Networking tips from a creative pro — with Isabel Sachs, founder of I Like Networking

Does the word "networking" make your palms sweat? 

For most of us, that word instantly conjures up visions of job fairs, giant pad folios and even car salesmen. It feels uncomfortable, icky and scary.

Isabel Sachs wants to change that.

She's a master networker, a skill she recognized when her work as a creative producer dried up at the beginning of COVID. Suddenly, all of her creative friends were looking for work, but no one knew how to network.

That's why she created a networking and mentoring initiative for women and non-binary people to tackle the lack of diversity in the creative industry. I Like Networking quickly took off, even catching the attention of the New York Times.

Isabel is here with us today to share her tips for networking and why today is the best day to start. You'll surely love her as much as I do, and we might have to invite her back sometime to hear more of her dating stories. (Remember: Never date someone who is more obsessed with Harry Potter than you are!)

Set a reminder and bookmark her site because creatives around the world can apply for I Like Networking mentorships on March 22, 2021 at ILikeNetworking.uk.

EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

• Online networking is more personal, easier and less stressful. You can do it with your PJs on!
• People have free time right now. So try it out! Reach out to someone you find interesting on Instagram, LinkedIn or YouTube by asking them a simple question.
• Empathy is on the rise right now, and honestly, successful people love helping people.

ONLINE NETWORKING TIPS

• Be curious.
• Be succinct, direct and human.
• Be willing to hear "no."

SOUND BITES
"The worst thing that can happen is that someone says 'no.'"
"Think about what you can offer the other person."
"Be kind to yourself and to others, but especially to yourself."


ABOUT ISABEL SACHS
Isabel Sachs is a creative producer, public speaker & podcast host with over 15 years of experience in arts, culture & entertainment, passionate about bringing diverse talent into the creative industry - from artists to arts managers.

She founded and sold an award-winning international cultural agency in Brazil, working with emerging artists and servicing brands such as Converse and Red Bull through brand experiences in arts & culture and have since worked in a variety of institutions, delivering international events, curating programs and managing private-public partnerships.

Isabel is the founder of I LIKE NETWORKING, a mentoring & networking initiative for women and non-binary people in the creative industries with the aim of fostering a more diverse workforce through our mentoring initiative, event series, podcast and digital resources. Launched during the pandemic, it attracted over 450 applicants on the pilot program, supporting over 70 mentees directly and