As a literary manager, I made a career out of building a Hollywood network. While networking isn't *exactly* the same as making friends, the foundations are the same.
I love everything about this. Cultivating community and authentic relationships, both within and beyond the industry, is what makes the journey meaningful. I'm less focused on the endgame and more on all the moments along the way. Writing is the vehicle that allows my path to intersect with others. My life is enriched by the people my creative journey has drawn in. AND those connections that manifested organically have been the ones that have also been the most valuable professionally. Thank you for sharing your wisdom on this subject!
I think that’s a great attitude because the moments along the way are the ones that we spend the most time in. And they’re the only parts of any of this that are guaranteed. ❤️
Audrey, I cannot express how helpful this is. As someone who struggles with the nuances of communication and connection, particularly the transactional relationships but really all relationships, this is literally life changing advice.
You have answered a question I’ve had for a very long time. Forever really. A high profile writer friend (it works - look at that!) tried to explain these concepts and has been so kind for many years, putting up with my clumsy interactions. I don’t want anything from him but it’s in the back of my mind that he is where I want to be, a brilliant successful creator. I’m always terrified I will overstep. Or understep. Or something.
You have clarified and quantified the pattern of behaviour that supports genuine relationships with the potential for not mutual gain, but mutual benefit.
I’ve been anti social media and anti “transactional relationships” ever since I left the DoD. I think mutual benefit requires a lot of vulnerability and trust from both sides. Perhaps trusting yourself to be vulnerable can be learned, yet easier said than done after one has been burned from different careers.
Articles like these help me accept the reality of networking, albeit I’m stubborn enough to need to reread 100 of these before I commit to being social (online) with the expectation that someone cares about what I have to say. Maybe if I stopped caring so much….
Such great advice for any industry. Brilliant article 🌟
Thank you charlotte!
I love everything about this. Cultivating community and authentic relationships, both within and beyond the industry, is what makes the journey meaningful. I'm less focused on the endgame and more on all the moments along the way. Writing is the vehicle that allows my path to intersect with others. My life is enriched by the people my creative journey has drawn in. AND those connections that manifested organically have been the ones that have also been the most valuable professionally. Thank you for sharing your wisdom on this subject!
I think that’s a great attitude because the moments along the way are the ones that we spend the most time in. And they’re the only parts of any of this that are guaranteed. ❤️
Audrey, I cannot express how helpful this is. As someone who struggles with the nuances of communication and connection, particularly the transactional relationships but really all relationships, this is literally life changing advice.
You have answered a question I’ve had for a very long time. Forever really. A high profile writer friend (it works - look at that!) tried to explain these concepts and has been so kind for many years, putting up with my clumsy interactions. I don’t want anything from him but it’s in the back of my mind that he is where I want to be, a brilliant successful creator. I’m always terrified I will overstep. Or understep. Or something.
You have clarified and quantified the pattern of behaviour that supports genuine relationships with the potential for not mutual gain, but mutual benefit.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Just wanted to add that you’re not alone.
I’ve been anti social media and anti “transactional relationships” ever since I left the DoD. I think mutual benefit requires a lot of vulnerability and trust from both sides. Perhaps trusting yourself to be vulnerable can be learned, yet easier said than done after one has been burned from different careers.
Articles like these help me accept the reality of networking, albeit I’m stubborn enough to need to reread 100 of these before I commit to being social (online) with the expectation that someone cares about what I have to say. Maybe if I stopped caring so much….