Networking Mistakes to Avoid in the Creative Field

Don’t be that person. I love connecting with people on LinkedIn, but some of these messages? Yikes. Let’s address a few common networking mistakes I see all too often… ❌ “Hi. Can I pick your brain?” Translation: “Can you give me free consulting without context?” ✅ Instead: Be specific. “I’m exploring optimization and have a question about [specific topic]. Would you be open to a quick chat?” ❌ “Can you help me break into [industry]?” Translation: “Please do my career planning for me.” ✅ Instead: Show effort. “I’ve been studying [skill/tool], and I’m stuck on [problem]. What do you recommend I focus on next?” ❌ “Hey, I’d love to collaborate.” Translation: “I want something, but I won’t tell you what.” ✅ Instead: Pitch with purpose. “I see you’re working on [project]. I have experience with [specific skill]. Here’s how I can help.” Networking is not about throwing a line into the void and hoping someone does the work for you. It’s about showing genuine interest, doing your homework, and respecting the other person’s time. Want to stand out in someone’s inbox? 💡 Be clear. 💡 Be concise. 💡 Show you’ve already taken the first step. The best connections come from effort, not copy-pasting the same vague message. Let’s do better, one DM at a time. #GetHired2025

Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn's Co-Founder, nailed it: "The biggest networking mistake you can make is asking for something instead of offering something." Yet I see senior professionals making this exact mistake daily. They slide into DMs with: "I'm looking for opportunities. Do you know anyone hiring?" Here's the truth: Nobody cares about your job search except you. But they DO care about their own problems and challenges. I've watched clients land $300k+ roles by flipping this script. Instead of asking "Can you help me find a job?" they asked "How can I help you solve this challenge?" One client connected with a VP of Engineering to share insights about a technical problem the company was facing. Six weeks later, that VP created a role specifically for him. The shift is simple: Move from "What can you do for me?" to "What can I do for you?" When you lead with value, relationships form naturally. When relationships exist, opportunities follow. The best job opportunities never get posted. They go to people already in the room when decisions get made. Stop networking for jobs. Start networking to add value.

"I'll reach out to the hiring manager when I'm ready to apply" said my client confidently as she spotted a dream role. The logic seemed sound. Apply first, then connect with the hiring manager. Perfect sequence, right? Wrong. By the time she applied, three internal referrals had already been shortlisted. The position was practically filled before it was even posted. The mistake? Transactional networking. I think our generation has been conditioned to see networking as something you do when you need something. Need a job? Start networking. Need a client? Start networking. Need a favor? Start networking. It isn't just limited to careers. Want more followers? Network. Looking for investors? Network. Need advice? Suddenly everyone's LinkedIn connections matter. Networking has changed from being about relationships to being about transactions. Don't get me wrong. I think strategic networking is essential. But most of us are hiding behind the fallacy of "perfect timing." What if they think I'm using them? What if they say no? What if I seem desperate? What if I don't have anything valuable to offer yet? The fear of rejection powered by the illusion of perfect timing. Unfortunately, authentic networking is an on-going activity and not a onetime task! Ask me about it... When I moved to America, I spent months volunteering at a food bank without asking for anything. I helped them improve their processes. Built genuine connections. I wasn't there for a job. But guess what? Those relationships led to my first opportunity. Relationships are built before you need them, not when you need them. The beauty of genuine networking is seen in reciprocity. The connection from month 1 to month 3 is nothing compared to year 1 to year 2. Year 3 connections can open doors you didn't even know existed. Consistent networking enables compound growth in everything. Career. Opportunities. Knowledge. Support. My client a month later took a different approach. "I started adding value first instead of asking for favors." She connected with professionals, shared insights, offered help. When another role opened, she already had three people vouching for her. "I needed to build relationships first, not just when I needed them." She got the job. Great opportunities come from existing relationships, not emergency phone a friend! #networking #careergrowth #jobsearch #relationships

Want a referral? Don't be transactional! This is one of the biggest networking mistakes I see. If the only time you’re reaching out to people is when you need something, you’re doing it wrong. Being transactional in your approach doesn’t build trust, it pushes people away. You might get ghosted, ignored, or worse, leave a bad impression that lasts. Networking isn’t about what others can do for you; it’s about building genuine relationships that benefit both sides. But 9/10 times, YOU have to make the first offer. Think about it—why would someone help you out if the only time they hear from you is when you’re asking for something? People help people they like and trust. Trust takes time and effort to build. So, instead of reaching out only when you need something, establish a relationship and offer value first. Engage with their work, share insights, or simply be a supportive connection. When you focus on giving, you’ll find that people are much more willing to help you when you need it. Networking isn’t a short-term transaction—it’s a long game. Play it smart, and you’ll see better results. (Sorry for the EXTREME closeup - we're slowly honing our video game...) 🪖