Networking in the Creative Industry

Most people freeze when they want to reach out to someone influential. Here’s the 5-step formula I’ve used to connect with the CEO of Scribe, the co-founder of Leland, the content team at Notion, and even creators I admire 👇 1. Follow first. Connect later. Don’t just hit “connect.” Follow them, spend a few weeks learning from their content and activity. Be a quiet observer. 2. Find your entry point. Look for a personal connection - a post you loved, a campaign you admired, a shared background, a comment thread you can join. 3. Create context. Once you find something specific, DM them with a message that shows: → You’ve done your homework → Why this moment made you want to connect → What you admire or learned from them 4. Make the ask polite + specific. Don’t write paragraphs. Respect their time. Example: “Would love to ask you 1 question about your work at [company] – totally okay if now’s not a good time!” 5. Nurture the connection. Even if they don’t reply, keep engaging with their content. Most of my opportunities came weeks after my first message. This method helped me land internships, collaborations, interviews, and lifelong mentors. Try this 5-step system and tell me what worked. #linkedin #network #tips

You know you should network. But you probably don’t know what to say or how to get on people’s radar. Here’s an easy 7-step LinkedIn networking strategy (that anyone can use): 1. The 3 Principles Of Good Networking If you want to network effectively, you need to: - Have a way to reach people - Have a way to add value to them - Have a way to keep the engagement going This strategy does all three! 2. Make A List Of Job-Related Keywords Think of keywords, skills, phrases, and jargon that align with your target role. Ex: If you’re in sales, that might be “sales,” “leads,” “pipeline,” “sales cycle,” etc. Make a quick list of these. 3. Run A “Post” Search On LinkedIn Start with one keyword (or the job title itself). Run a search for it on LinkedIn. From the “Filters” option, select “Posts.” Then change “Date Posted” to “Past Week.” 4. Filter By “Author Company” Click on “All Filters” to find the “Author Company” filter. Add all of your target companies to this filter. This will give you a list of all the posts related to your target role, written by people at your target companies, posted in the past week! 5. Analyze Posts & Authors Scroll through the posts. When you find one that resonates? Click the person’s profile and check to see if they post consistently (at least once / week). If they do? Bookmark their profile in your browser. 6. Leave A Value Driven Comment For each author you find that posts regularly in your target space? Leave a comment on their post recent post that is: - Supportive - Postive in tone - Offers your own take / value - Is more than one sentence Repeat for each author. 7. Rinse & Repeat Daily Every day, click through the author profiles you have bookmarked. See a new post? Leave a new comment. Repeat this process every weekday if you can. But aim to leave at least one comment / week at minimum. 8. Why This Works Content creators love engagement. By cosistently offering that in a positive way, you’re going to get on their radar. And when you’ve done this for a week or two, the likelihood of getting a “yes” to a coffee chat, or even a referral, goes WAY up. Give it a shot today! 📣 Want help turning this 7-step networking routine into a system that turns cold contacts into referrals and interviews? 👉 Book a free 30-min Clarity Call with our team and we’ll walk you through exactly how: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

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.

People ask me all the time how to network. Here’s a short, tactical guide on how to actually do it - grounded in real data, real results, and 3,500+ jobs found through relationships. 🎯 The #1 misconception Networking is not: “Let me ask you for a job.” It is: “Let me have a real, human moment with someone in this industry.” ✅ What actually works This is how you build meaningful professional relationships - the kind that lead to real opportunities: 1️⃣ Be around. Events, Discords, social posts, games projects, ticket giveaways, community coaching - just show up. Start by being visible. Over time, become memorable for the right reasons. 2️⃣ Don’t pitch. Connect. Ask questions. Be genuinely curious. You’re planting seeds, not harvesting. This takes months and years. There are not shortcuts to building real relationships. 3️⃣ Look sideways, not up. A junior colleague can often help you more than a C-level exec. Build trust, first, with people at your level or just above it. 4️⃣ Follow up like a human. Send messages that matter: “Just played [X] - loved the level design.” “Your GDC talk really stuck with me - thank you.” “Noticed you moved from QA to design - would love to hear how.” 5️⃣ Give before you get. Share insights, leave helpful comments, support others’ work - anything that builds trust and makes you recognizable. 6️⃣ Say hi when there’s nothing to gain. That’s the best time. No stakes, no pressure - it’s when real relationships start. 7️⃣ Don’t just “shoot your shot.” ❌❌❌❌❌ Never reach out with “Can you get me a job?” That closes doors, fast. Lead with curiosity and conversation, not a transactional, cold ask. 🔥 If I wanted to be provocative… I’d say this: Applying to jobs without connective tissue is very inefficient. Particularly for early career and more senior folks. Instead of asking, “What should I apply to?” - ask, “Where can I build a relationship?” Posting about hundreds of applications is understandable, but it misses the point. Focus on how many real connections you’ve made - then work backward to the right applications. 🧠 Avoid the Dream Company Trap Too many people focus only on the one studio they love - and end up pinging the same five people as everyone else. I always ask: Where do I already have network strength? Where can I go that everybody else isn’t going? We track 3,000+ game studios. 1,000+ of them hire. Go outside the top 50. 🪜 Think in ladders and sidesteps Instead of aiming straight at your target studio, look at who owns that studio. Think conglomerates. Think sister teams. Adjacent verticals. 📊 The data backs it up. Across our community: Cold apps: ~1–2% yield Apps with any warm connection: 10–20x+ better odds 🧭 The shift is simple Spend more time building bridges than sending résumés. Relationships are the infrastructure of hiring. Build that first. The first thing I ask anyone who's stuck is: Are you spending 80%+ of your effort building relationships? If not, do that.

A Strong LinkedIn Network Does 3 Things for You: Opens Doors, Creates Opportunities, and Builds Influence. But here’s the catch: It only works if you build it right. If you’re just adding connections and calling it networking, you’re missing the real power of LinkedIn. Here’s how to grow your network strategically so it actually works for you: 1️⃣ Connect with the Right People (Not Just Anyone) Send requests to people in your industry, target companies, and thought leaders. Personalize your invites! A simple "Hi, let’s connect" won’t cut it. Mention a shared interest, an article they wrote, or a mutual connection. Quality beats quantity. A small, engaged network is more powerful than thousands of silent connections. 2️⃣ Engage to Be Seen Comment on 3-5 posts daily—but make it meaningful (not just "Great post!"). Ask questions, add insights, and share your take. Engagement = Visibility. When people see you adding value, they remember your name. 3️⃣ Post Content That Starts Conversations Share industry insights, job search tips, or personal career lessons. Don’t be afraid to have an opinion. Safe content doesn’t stand out. Show your expertise AND personality—people connect with people, not robots. 4️⃣ Give Before You Ask Support others before asking for referrals or help. Celebrate wins, share job leads, and be a resource. The more value you give, the more opportunities come back to you. 5️⃣ Stay Consistent You can’t show up once a month and expect results. A strong network is built daily—one comment, one post, one connection at a time. A well-built LinkedIn network doesn’t just help you get hired—it builds your reputation, opens doors you didn’t even know existed, and positions you for long-term success. How do you approach LinkedIn networking? Drop your best tip in the comments! Follow me, Samichi Saluja, for job search strategies, networking tips, and career insights that actually work. #LinkedInNetworking #CareerGrowth #Opportunities #BuildYourBrand #Networking

Interesting one just in - Jay Z's Roc Nation has entered into a partnership with Polish club KS Cracovia SA - owned by American investor Robert Platek. Roc Nation, whose football-focused international division is headed by Michael R. Yormark will provide Cracovia with access to their entire platform and work to boost the club's presence internationally through various content, storytelling and PR approaches including film and TV. "Cracovia is a club with a soul, a rich history, and a fiercely loyal fan base that represents the very best of Polish football. Our goal is to take that authenticity and project it onto a global stage," says Yormark. "By blending our expertise in music and entertainment with Cracovia’s sporting tradition, we will create a brand that resonates far beyond the borders of Poland." Two trends in the soccer business at work here: 1. The desire to project football clubs as lifestyle brands and open up new streams of revenue. 2. Early days but growing interest in Polish football and its clubs which could indicate a fresh look at Central and Eastern Europe from some investors. Platek's background is in Michael Dell's MSD Capital (now DFO Management, LLC )who finance a number of clubs in England. Platek is also owner of Portuguese club Casa Pia A.C and has previously had investments in Danish and Italian clubs.

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?

Build relationships and not a network. "Networking" is cringeworthy for many, especially those who feel it is selfish, wrong, or uncomfortable. The good news is that nobody wants to be at the receiving end of your networking efforts too. If you are trying the same old networking tips that promise to boost your connections but leave you feeling more disconnected than ever, that is because networking is killing relationship building. Stop networking and build genuine relationships. You can do that by thinking about a few things. ➡️ Be genuinely curious - Be interested in learning more about the other person in the conversation. ➡️ Find commonalities - Find common topics like books, kids, dogs, and food but remember that while discussing such common topics can be a good icebreaker, relying solely on these surface-level interests can hinder deeper connections. Dig a little deeper into shared passions or experiences to foster a more meaningful bond. ➡️ Relationships over transactions - Don't treat networking as a transaction. Look for ways to help others genuinely without expecting an immediate return or any return. Building a network based on mutual support and generosity fosters authentic connections that go beyond mere self-interest. ➡️ Notes of gratitude vs. genuine appreciation - Sending notes of gratitude can be powerful, but they lose their impact if they become a routine gesture. Instead, express genuine appreciation when someone has truly made a difference. Personalized and heartfelt acknowledgments go a long way in building lasting connections. ➡️ Public networks vs. personal connections - Investing in public networks can widen your reach, but don't neglect the importance of personal connections. Balancing both public and private networks ensures a well-rounded and authentic approach to relationship building. Remember fostering genuine relationships is important. By avoiding the common pitfalls of networking and focusing on authentic connections, you will be building a network that truly matters.

Great partnerships don’t echo you. They elevate you. Same strengths. Same blind spots. Same limitations. Smart collaborators do the opposite. In 1958, Peggy Lee needed an arranger for "Jump for Joy." She didn't pick another vocalist. She picked Nelson Riddle. Lee brought raw versatility - switching between jazz and ballads like changing clothes. Riddle brought structural genius - orchestral arrangements that made her voice soar. The result? An album so powerful it's been remastered and reissued for 65+ years. Here's what this teaches us about strategic partnerships: 1. Find Your Musical Opposite • Lee's spontaneity needed Riddle's precision • Your creative chaos might need operational structure • Your technical depth might need storytelling flair 2. Versatility Wins Markets • Lee mastered up-tempo songs AND intimate standards • Range made her irreplaceable across different contexts • Multi-skilled professionals command premium rates 3. Quality Outlasts Everything • Mediocre work gets forgotten in months • Exceptional work gets reissued for decades • Invest in partnerships that create lasting value The strongest partnerships aren't about finding your twin. They're about finding your complement. ♻️ Share this with someone ready to stop hiring their mirror image 🔔 Follow Kabir Sehgal for frameworks that turn partnerships into advantages

The word "𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴" alone can make some people feel uncomfortable. Whether it seems like an obligation or you're unsure how it can truly benefit you – it’s a common feeling. Here's the reality: networking doesn't have to be something you dread. It can actually be an enjoyable and valuable aspect of your career development. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄: 𝟭. Make it about real connections. Don’t focus on collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. Approach networking with the mindset of building genuine relationships. Find common ground, have real conversations, and show genuine interest in the other person. Authentic connections are the ones that last and grow over time. 𝟮. Link it to what you already love doing. Networking doesn’t have to be confined to formal events or conferences. Love fitness? Try “sweatworking”—joining fitness classes or activities where you can meet people with similar interests. Whether it’s hiking, volunteering, or attending art exhibits, the key is doing what you enjoy and connecting with others naturally. 𝟯. Use online platforms to your advantage. If in-person networking feels overwhelming, start online. LinkedIn, industry groups, and even Twitter chats are great ways to engage with professionals. You can still build a solid network while sitting comfortably behind your screen. Networking isn’t just about what others can do for you—it’s about creating opportunities to grow, learn, and even help others along the way. The connections you build today could open doors tomorrow, both personally and professionally. 𝗜𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁. #DrJaclynLee #Networking #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #AuthenticConnections #CareerAdvice