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In today’s digital-first world, virtual networking has become a crucial skill, especially for professionals and those aspiring in creative industries. Whether you’re seeking new job opportunities, collaborating with peers, or connecting with potential mentors, building an online network can significantly boost your career. 

If the thought of virtual networking makes you nervous, don’t worry! We’re about to show you how to professionally slide into someone’s DMs, and here’s the thing: almost everyone in the creative industries does it. According to LinkedIn, almost 80% of professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success.  

There are so many benefits to virtual networking; the first being that you don’t have to panic over whether you should go for a handshake or not. It also eliminates geographical barriers, providing easier access to industry leaders and inclusive spaces for diverse talent.  

Are you ready to learn how to create meaningful connections online and open doors to exciting career opportunities? Let’s dive in! 

Find the networking style that suits you 

Today, the opportunities and ways to network online are more abundant than ever. At a recent Creative Access masterclass talent acquisition expert Sara Machado shared her approach to building community – attending webinars and workshops, mapping out key industry figures, and connecting with them strategically. After her Autism diagnosis, Sara recognised the importance of finding a networking style that works for her, especially when social interaction can be draining or you have additional things to consider. 

The bottom line? You can build an authentic online community at your own pace, from the comfort of your home. So, what does virtual networking look like? 

What do these things have in common?  

  • Meeting for a coffee 
  • 1:1 Zoom call 
  • Mentorships 
  • Volunteering 
  • Interacting on social media 
  • Creative networks 
  • Collaborating with peers on a project 
  • Attending online events 

Answer: They’re all examples of virtual networking! 

It’s really common to struggle with imposter syndrome, but networking can help combat that feeling when you make connections with likeminded peers. 

How to be a confident virtual networker 

It is totally normal to be very nervous about networking, but we promise that when you prepare and practise, it will become aa useful and fun part of your professional life. Here are some things you might contend with or need along the way in building your confidence to network: 

  • Preparation. Write a 30 second intro to yourself that you can use to start conversations, with some details about who you are, what you’ve done, what you’re interested in and why you’re reaching out. Keep it conversational, light and direct. As Radio 1 DJ Melvin Odoom said at our Radio masterclass: “Failure to prepare is preparation for failure”. 
  • Be informed. Before attending virtual events or meetings, research the other participants or speakers. Knowing a bit about them will help you find common ground and ask relevant questions. It can also help to be knowledgeable about current trends in your industry and will give you more confidence during conversations. 
  • Purpose. Why are you reaching out to this person? Knowing the answer to that question will be a great reminder when you’re feeling nervous, whether the answer is, ‘I want to know what it’s like being a social media content creator’ or ‘They work for a company I have a question about’. Remind yourself of this. 
  • Embrace the awkward moments. If you have an online meeting with someone and you feel a little nervous, you don’t have to hide it – most people will find it relatable. No one is expecting you to be the smoothest networker and you’ll be laughing when later down the line, you have grown a brilliant network of connections you learn from and engage with. 
  • Imposter syndrome. It’s really common to struggle with imposter syndrome, particularly if you’re from an under-represented background in the creative industries, BUT networking can help combat that feeling when you make connections with likeminded peers. 
  • Confidence: List your skills, accomplishments, and experiences and review this list before networking to remind you of the value you bring. 

🔥 Remember: view networking as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a test of your worth. Mistakes or awkward moments are learning experiences, not proof of inadequacy. 

Professional social media – have you got it? If not, get it.  

It’s easy to leverage all the social media platforms to your advantage once you know how each platform can benefit your networking goals. Each platform is an opportunity to showcase your personal brand in a different way and the likes of Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok all have unique benefits and demographics worth researching.  

For example, at our recent creative showcase Creative Access alumni Tierney Witty, Editor, Seven Dials & Trapeze said: “Publishing is on Twitter, not LinkedIn. Every publishing house will have a Twitter so follow them and send them a message.” Getting involved in BookTok is also an amazing way to engage with the publishing sphere and capture the attention of publishers and peers. 

If you’re interested in TV and production, join Facebook groups. Creative Access intern Lanna Cowles, ITV Sport’s trainee technical assistant recommends Facebook runner groups to make connections in the TV industry, “I was constantly refreshing them and being the first to apply, because a lot of them are first come first serve.” 

Last but not least, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with 722 million members in over 200 countries, and it was made for virtual networking. 1 in 4 professionals around the world have established new business partnerships by networking there, so create your profile if you haven’t already (Source: LinkedIn).  

Personal branding on social media 

Your social media profile on ANY platform should tell a clear story of who you are, what you care about and your aspirations. You can get this across in your personal statement or bio. What’s that you wonder? 

A personal brand or elevator pitch explains what you do and why you are unique in your field. It incorporates your experience, skills, and interests so that people can easily understand who you are and what you offer. 

You can also use your personal statement at the top of a CV in the profile section when promoting your successes whether at work or university, or when introducing yourself to others. You can incorporate this statement on your Instagram or TikTok by making a video or a post with the same content and pinning it to your profile. 

INSPO: Here’s Creative Access alumni Isabella Silver’s Instagram profile and an example of how to utilise a platform for branding and networking.  

Notice how she has a clear descriptive bio, a variety of labelled story highlights, and a combination of posts that detail her journalistic work, interests, passions and personality. These components create a strong impression of who she is a journalist and make it easy to find and get in touch with her. 

Some estimate that as much as 80% of new jobs are never listed but are instead filled internally or via networking.

Payscale

Horizontal networking 

Whether it’s ‘horizontal’, ‘lateral’ or ‘peer’, it all roughly means the same thing; connecting with people on a similar level to you as opposed to someone more experienced and/or senior. You can do this at any point in your career! If you’re at university and about to graduate, it might look like reading each other’s CVs and sending each other opportunities and roles. 

In a few years’ time, you might be talking with those same peers but about how to negotiate a salary increase or change industry. 

Having networks where you can mutually share and offer support can be especially useful for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. It helps to have a variety of people in your network, and it’s wise to get help with any challenges or collaborate on work projects with people who you, in some way, connect with. 

How to reach out online without being cringe 

“I will respond better to a DM saying ‘Alright mate? How’s it going?’ than an email with loads of unnecessary words. You just need to be casual and say, ‘Here’s what I do, I would love if you could look’. Be specific about what you’re asking of them and spell names correctly!” Jahmal Williams-Thomas, Reporter & camera operator, ITV News Granada Reports. 

Sliding into the DMs of a professional you admire is a craft. We asked virtual networking pro Ella Darlington, Head of comms & marketing at Creative Access for her top tips: 

  • Be specific about what you’re asking for – the person you’re reaching out to genuinely wants to help! However, if you’re vague about your request, it can come across as needing extensive guidance, which may feel like an open-ended commitment. Clear and focused questions make it easier for them to offer meaningful support. 
  • Offer a virtual meet up (or in-person if that works for you) 
  • Keep the communication short and sweet, it’ll help you to come across as efficient! 
  • LinkedIn DM or email is best for someone you haven’t met, or might have only met once 
  • Don’t ask for someone to just get you a job!  

“I will happily meet someone if they’ve looked at my experience and they have a relevant and specific question that I can help with, such as advice on navigating promotions, managing a team or clients in a comms agency, or making the transition from journalism to PR. Or even if someone is looking for a contact in a specific area of Comms/PR/Marketing, if you say, ‘I’d love to get into sports/music/tech PR’ I’ll happily make an introduction.” – Ella Darlington. 

Virtual spaces to get involved in  

Whether it’s a WhatsApp group chat, online event, forum or membership network, there are so many online spaces that you can be a part of. Do some research online to find the right ones for you, as well as asking any professionals you chat to if they know any groups they recommend. Here are some we’ve rounded up to get you started: 

Of course, Creative Access is so proud to host its own community that we welcome individuals to be a part of. We hope you’ve learnt something new about virtual networking and have fun putting it into practise!