While networking is helpful in essentially every professional industry, it’s particularly advantageous in creative fields like design, not only for meeting new clients but also for building a roster of peers who can be turned to for support or collaboration.
“As an entry-level individual, networking can help you connect with vendors and reps who will become a vital asset to you as you grow in your career and will share in your success,” says designer Brynn Olson. “As the owner of my own firm, networking with my fellow designers, architects, and builders has been an entrepreneurial lifeline for me throughout the years. Understanding we’re all in this together, rather than competitors, has been a true blessing while feeling my way through the ins-and-outs of owning a business.”
Of course, the pandemic has thrown a wrench into traditional networking tactics, such as attending conferences or show houses. But the industry’s recent pivot toward the virtual might not be such a bad thing for networking. “While it sounds sacrilegious to say, I find that online networking can actually outperform what happens when you put a bunch of people in a room and hope that they’ll engage,” says professional meeting planner Lee Gimpel, founder of Better Meetings. “A number of online conferencing platforms better allow people to know who’s in the room and with whom they should connect, as well as keeping people moving and ensuring they’re meeting new people not getting stuck in a corner talking to someone who’s not helpful.”
Gimpel also points out that the virtual world removes geographical hurdles. “If you think the architectural scene in London is really interesting, nothing stops you from dropping in on an event there, the same with checking in on design gatherings in Johannesburg or Sydney,” he says. “You could actually form an inspiring, valuable, helpful cadre of colleagues around the world in a single evening.”
And beyond helping you to get to know your peers, networking during the pandemic can be good for business—and not just by introducing you to new clients. “I have pivoted from using networking to find clients to using it to find long-term referral partners and vendors that I may not be aware of,” says Jerith Bailey, senior designer at contractor Mahogany Builders. “As craftsmen are heavily booked right now, networking allows me to broaden my little black book of business contacts for things like flooring, wallpaper installation, and even custom cabinetry. The solid network I’ve built has allowed me to take on even more work during this busy time.”
If the world of virtual networking is still a bit foreign to you, here are some expert tips for maximizing your presence online to build your professional connections.
Leverage your social media platforms
There’s never been a more critical time to boost your visibility online. “If you don't already have a strong presence on various platforms where people can find you, now is a great time to start,” says Gioi Tran of Applegate Tran Interiors. “Become easy to find on Google, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and provide information about yourself and your brand.”
Once your accounts are optimized, be proactive with them, not only by posting your own content but also by interacting with others. “Spontaneous comments and replies start many interesting discussions,” says Rebeca Sena, an architectural marketing consultant at Getspace.digital. “They may result in new partnerships or teach you how to deal with certain business-related [scenarios] like handling difficult clients or implementing new design software.”
Create your own online group
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Why Networking Is More Important Than Ever—and How to Do It Virtually - Architectural Digest
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