7 Helpful Networking Tips for Artists

Networking. For some, it’s a fun and invigorating activity. For most, it’s challenging, time consuming, exhausting, and not always the most productive. How can you get the most out of your networking time, create fruitful connections and generate new opportunities for your art career?

We collected the seven top networking tips from art business experts to help you get the most out of your networking efforts:

1. Help Yourself by Helping Others

Approach networking with a “pay it forward” attitude. Create relationships based on positive interactions and goodwill. Then, people will be more willing to help you out with your art career goals.

2. Meet Other Artists and Offer Support

Building on the last tip, make an effort to meet other artists. Go to association meetings and offer resources, tips, encouragement, and useful discussion. And keep attending - make yourself a familiar face!

3. Prepare an Elevator Speech

People are bound to ask “So, what do you do?” Have an “elevator speech” ready so you know exactly what to say. It only needs to be a few sentences - a minute or less - about who you are and what you do. If they’re interested, they will follow up with additional questions.

4. Look to Connect, Not to Sell

Switch off the infomercial instinct. Instead, focus on forming a genuine connection with people. Ask questions about who they are, what they do, their interests etc. People are looking to see if they can relate to you.

5. Collect Business Cards and Follow Up

Show interest by collecting business cards from the people you meet. Then follow up. Send an email or a card - and be sure to include the context of the meeting. Set up a future appointment with your best connections. Learn more ways to leverage your contact list here.

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