How to Network and Build a Social Circle — 3 Networking Tips

Summary

In this video, Sean from THiNK Media emphasizes the crucial role of networking for creatives and entrepreneurs. He shares three key tips for building a strong social circle: attending real-world events to foster collaborations, leveraging online platforms to engage with influencers and peers, and offering value through spec work to build relationships and skills. Sean's insights highlight the importance of investing in personal and professional connections as a vital asset for success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Success in life is highly dependent on building and maintaining relationships with others.
• 🔗 Your network can significantly influence your visibility, connect you with influencers, and create opportunities.
• 💼 Investing in relationships and building social capital is as crucial as investing in financial assets.
• 🎥 Spending half of your time on content creation and the other half on content distribution, including networking, is recommended.
• 🤝 Getting off the Internet and meeting people in real life is essential for forming collaborations and finding potential team members.
• 📍 Utilizing resources like meetup.com and CreativeMornings can help in building local connections and expanding your network.
• 💼 Personal branding is vital before networking online; ensure your online presence reflects professionalism and brand values.
• 🌟 Engaging with top influencers in your niche by commenting and sharing can help in building relationships and community.
• 📝 Keeping an ongoing list of top influencers, sites, and peers in your niche can help in intentional networking and relationship building.
• 🎁 Offering to work for free or doing spec work can lead to significant opportunities and is a way to add value upfront.
• 🛠 Working for free or doing pro bono work can also be a way to build your skills and gain experience in your field.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Sean's video?

The main focus of Sean's video is to emphasize the importance of networking for creatives and entrepreneurs, and to share his top three networking tips.

What does Sean suggest as the first networking tip?

Sean's first networking tip is to get off the Internet and meet people in the real world, attending conferences, meetups, and getting involved in the local community.

How does Sean propose using meetup.com for networking?

Sean suggests using meetup.com to create an account and search for relevant groups such as business or entrepreneurship meetups, video production, and photography to find opportunities for networking.

What role does personal branding play in online networking, according to Sean?

According to Sean, personal branding is crucial in online networking as it helps make a strong first impression. It reflects one's brand values and messaging, and shows how one can add value to others.

How does Sean define the term 'social capital' in the context of the video?

In the context of the video, 'social capital' refers to the network of personal and professional relationships that one builds, which Sean believes is the most important asset in one's portfolio.

What is the significance of the phrase 'net worth is directly connected to your network' mentioned by Sean?

The phrase signifies that one's financial success or value is closely tied to the strength and reach of their social and professional connections.

How much time should one spend on content distribution according to Sean's recommendation?

Sean recommends spending 50% of one's time on content distribution, which includes social media engagement and real-world networking.

What are some of the resources Sean mentions for building connections in the local area?

Sean mentions resources like meetup.com, CreativeMornings, trade organizations, Toastmasters, and the Chamber of Commerce as ways to build local connections.

What is the advice Sean gives regarding the expectation from networking activities?

Sean advises that networking should be approached with zero expectations and without an agenda, focusing on adding value and being authentic, rather than expecting immediate returns.

What is Sean's perspective on working for free as a networking strategy?

Sean believes that working for free, such as doing spec work or pro bono work, can be a powerful way to add value upfront, build relationships, and potentially lead to more opportunities in the future.

How does Sean suggest maintaining a list of networking opportunities or contacts?

Sean suggests starting a Google Doc or using a note-taking app like Evernote to maintain an ongoing list of top influencers, important sites, and peers in one's niche to be intentional with networking efforts.