Is networking important in the creative industries?
- samlivingstone01
- Oct 17, 2022
- 8 min read
What do we mean by networking?
After being stuck inside for years due to a worldwide pandemic networking might seem like a thing of the past, or at least in the traditional sense but you may be surprised to hear that networking is still, if not MORE important now after the pandemic.
Networking simply put is talking or communicating with professionals and peers within your industry. Using word of mouth you can share your work, ideas and input with others who could possibly help you within the industry.
Why is networking important in the creative industries?
Everyone's heard the phrase "it's about who you know" - It's True. Having connections throughout the industry can make a really big difference in the number of opportunities you receive. A lot of business' in the games development industry don't post any openings publicly and prefer to find people to fill the role by asking their employees if they know anyone that could take the job. Of course, they'll look at your portfolio and online presence to help them come to a final decision but to get your foot in the door, you need to know people within the industry.
Not only that but just having other people in the business to discuss things with is also a big help. Whether you need someone to bounce an idea off of or just ask for help - if you have the connections in the industry - you'll have someone to do that with.
Having other people within the industry can really help if you're not very confident. Seeing that other people are (or have been) in the same situation can help reduce the feeling of imposter syndrome.
How do you get started?
I would start by checking different social medias for potential networking events. Networking events are being hosted almost all the time within the creative industries. These events can be a great way of meeting people from your industry, getting questions answered and also making friends within companies etc.
If after attending a networking event (or if you are unable to attend any events) some of your questions are still unanswered, here's my advice:
Start a list of all the people, you know who are somehow related to the games development industry. Whether that be lecturers from university or college, friends that you've made on courses or through social media etc.
But hey - maybe you don't know anyone in the industry just yet, that's totally okay! everyone is there at some point. The best advice is to reach out to people through social media - Although this can be a bit nerve-wracking, the people in this industry are typically helpful and always happy to help someone out.
After making your list (However short it may be) start scheduling meetings with each person. Try to work around their schedule and not base it solely on yours - these people may be very busy and taking time out of their day to help you isn't something they have to do.
Now you may be thinking "But how do I set up a meeting with someone I don't know very well?". The best answer I have to that is - Confidence. Although it's hard to muster sometimes, without confidence networking can be a little difficult. But if you're still struggling to find the right words to say, try finding a template online to edit and alter to fit what you're asking for.
Before any meeting, you should prepare a short overview about your key skills and talents as well as the sort of job you'd be interested in working in within the industry.
You should also prepare some questions to ask them such as;
"With my skills and talents, what roles do you think I should aim for within the industry?"
Click below to see some more questions you can ask during a networking meeting
During any meeting make sure to have a notepad and pen ready to write down any useful advice or tips from the person you're meeting with - or possibly ask if it would be okay to record the meeting BUT always make to ask before you do. Make sure you thank them for their time before and after the discussion as to not seem impolite.
And one question to always ask during a networking meeting is if they know any other people within the industry who would be able to help or provide advice to help you along your professional journey. The worst thing they can say is 'No'. Otherwise, if they say yes, you can grow your network exponentially.
Here's a quick video with a few tips and tricks to help you start developing a personal network:
Researching your discipline area before you start networking – who is who in your chosen field?
Before you begin networking it's always best to research your area. You should research the roles within companies, research the people within your field and see if you are able to contact them. Doing this will not only help you understand the industry more but also mean you know what you're talking about when you get into networking meetings.
Learning about people before beginning to try to network with them is almost crucial. People are a lot more likely to respond to a personal message or email than to a bland copy/paste that you've sent everyone in the business.
Learn about the projects they've worked on or what they're working on now and use that. Instead of saying something like this:
"Hi, I'm a fourth-year games development student and I'm looking to try and ask you a few questions about the industry"
Try using something more personal like this:
"Hey, I've been really enjoying watching your work progress on *project*, it's looking really good, and I can't wait to see more of it! I also saw that you worked on *on *another project* and it blew me away. I'm actually a fourth-year games development student and I was wondering if I could pick your brains about some parts of the industry if you'd be up for that sometime?"
As you can see it might use a little bit of flattery but who doesn't want to be complimented on their work?
Just by researching the person you wish to add to your network you can show them that you're dedicated and do like their work.
Networking at events compared to networking online – how should you conduct yourself?
Although they're pretty much the same thing it can be difficult to know how to conduct yourself in the different situations.
In-person networking events can be difficult to gauge if you've never been to one or maybe you haven't been to one in a little while and were unaware of some changes.
With In-person events, you should probably wear something 'Smart/Casual' as to come across as professional but not overdressed - Don't come in a top hat and bowtie. When you're in the meeting and asking people questions, try to remember what they tell you and write it down afterwards. Writing as they're talking might be seen as rude and also takes you out of the conversation completely. Make sure to thank the people you talk to and try to get their social media so you can connect more with them in the future. Also make sure to not just talk to one person for a long time, it's a whole event! there's lots of interesting people for you to meet, and maybe that person wants to meet other people too.
Online networking events are a little bit different as they are slightly less formal. You can get away with wearing your pajama bottoms (as long as they're not on camera and you don't plan on standing up!). It's easier to take notes during an online event and there's multiple ways to do that whether it's by hand, typing it out or just recording the meeting. Also, the fact that the meeting is over the internet, you might find yourself to be more relaxed and feel better about asking questions. Just make sure that you don't keep them longer than they originally planned as that could be seen as rude. Getting social medias is also a bit easier during online meetings as it's as easy as just copy/pasting and link.
What online platforms should you use to network with potential employers?
As far as networking with potential employers online I would personally recommend LinkedIn as not only do most people within the industry have it but it's easy to communicate through and if you keep you LinkedIn up to date with your projects; those potential employers can see your skill set first-hand, which will help them make a decision about hiring you.
But you can also network with potential employers through email or by Teams but to do this you would potentially need to know them a bit more first.
How can you promote yourself in a professional manor?
Promoting yourself directly to a person can sometimes be a bit jarring - especially if you're not used to doing so but there are a few easy ways to promote yourself to people at in-person or online events.
The first thing to do is to establish a professional online presence which I've actually talked about before! just click the button below to find out my insights on how to start your online presence.
After you've developed your online presence, give your details to people at events or in meetings so that they can find you after the event and you can keep the connection going.
A good way to share your details with people is through business cards. A business card should be simple and direct, saying your name, what you do and your handles for different social medias and possibly a link to your website if you have one.
Sometimes people forget that simple conversations are also a form of promoting yourself. Just discussing your projects or skills is showing them what you're capable of and as long as you do it politely and nicely then it is a very good way to promote yourself.
Sam's Suggestions
Networking can be a daunting thing, to really try to sell yourself to people who may not even be interested sounds terrifying. But to get over that all you have to do is really believe in yourself, your skills and your work.
I think a lot of people - especially in the games development industry - struggle to network because maybe they have social issues that affect the way they talk to people, or possibly after a few years of being trapped inside a lot of students now coming out of university have imposter syndrome. And all of that is really hard to overcome. But putting in the effort and hard work that you put into your games into your networking abilities will always be some form of help.
Take it slow, like I said - it's daunting - If you feel like you can rush into a massive in-person networking event go for it! confidence is very important but maybe you're shyer or feel awkward around new people - Well that's okay too, everyone feels like that in certain situations. The main thing to do in that situation is to take it slow. Start off maybe with an online group event so that it's not one-on-one and there's less pressure, or maybe start off by just talking to people through text on social media. No matter how you start doing it - You're doing it! and that's what matters.
Another quick tip is to make sure that at these events or during one-on-one meetings that you get the person's pronouns correct - Although pronouns are not a new thing socially, they are more cared about at this time and misgendering someone you want to have as a friend and connection isn't the best way to go. So just make sure to ask at the beginning of a conversation. Being inclusive is a great way for people to see that you care about other people which may mean you work well in a team.
Comments