Jess Blackwell –
This year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) ran from September 5 to 15, attracting viewers from all over the world with an array of domestic and international films.
But for industry members, TIFF is about more than watching movies: it’s a time for conferences and star-studded panels, early evening mixers, and exclusive nighttime parties.
And for many, the primary — if not singular — purpose of these events is a familiar activity: networking. During TIFF, filmmakers from all over come together to expand their professional networks and develop their careers.
But what is networking, and how should you do it? Can attending networking events really make or break a career?
To answer these questions, I spoke to three professionals at the top of their respective fields: actor Hallea Jones (Locke & Key), actor and content creator Lindsay Ivan (Grand Army), and business development strategist Bruno Leps.
While all three interviewees confirmed that networking has benefited their careers, they warned against common pitfalls.
Leps cautioned that the quality of connections is more important than the quantity, saying that “more names/contacts does not necessarily equal a stronger network.” In a world of technologies designed to grow contact lists quickly, it is imperative to manage them and enhance their quality. Otherwise, they won’t be effective.
Context is also important to networking. Alluding to the belief that social events are critical to professional growth, Jones cautioned that networking at parties hasn’t been as crucial to her success as connecting with others on set; it’s these relationships that have been integral to her growth as an artist and led to new projects.
Jones’ experience speaks to a truth that may be overlooked by overeager networkers: networking is about building lasting relationships, not about scoring immediate favours. As Leps highlighted, connections must be nurtured to deepen and grow. While attending social events can be great for meeting new people and strengthening existing bonds, it’s not enough on its own.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your networking efforts. While many starry-eyed professionals hope to immediately receive financial rewards or job offers, networking is a long-term process that usually benefits careers in more subtle ways.
For example, Ivan, who has amassed more than a million social media followers, reports that networking with likeminded people has led to numerous collaborations, mentorships and learning opportunities. It’s also inspired her and shaped her content.
By building genuine and mutually rewarding relationships with likeminded people, you can learn from each other’s mistakes and share helpful information. As I’ve seen firsthand, it can also lead to referrals and introductions that can help fulfill your career goals.
So, while it’s important to network with clear objectives, it’s also important to be flexible and open-minded about the kind of support you receive and to understand that your efforts will usually take time to pay off.
It’s also important to let connections develop naturally.
When asked about common networking mistakes, Ivan cautioned against trying to force it: “I have had people be way too assertive and aggressive by coming into the conversation with a business card in hand and making it very transactional, as opposed to having a genuine conversation and getting to know me. I find that the best opportunities come from those who you hit it off with and those who you enjoy talking to.”
Jones says people can be too eager and come across as desperate: “There’s nothing more off-putting than feeling trapped by someone’s desperation. […] Desperation will not get you where you want to be.”
According to Leps, people may also try to put on a show to impress or please others. But, as Ivan cautions, “People can sense when you are putting on an act or are in it for all the wrong reasons.”
Instead of falling prey to these mistakes, focus on being honest and authentic. Take the time to listen and get to know people, and don’t forget to share your support and resources too. “Be yourself, and make an effort to connect with people on a deeper level,” Ivan recommends. “Networking happens naturally when you happen to click while in conversation with others.”
