I am finally bringing another post to my blogging series! Today’s topic – networking!! This is something that I didn’t really realize I had a strategy for…it seemed to just naturally happen at the time, but now looking back I did really prioritize building relationships with the Seattle fashion community and it has brought me a ton of fulfillment to my blogging business. You want to be networking with the brand side, (ie. attending events, reaching out to local businesses, etc.), but also with OTHER BLOGGERS. I can honestly say, networking with other bloggers has been the biggest blessing of it all. Here are a few simple tips to up your involvement in your own city!
Find people / brands with hashtags!
Instagram hashtags are a powerful tool when it comes to researching! Search things like #seattleblogger or #seattlebusiness or #seattlefashion. The list really does go on! Once you start exploring that hashtag, you will likely find tons of people and brands who you can connect with! Also make sure to be including those searchable tags in your own photos so that other people can find you!
Facebook groups!
This has been an awesome way for me to connect and make friends. Search for local blogging or business groups, as well as larger nation-wide groups! The local ones are great for instant connection, but often you’ll find people from your city in the large ones too!
Attend events!
This was big for me in the beginning and where I happened to meet a lot of my friends! During my first few years of blogging, I would go to nearly every single event that I was invited to. I was eager to connect as well as get my name out there. I will say that now that I have done TONS of networking, I rarely attend events. They are so much fun, especially in the beginning. But for those of you who don’t know, I live a bit outside of the city so it is not a casual thing for me to attend them. They often took up my entire day and hours in traffic. Now I ask myself what ones I think are really worth all my time and effort and plan accordingly. I do think that they are really important in the beginning though and such a great way to meet local people in your industry in person!
Don’t be shy!
Go up and say hi. Send that DM or email. Ask her to coffee. Just do it! These things often seem so scary at first but really do lead you to find some of your best friends or biggest brand deals. It is called ‘social’ media for a reason – and that’s what blogging is all about! So be social!
Overall, a lot of networking comes from putting yourself out there. It is always uncomfortable at first. I remember when I first started building connection in the Seattle community, I was SO nervous and self conscious. I would over-think everything, it was really challenging. So I completely understand any hesitation or nerves you are feeling when it comes to any of the things mentioned above. My words of encouragement to you would be that it 100% does get easier and it is all worth it! You can always send me a message and I’m happy to chat about it too!
Happy connecting!
Photos x Sarah Wolfe
Shop my outfit:
Xx Karlie
Oh! I super appreciate this!! Keep it up girl 🥰 XOXO