# The Best Networking Tip? Be Genuinely Curious.
People often imagine networking as business cards, LinkedIn requests, and awkward small talk.
I've never been very good at that.
Instead, I've found that some of the most valuable opportunities have come from something much simpler: being genuinely curious about people.
Whether I'm travelling or simply exploring somewhere new, I have a habit of chatting to people. A café owner who has just opened their doors. An artist selling their work at a local market. A photographer waiting for sunrise. Someone sitting next to me on a train with an interesting story to tell.
It isn't planned, and it certainly isn't networking in the traditional sense.
It's just curiosity.
I've always believed everyone has a story worth hearing, and some of the most memorable parts of my travels haven't been the places themselves—they've been the conversations.
Those conversations have introduced me to people doing incredible things. They've taught me about different cultures, sparked new creative ideas, and given me perspectives I never would have found online.
Every now and then, they've also led to something completely unexpected.
A design enquiry months later.
A recommendation to someone looking for a designer.
A collaboration.
Or simply a friendship that continues long after we've both returned home.
None of those opportunities started with a sales pitch. They started with a conversation.
As creatives, we often spend so much time perfecting our portfolios, websites, and social media that we forget one of the most powerful ways to grow a business is simply by connecting with people.
You never know who someone knows.
You never know what opportunities might arise.
And you certainly never know whose path you'll cross again.
I've learned that introducing yourself doesn't need to feel like self-promotion. Sometimes it's as simple as asking someone what they do, listening with genuine interest, and sharing a little about yourself when the conversation naturally flows there.
The best connections aren't forced.
They're built on authenticity.
So next time you're out exploring a new city, waiting in line for a coffee, visiting a local market, or attending an event, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation.
The worst that can happen is you've shared a pleasant few minutes with another person.
The best?
You might walk away with a new perspective, a lasting friendship, or an opportunity you never saw coming.
Sometimes, the best opportunities arrive when you're simply open to meeting people.
