As a young creative, building meaningful relationships with peers and industry professionals is essential for success in the creative industry. However, networking can be daunting, especially for those who are just starting their careers. To help young creatives navigate the world of networking, Youth Arts New Zealand (YANZ) has compiled a list of tips and tricks to build meaningful relationships in the creative industry.
According to Sarah Steen, a professional development coach and founder of The Creative Catalyst,
"Networking isn't just about finding people to help you in your career; it's about building authentic relationships that will help you grow as a person and as a professional."
Building meaningful relationships requires a genuine interest in others, a willingness to listen, and an open mind.
One of the best ways to build meaningful relationships in the creative industry is to attend events and meetups.
Networking events, conferences, and workshops are excellent opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, learn about the latest trends and techniques, and connect with industry professionals. As Anaïs Nin, a renowned writer and essayist, once said, "Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it."
Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter are also powerful tools for building meaningful relationships in the creative industry. However, it's essential to use them strategically. YANZ recommends that young creatives engage with industry professionals by commenting on their posts, sharing their work, and sending personalized messages to introduce themselves.
Building meaningful relationships also requires a willingness to give back to others.
As YANZ's founder, Jess Telford, notes, "Networking is a two-way street. It's essential to offer value to the people you're connecting with." This could mean volunteering your time, sharing your knowledge and expertise, or providing feedback on their work.
Finally, it's essential to follow up with contacts after networking events or meetings. Sending a personalized message or email to follow up on a conversation is a great way to demonstrate your interest and commitment to building a meaningful relationship.
In conclusion, building meaningful relationships in the creative industry requires a genuine interest in others, a willingness to give back, and a commitment to follow through. By attending events, engaging with industry professionals on social media, and offering value to others, young creatives can build meaningful relationships that will help them grow as individuals and professionals.
As American author Maya Angelou once said,
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Building meaningful relationships is about making others feel valued, appreciated, and respected. By doing so, young creatives can build a network of supportive, like-minded individuals who will help them achieve their creative goals.
