Whether you are an artist or an entertainer, you’ve probably heard it a thousand times – “It is all about who you know.” While you may know the importance of networking, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the industry. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach and platform, networking can become a natural and enjoyable part of building your career in the entertainment industry.
Here are 11 networking tips that will help you get started:
Table of Contents:
- 1. Be Genuine, Be Yourself
- 2. Make the First Move
- 3. Stay Active Online
- 4. Leverage HitFame for Opportunities
- 5. Attend Events and Workshops
- 6. Collaborate with Other Artists
- 7. Follow Up, But Don’t Overdo It
- 8. Offer Help Before Asking for It
- 9. Keep Learning and Stay Informed
- 10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
- 11. Be Patient and Persistent
1. Be Genuine, Be Yourself
First things first, you have to be actually wanting to build a network instead of only connecting with the community for the sake of networking. People, especially successful individuals in their field, can tell when you are only interested in what they can do for you. Instead, focus on building genuine connections – Show interest in others, ask questions, and listen. Whether you’re at an industry event or connecting with someone online, being authentic is the key to forming strong and real relationships.
2. Make the First Move
When we start our networking journey in a new field, oftentimes we feel uncomfortable initiating a conversation and it costs us opportunities to build genuine relationships or even advance our career. So, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself when you get the chance. Whether it is sending a message through DM or striking up a conversation at an event, taking that first step can open doors you wouldn’t have imagined. Remember, everyone starts somewhere at some point, and most people appreciate the efforts and the courage it takes to reach out.
3. Stay Active Online
In the current internet-savvy world, your online presence is just as important as your in-person interactions. Keeping your online profile up-to-date, listing all your strong points and achievements, and engaging with like-minded people from your industry can help you build an interesting and credible online portfolio. Engaging with content that resonates with you is also a simple way to stay on people’s radar and build a cohesive network.
4. Leverage HitFame for Opportunities
HitFame is designed to help you connect with fellow experts and professionals from your industry and showcase your talent to get noticed by them. By keeping your HitFame profile updated and actively participating in the community can instantly increase your chances of connecting with industry insiders. You can also use HitFame to discover events, workshops, and potential job opportunities that align with your career goals. It is a powerful tool to expand your professional network and get the chance to work with the right people.
5. Attend Events and Workshops
Whether it is a film festival, gallery opening, music showcase, or an educational workshop, events and workshops are goldmines for networking opportunities. But don’t just attend to get the participating certificate. Ask questions during the Q&As, introduce yourself to panellists and other attendees, and engage with entertainers of your interest. These are opportunities to learn or hone skills but also to connect with professionals who share your passions.
6. Collaborate with Other Artists
Collaborating with other artists or professionals in your community is the fastest way to expand your reach and find new collaboration opportunities. By working with others, you not only make your portfolio strong or have new experiences but also expand your circle. Whether it’s co-writing a song, doing a joint film project, or hosting a collaborative event, these partnerships can lead to lasting professional relationships.
7. Follow Up, But Don’t Overdo It
If you engage with someone at an offline meetup or an event and feel a potential connection, be sure to follow up with them. However, keep it simple and subtle – remind them of your interaction with them and express your interest in staying in touch. Make sure to not overdo it as there is a fine line between being persistent and being a pest. If they don’t respond right away, give it some time before reaching them out again and if it still doesn’t work, don’t spam.
8. Offer Help Before Asking for It
Networking is a two-way street. Before you ask someone for a favour, think about what you can offer them in return. When you offer help without expectations in return, the receiver can sense it and they are more likely to want to help in return. Sometimes, you don’t even have to offer anything but only express your intention to be helpful and it can go a long way in building a strong and mutually-helpful connection.
9. Keep Learning and Stay Informed
The entertainment industry, like any other industry, is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends can make you an interesting person to engage with. Staying informed about your industry trends also hints that you are passionate about your art and take your profession seriously. Every expert admires others who go the extra mile and make efforts to learn new things. It also gives you an edge in conversations and makes you stand out in a networking situation.
10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Networking is important but it should not feel like a chore. Instead, have fun connecting with other individuals with the intent of learning something new or exploring an opportunity. The best connections are often made when you are being yourself and not forcing yourself onto someone. Be relaxed! Building new connections may sound overwhelming but it is not rocket science. You are only interacting with others who share the same passion as you.
11. Be Patient and Persistent
Do not consider networking as an opportunity to get instant gratification. Building genuine relationships takes time and often takes the willingness to make a relationship worth building. Do not expect opportunities to knock at your door after having one conversation with an industry insider. Be the best version of yourself, keep improving your art, share your passion with others, and let your network grow organically.
Remember, networking is a tool for building relationships that can help you grow in your field as an artist, entertainer, or professional. It is not just about what others can do for you, but also about how you can contribute to the community and be the one others want to build connections with. So, take a deep breath, be yourself, and start making connections with people you enjoy connecting with. Keep using HitFame to engage with industry experts and fellow passionate individuals.
