In my line of work as an art consultant, networking means forging relationships with artists I can represent, as well as finding clients in need of someone to plan, source and install artwork.
For me, networking can be as simple as noticing when someone in my building, which is full of studios, is working with the door open and taking the initiative to pop in and introduce myself.
That’s how I met Michael Fitzsimmons, artist and co-owner of Zebo Designs. Michael is now one of the artists I represent, and I recently sold two of his paintings to a client who was referred to me by a designer I met through networking. This was a $3,000 sale. The client was so thrilled, she was literally dancing around her living room and wrote me a great testimonial.
To connect with artists, interior designers, high-end homebuilders, business owners and developers, I regularly attend trade shows (IDS West, Buildex), networking groups (Rapid Time Networks, HOBN, Meetup), and open-studio events like the Eastside Culture Crawl.
I have found that networking at these events is most fun when I’m not necessarily expecting to do business with the people I meet. When people tell me about their work and their passions, I tell them about people in my networks I feel would be a good fit for them, and I make an introduction.
Somewhere down the line, a person I’ve met mentions my name to someone else and the benefit comes right back to me. I am quite often surprised by the source of the most fruitful connections I receive. Networking is about building these kinds of mutually enriching relationships. •
