Cultural Enterprise Office

Networking might seem like a daunting prospect, but it’s essential for developing your business.

Most people already have a network of peers, colleagues, audience members or friends. Building a network is simply about extending this list. Doing so will help you:

• Create more opportunities to learn new styles and skills
• Gain the confidence to promote your work
• Establish partnerships or collaborations, and
• Build awareness of your possible competitors

If you’re not sure where to find suitable networks, ask your existing contacts if they know or use any that might be suitable. 

Remember, online business and social networks like Central Station are also important and can give you access to a wider potential audience.

How do I go about it?

Before attending or joining any network events, ask yourself a few questions:

• What do I want to gain from joining a network? New contacts? New confidence?
• What’s my target? One event per month? Or whatever fits with my schedule?
• What do I do, or hope to do? Our Defining Your Work worksheet can help.
• What marketing materials do I have? You’ll need something to remind people who you are and what you do — a business card is ideal.

At every event, remember to be open and professional, ask for advice and arrange follow-up meetings to discuss your work further.

Disclaimer: We want to keep you in the know, so we offer a wide selection of useful resources. But Cultural Enterprise Office isn’t responsible for the advice and information of external organisations in this document. So if you have any questions, please contact the specific organisation directly.