Networking for Content Creators: Best Practices

This post details how we went from having zero contacts at large brands to sourcing partnerships with execs at PolicyGenius, Instacart, SoFi, hims/hers, Ramp, TD Bank and more. I spent the first 10 years of my career on the publisher side, so we had a slight head start there. But when it came to sourcing brand deals, we started from zero. Whether you’re a founder, an SDR, or just trying to invest in your network, these 5 steps will get you there: 1 - Start with what you have. Look through your network for people tangentially related to your target industry. Literally sift through every current contact you have on LinkedIn. Ask them for coffee. Pick their brain. I was learning about the PR industry in parallel with building my network - each meeting helped form our roadmap, while also building a network. People like helping people, but they don’t want to feel used. Be genuinely curious. Do this at least 10 times^. Step outside your comfort zone. If 100% of people say yes, you aren’t asking enough people for coffee. 2 - Parlay into more conversations. Every conversation should end with “who else should I meet with?” If you're charming and your goals are clear, this will lead to new conversations. Follow up (show them you listened), but don’t be a PITA. Networking is a long game, don’t bug them every 3 days. At this stage you are planting seeds, not picking flowers. 3 - Ask for feedback, not sales. No one wants to be sold, but everyone wants to feel like their opinion matters. Don’t lead with “wondering if they’d be interested in our product,” but instead “I want to get their feedback on what we’re doing.” This will make you 10x more likely to land meetings. 4 - Create Content. My posting on LinkedIn has directly led to over 20 deals for Stacker. But they did not come from people sliding into my dms with “hey can we work with you?” It was through connecting with interesting people in the space, them evangelizing what we do, and 2 months later introducing me to someone that they thought could be a client. If you plant enough seeds, some will turn into fruit. Editor’s note - do this yourself. People can tell when you’ve paid someone to write for you, and it’s turning into a huge turn off. I think if I paid an agency to write my content, I’d have twice as many followers, but half as many meaningful deals coming through. 5 - Nurture. Just because a conversation doesn’t end with “wow I should intro you to this potential client” doesn’t mean it won’t be valuable long term. People like to help people that they like. So cultivate relationships, put out into the world what you’re seeking, and trust that its a process. This post is about building a network that will reap deals over the mid to long term. These are not tips for how to close deals next week. Is it frustrating that this takes time? Sure. But I guarantee that if you start today, you’ll be in a much better place a year from now. Building a network is a snowball - gotta start somewhere.

A year ago, I’d never posted on LinkedIn. Last night, I spoke on a panel to an overflowing room about how to grow as a creator here. s/o Natalie Neptune and Tavern Community Coworking for hosting Here are 7 lessons from me (and 4 other creators) that you can steal today—whether you’re building a personal brand or trying to reach a specific audience: 1. Start with your “why.” (my take) “Building a personal brand” isn’t specific enough of a goal. Landing a job, growing a side hustle, or getting distribution for your startup is. Your reason drives your strategy. Position yourself like a startup: what’s your differentiation? 2. Use comments as your first posts. (Julia Li ‘s take) Thoughtful comments > “Love this!” They help you get noticed, spark ideas for your own posts, and build real connections before you ever publish. After you publish, your comments will show where people resonate most. 3. IRL fuels online. (Somya Gupta ‘s take) Events, dinners, coffees—real trust offline makes your online content land deeper. It also creates stories worth posting about. If you want your content to be interesting, you need to do interesting things. 4. Humility and weird > perfection. (Katie Chen ‘s take) We’ve all heard about leaning into “cringe.” The creators who stand out are willing to be imperfect, unconventional, and honest about their struggles. Be weird if you’re a little weird in real life, but also don’t force it if you’re not. (Katie took it a level higher with her “getting hard” on LinkedIn series 👀) 5. Post more than you think. (Spencer Belsky ‘s take) You probably can’t post enough. Good content + consistency = “more shots on goal”, more iteration, faster learning. 6. Let your brand evolve. (my take) If your focus shifts—career → side hustle → business—bridge the story for your audience instead of starting over. Your brand should grow with you. 7. Build on platforms, but own your distribution. (panel and audience consensus) Don’t build only on rented platforms. Layer in a newsletter, events, or other ways to reach your people directly. At the end of the day, it comes back to three things you’ve all heard before: → Clarity on your goals → Consistency in showing up → Courage to be yourself One of my fellow panelists had great advice if you’re just starting: post about an event you went to, a book you read, or a conversation that stuck with you. Start small, start genuine, start today. What’s the best advice you’ve heard (or given) about creating?

“I don’t know anyone in the industry.” Neither did I. Neither did most of us. But we got in. Not by knowing people. But by getting known. Let’s break the illusion that networking = coffee chats. Because if you're a May 2025 grad (especially an international student)... Time’s ticking, anxiety’s rising, and sending 100 resumes isn't enough. You need visibility. You need credibility. You need a connection. Here are creative networking strategies most people don’t discuss—plus how to do them. 1. Create a “Missing Manual” for Your Dream Role Instead of sending a cold message, create something they’ve never seen. How to do it: Research a company/role you're interested in (e.g., Marketing Analyst at Spotify) Find what skills, tools, or challenges are core to the role Build a 1-pager called: “What I Wish I Knew Before Joining [Team Name]” Write tips, links, tools, or ideas for someone in that role Send it as: “Hi [Name], I created this as a learning tool while researching roles like yours. Thought you might enjoy it—or even improve it. Would love to hear what you think.” Why it works: You’re not asking for a job. You’re showing value. And curiosity. 2. Make a “Portfolio Video” Breakdown of a Brand or Campaign Especially helpful for roles in product, strategy, UX, or marketing. How to do it: Pick a brand you love (or want to work for) Study one campaign, product, or feature they launched Record a 2-minute video: What worked What could be better What you do differently Post it on LinkedIn or send it directly to an employee there This shows critical thinking and industry fluency, without asking anyone to hop on a call. Some grads landed interviews this way before applying. 3. Interview 3 People... Then, Publish a Mini Guide People LOVE being featured. Even more than being asked for advice. How to do it: Pick a topic you want to learn about (e.g., “Getting into Product without a CS Degree”) DM 3 professionals and say: “Hey [Name], I’m creating a short guide for students breaking into [field]. Would love to ask 3 questions via email—takes 5 minutes. Would you be open?” Compile responses into a clean Notion or Canva doc Share it on LinkedIn and tag everyone Bonus: it builds your brand and your network. 4. Drop a Handwritten Note (IRL or Digitally) In a world of AI, everything, handwriting stands out. How to do it: Go to a local event, info session, or talk Afterward, write a thank-you note with 1 thing you learned If it’s virtual, write the same note and scan it as a PDF Email it to the speaker Subject line: “One Thing You Said That Stuck With Me” Nobody forgets the person who sends paper or care. Final Thought: You don’t need to be the most experienced. Just the most intentional. Get known for being someone who shows up. Because in the end… Jobs come from people. People connect to stories. And your story? Deserves to be told. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchHelp