When I first began networking, I thought it was a competition to see how many business cards I could get. I got quite a few, but it didn't really amount to anything. Looking back it, I feel cringe, but I did what I thought was right at the time. Better to do something than nothing and learn from it. We're all works in progress anyway.
Later, I gave up on networking and decided to be authentically me. I still approached people and stayed open to serendipity. I didn't force anything and found myself with a natural appreciation for certain people.
This has played out with finding mentors in my day job after we had initial 1x1s and worked with screenwriting. Having other writers with diverse viewpoints read my work has vastly improved my scripts. Meeting directors who want to work with a good writer has given me insight into how they think, how they view my work, and why "show don't tell" is so important.
Attending Ghost Ranch retreat in New Mexico has been a game changer for building community. Spending a week with people deepens those connections like nothing I've experienced before. The bonus is having people to hang out with at festivals like AFF , in addition to meeting their friends of friends and more.
I don't have a magical networking success story where we banded together like a band of misfit-writing Avengers yet. Or how it propelled me to massive superstardom. My networking definition changed over time to those at or slightly above my level, rather than hoping some A-lister would pluck me out of the crowd and change my life.
When I'm ready to make my short, I have everything I need to get started. I see others struggles and learnings and they are generous with their advice. For that I'm grateful. That is what I see as success in networking. We're here to help each other and grow in our respective journeys.
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Great post, Victoria Brooks! I enjoyed how you spoke of your own evolution as a writer, what approaches worked for you and what didn't. Very insightful. Here's the thing, you can be authentic to yourself and network successfully, as you're finding out. Building a trusted, respected circle of trusted writers to surround yourself with, and add value to, is critical on a creative's journey. My best to you!
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You're right, Victoria Brooks. Better to do something than nothing and learn from it. That reminds me of a poster my high school math teacher had on her door. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." I think about that saying a lot.
"I see others struggles and learnings and they are generous with their advice. For that I'm grateful. That is what I see as success in networking." That is a success. Congratulations! I hope you have a lot more success with networking, and I'm looking forward to seeing your short!
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Thank you both for your insights. It's always helpful to get different perspectives and support in this journey when we don't always know if we're doing it "right." Thanks so much for your positivity.
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You're welcome, Victoria Brooks.