Networking Tips for New Advertising Employees

Published on 1 August 2023 9 min read

Why Networking Matters
How to Prepare for Networking Events
Tips for Making Meaningful Connections
How to Follow Up After Networking Events
Tips for Building and Maintaining Your Professional Network
How to Network Online
Ways to Measure Your Networking Success
Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid

Starting a new job in advertising? Congratulations! You've made it through the door, but now there's a whole new world to navigate. One of the most important parts of this journey? Networking. If you're looking for tips for networking in advertising as an entry-level employee, you've come to the right place. We're about to dive into why networking matters, how to prepare for events, and more, so pull up a chair and let's get started.

Why Networking Matters

First things first: why does networking matter in advertising, especially for entry-level employees? Well, let's break it down:

Opportunity Discovery: When you meet people in the advertising industry, you're not just making friends — you're opening doors to potential opportunities. That person you met at last week's mixer might know someone who needs your skills for an upcoming project, or they might be the one to give you your next job!
Knowledge Gain: Networking isn't just about job opportunities. It's also about learning. The more people you meet, the more you'll learn about the industry, its trends, and its challenges. This knowledge can help you get better at your job and progress faster.
Brand Building: Yes, you as an individual are a brand. And networking is one of the best ways to build that brand. When you meet people, share your ideas and show your skills, you're promoting your personal brand. This can help you stand out and be remembered in the crowded advertising industry.
Support System: The advertising industry can be tough. Having a network of people who understand what you're going through can make all the difference. They can provide advice, support, and a listening ear when you need it.

So yup, networking is pretty important. But don't worry — we've got plenty of tips for networking in advertising as an entry-level employee coming up next. Stay tuned!

How to Prepare for Networking Events

So, you've got a networking event coming up? Great! Here's how you can prepare to make the most out of it:

Know Your Goals: Before you step into the event, be clear about what you want to achieve. Do you want to meet potential employers? Or are you looking to learn more about the latest trends in advertising? Knowing your goals can help you focus your networking efforts.
Do Your Research: Who will be at the event? What companies are they from? What are the hot topics in advertising right now? Doing some research beforehand can help you have meaningful conversations at the event.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: If someone asks you, "What do you do?" or "Tell me about yourself," you should have a concise, compelling answer ready. This is your elevator pitch — a quick summary of who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for.
Practice Active Listening: Networking isn't just about talking — it's also about listening. Practice active listening so you can show people that you're genuinely interested in what they have to say. This can help you build stronger connections.
Get Your Business Cards Ready: Yes, even in the digital age, business cards can still make a difference. They can help people remember you and get in touch with you after the event. So don't forget to bring plenty of them!

And there you have it — some top tips for networking in advertising as an entry-level employee. But remember, preparation is just the first step. The real magic happens at the event itself. So let's move on to the next section, shall we?

Tips for Making Meaningful Connections

Alright, you're at the event. Now, it's time to connect. But how do you turn those handshakes and business cards into meaningful connections? Here are some tips:

Start with Small Talk: Small talk is like a warm-up for deeper conversations. It helps break the ice and set a friendly tone. So don't be afraid to chat about the weather or the venue before diving into the world of advertising.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, try asking open-ended ones. For example, you could ask, "What brings you to this event?" or "What's your favorite part about working in advertising?" These types of questions encourage more detailed responses and can lead to more engaging conversations.
Show Genuine Interest: People like to feel valued and appreciated. So show genuine interest in the people you meet. Listen attentively to their stories, ask follow-up questions, and show enthusiasm for their ideas.
Share Your Passion: Passion is contagious. When you share your passion for advertising — whether it's a new ad campaign you loved or a marketing strategy you're excited about — it can spark interest and excitement in others, too.
Offer Value: Can you offer advice, introduce someone to a valuable contact, or provide insights into the advertising industry? Offering value can help you build stronger, more meaningful connections.

And there you have it. These tips for networking in advertising as an entry-level employee can help you transform casual encounters into meaningful connections. But remember, networking doesn't end when the event does. Let's move on to our next topic — following up after networking events.

How to Follow Up After Networking Events

Following up after networking events is like watering the seeds you've just planted. Your initial meeting was just the beginning, now it's time to nurture those relationships. Here's how:

Send a Thank You Message: Start by sending a quick "thank you" message to the people you've met. You could say something like, "It was great meeting you at the event. I really enjoyed our conversation about advertising. Looking forward to keeping in touch."
Connect on Social Media: Social media is a great place to keep the conversation going. Connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn, Twitter, or other professional networking sites. Just remember to keep it professional!
Offer Help: If you promised to send an article, make an introduction, or provide some other form of help during the event, make sure to follow through. This shows that you're reliable and value the relationship.
Keep in Touch: Don't just reach out once and then disappear. Keep the conversation going. Share interesting articles, congratulate them on their achievements, and check in every now and then.
Seek Opportunities to Meet Again: Look for opportunities to meet your new contacts again. This could be another networking event, a professional seminar, or even a casual coffee meeting. The more you interact, the stronger your relationship will become.

So there you go, another set of tips for networking in advertising as an entry-level employee. Remember, networking is a long game. It's about building and maintaining relationships, not just collecting business cards. Now, let's move on to our next topic — building and maintaining your professional network.

Tips for Building and Maintaining Your Professional Network

Building a professional network doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and a bit of strategy. But don't worry — even as an entry-level employee in advertising, you can start fostering fruitful relationships. Here's how:

Identify Key Contacts: Start by identifying people who could potentially help you grow professionally. This could be industry leaders, peers, mentors, or even clients. Remember, your network doesn't have to be huge. It's the quality of connections that matters, not quantity.
Engage in Conversations: Engaging in conversations is a key part of networking. Be curious about others, ask questions, and share your own experiences. However, remember that successful networking is about listening as much as it is about talking.
Stay Active on Professional Platforms: Platforms like LinkedIn are excellent for building and maintaining your professional network. Regularly share updates, engage with others' posts, and join relevant groups. This will help you stay visible to your network.
Attend Industry Events: Industry events, whether they're online or offline, provide a great opportunity to meet new people and strengthen existing relationships. Make it a habit to attend these events whenever possible.
Be Genuine: Authenticity goes a long way in professional networking. Instead of trying to impress others, focus on building genuine relationships. This will make you more likable and trustworthy.

So, these are some practical tips for networking in advertising as an entry-level employee. Keep them in mind as you navigate your professional journey. Remember, networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Building a strong professional network is an ongoing process. So, take your time, be patient, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

How to Network Online

In today's digital age, online networking is a must-know skill for every advertising newbie. It broadens your horizons, allows you to connect with people from different parts of the world, and opens up new opportunities. So, how can you network online effectively? Let's get into it.

Create a Strong Online Presence: First things first, you need to have a strong online presence. This includes a professional-looking LinkedIn profile, a clean Twitter account, and maybe even a personal blog. Remember, your online presence is like your virtual business card. So, make sure it represents you well.
Join Online Communities: There are numerous online communities where advertising professionals hang out. Find those communities and become an active member. Share your ideas, ask questions, and engage with other members' posts. This is a great way to build relationships and learn from experts.
Participate in Webinars and Virtual Events: Online events are a wonderful way to meet new people and learn new things. Look for webinars, virtual conferences, and online workshops related to advertising. Not only will you gain new knowledge, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
Use Social Media Wisely: Social media can be a powerful networking tool if used wisely. Follow industry leaders, engage with their content, and don't be shy about reaching out to them. Also, share your own thoughts and insights about advertising. This will help you establish your personal brand.
Remember Online Etiquette: Just like in-person networking, there are certain etiquettes to follow in online networking. Always be respectful, avoid oversharing, and remember to give as much as you take. This will help you maintain a positive online reputation.

So, there you have it - your guide to networking online as an entry-level advertising employee. With these tips in your toolkit, you are well on your way to building a robust online network. Happy networking!

Ways to Measure Your Networking Success

Once you've dipped your toes into the networking waters, it's important to evaluate how well you're doing. Are you making the right connections? Is your network growing? These are the key questions to ask yourself. But how exactly do you measure networking success? Here are some practical tips:

Number of Connections: One of the simplest ways to gauge your networking success is by counting the number of new connections you've made. Are you regularly adding new contacts to your LinkedIn or Twitter? If yes, you're on the right track.
Quality of Connections: It's not just about quantity, but quality too. Do you have connections who are leaders in advertising? Are these people you can learn from or collaborate with? If you can say 'yes' to these questions, you're doing well.
Reciprocity: A successful networker not only takes, but gives. Are you sharing valuable insights, offering help, and showing support to your connections? If people are reciprocating your actions, it's a good sign.
Opportunities Generated: The ultimate goal of networking is to open up opportunities. This could be job offers, partnerships, or even collaborations. Keep track of the opportunities that come your way through networking.
Feedback from Peers: Sometimes, the best way to measure success is to ask. Don't hesitate to seek feedback from your peers. Are you perceived as a valuable connection? This can provide you with a wealth of information.

In a nutshell, measuring networking success isn't just about numbers, it's about the value you're gaining and providing. So, keep these tips in mind as you continue your networking journey in the advertising industry.

Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid

As you venture into the fascinating world of networking in advertising as an entry-level employee, there are a few pitfalls you should avoid. Let's dive into some of the most common mistakes that can hamper your networking progress:

Not Having a Clear Goal: Networking without a clear goal is like setting off on a journey without a destination. Are you looking to learn, find a mentor, or discover job opportunities? Knowing what you want will guide your networking efforts.
Being Too Salesy: Networking is about building relationships, not selling products or services. If you're always talking about your brand or trying to sell something, people may start avoiding you. Instead, focus on creating meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships.
Not Following Up: You meet someone interesting, have a great conversation, and then... nothing. Remember, networking doesn't end with the initial contact. Following up is crucial to building long-lasting relationships.
Ignoring Online Networking: In today's digital world, online networking is just as important as in-person networking. Don't miss out on opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter.
Not Being Authentic: People connect with people, not robots. So, be yourself. Authenticity is a key ingredient in building meaningful connections.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you make the most of your networking efforts. Remember, networking is a journey, not a sprint. So take your time, build authentic relationships, and watch as opportunities unfold.

If you're a new advertising employee looking to improve your networking skills, be sure to check out Adrian Valencia's workshop, 'Getting Started and Taking Off as a Creative.' In this workshop, you'll learn valuable tips and strategies for building connections, fostering relationships, and making the most of your career in the advertising industry.