. Instead of quick follows or likes, leave comments, ask questions, and share your own creative journey naturally to build trust and connection. For artist-friendly platforms beyond LinkedIn, check out Behance, Instagram, ArtStation, Discord communities, and The Dots—each offers unique ways to connect with like-minded creatives in a more relaxed and authentic way, especially if you're just starting out.
Your advice was so helpful!
Pearl
Yoana Krasteva
Community & Events Lead
2
Answers
Sofia, Bulgaria
Updated
Yoana’s Answer
Creating a network of meaningful connections is key to enriching both your personal and professional life. Be true to yourself and show real interest in those you meet. Instead of just waiting for your turn to talk, really listen to what others are saying. It's more valuable to have a few strong connections than many shallow ones. Good relationships need care and attention, so be a good listener, offer help, and think about how you can support others. Keep in touch and be patient, as meaningful relationships take time to grow.
If you're passionate about the arts and want to meet like-minded people, go to events and gatherings where you can meet them face-to-face. This is a great way to practice your networking skills and build strong relationships. It might be tough at first, but stay motivated. Be bold and discover what the world and its people have to offer.
If you're passionate about the arts and want to meet like-minded people, go to events and gatherings where you can meet them face-to-face. This is a great way to practice your networking skills and build strong relationships. It might be tough at first, but stay motivated. Be bold and discover what the world and its people have to offer.
Thanks for the advice.
Pearl
VINEET BIST
4
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
VINEET’s Answer
Concise & Professional:
Seek advice from seasoned experts.
Simple & Clear:
Form bonds with successful individuals for advice.
Direct & Impactful:
Engage with high achievers for valuable insights.
Minimalist:
Gain wisdom from accomplished professionals.
Seek advice from seasoned experts.
Simple & Clear:
Form bonds with successful individuals for advice.
Direct & Impactful:
Engage with high achievers for valuable insights.
Minimalist:
Gain wisdom from accomplished professionals.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Pearl
Karan Gupta
Software Developer
11
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Karan’s Answer
Hi Pearl,
Over time, I have realized that if you want to build meaningful connections, you actually need to let go inside you the requirement of a connection to be meaningful.
Just be genuine in your engagements. Help or add value wherever you can without expecting any commitment.
It will definitely come back to you in one way or another.
If you want to engage with other like minded creatives, platforms such as Reddit and Discord are much more relevant and intimate nowadays.
You can spend time finding good communities and engage with relevant crowd.
However, please tread cautiously as one should with all social media platforms.
Over time, I have realized that if you want to build meaningful connections, you actually need to let go inside you the requirement of a connection to be meaningful.
Just be genuine in your engagements. Help or add value wherever you can without expecting any commitment.
It will definitely come back to you in one way or another.
If you want to engage with other like minded creatives, platforms such as Reddit and Discord are much more relevant and intimate nowadays.
You can spend time finding good communities and engage with relevant crowd.
However, please tread cautiously as one should with all social media platforms.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Pearl
Pushkal Singh
Supply Chain Strategic Sourcing
4
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Pushkal’s Answer
Great question. Sharing from my experience.
Networking operates on a few basic principles that are essential to understand:
Cast a Wide Net: Start by reaching out to many people. Through these conversations, you'll gradually filter your network to a core set of mentors and mentees with whom you can build long-term, if not lifelong, relationships. It's natural that not everyone will be a good fit, and that's okay. The goal is to find a handful of core members who will be valuable to you.
Find Common Ground: The core members you connect with will likely share something significant with you—whether it's a past experience, similar career aspirations, or hobbies. Be ready to share your genuine story and learn from theirs. Relationships are often formed in the first couple of sessions.
Build Transparency: Meaningful relationships are built on transparency. Genuine conversations foster trust, which can lead to transformational advice and shared experiences.
Establish a Cadence: Relationships develop over time, so set a regular schedule to meet with your mentor or mentee. Flexibility is important, but having a recurring meeting ensures consistency.
Practice Makes Perfect: Networking may not feel natural at first. Initial conversations might be awkward, but don't let that discourage you. Just like relationships evolve, so do conversations. Keep practicing until it becomes second nature.
Plan Ahead: Think about what you want to gain from the relationship and structure your approach accordingly. Consider the experiences you want to share, the questions you want to ask, and the feedback you seek. Planning ensures that your time is used meaningfully.
Prepare and Share: Depending on your mentor's style, you might send an agenda or content in advance. This allows them to come prepared for the conversation. Find out if this approach works for them.
Take Notes and Follow Up: Document the advice, opinions, and experiences shared by your mentor. Follow up on how you applied their advice and the outcomes. This encourages your mentor and makes them feel invested in the relationship.
Networking is a 2-way street: Think about how you can provide value to your network (taking on mentees that your mentor recommends? Sharing your perspective on a problem or conundrum they may be faced with?), whether it's through sharing knowledge, offering support, or connecting them with other professionals.
Networking operates on a few basic principles that are essential to understand:
Cast a Wide Net: Start by reaching out to many people. Through these conversations, you'll gradually filter your network to a core set of mentors and mentees with whom you can build long-term, if not lifelong, relationships. It's natural that not everyone will be a good fit, and that's okay. The goal is to find a handful of core members who will be valuable to you.
Find Common Ground: The core members you connect with will likely share something significant with you—whether it's a past experience, similar career aspirations, or hobbies. Be ready to share your genuine story and learn from theirs. Relationships are often formed in the first couple of sessions.
Build Transparency: Meaningful relationships are built on transparency. Genuine conversations foster trust, which can lead to transformational advice and shared experiences.
Establish a Cadence: Relationships develop over time, so set a regular schedule to meet with your mentor or mentee. Flexibility is important, but having a recurring meeting ensures consistency.
Practice Makes Perfect: Networking may not feel natural at first. Initial conversations might be awkward, but don't let that discourage you. Just like relationships evolve, so do conversations. Keep practicing until it becomes second nature.
Plan Ahead: Think about what you want to gain from the relationship and structure your approach accordingly. Consider the experiences you want to share, the questions you want to ask, and the feedback you seek. Planning ensures that your time is used meaningfully.
Prepare and Share: Depending on your mentor's style, you might send an agenda or content in advance. This allows them to come prepared for the conversation. Find out if this approach works for them.
Take Notes and Follow Up: Document the advice, opinions, and experiences shared by your mentor. Follow up on how you applied their advice and the outcomes. This encourages your mentor and makes them feel invested in the relationship.
Networking is a 2-way street: Think about how you can provide value to your network (taking on mentees that your mentor recommends? Sharing your perspective on a problem or conundrum they may be faced with?), whether it's through sharing knowledge, offering support, or connecting them with other professionals.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Pearl
VINEET BIST
4
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
VINEET’s Answer
Concise & Professional:
Engage with experts for experienced advice.
Simple & Clear:
Form bonds with achievers for guidance.
Direct & Impactful:
Network with top performers for insights.
Minimalist:
Learn from successful professionals.
Engage with experts for experienced advice.
Simple & Clear:
Form bonds with achievers for guidance.
Direct & Impactful:
Network with top performers for insights.
Minimalist:
Learn from successful professionals.