You’re Not Bad at Networking. You’re Protecting Yourself

There’s something I hear all the time from artists, and it sounds very reasonable on the surface. “If I go to that event, it’s going to drain me", "I won’t have the energy.” “I’ll feel awkward.” Sometimes you are genuinely exhausted, and the most intelligent thing you can do is not push through, but actually attend to your body, your mind, your nervous system. That’s not avoidance. That’s care. But what I’m noticing more and more is that many artists aren’t making decisions from current exhaustion. They’re making decisions from anticipated exhaustion - From memory. Your brain looks at past experiences, and it says: “Last time this felt uncomfortable.” “Last time I felt out of place.” “I didn´t know what to say” - So, let’s not do that again. Before you’ve even left the house, your body has already decided: “This is going to be draining.” - “This is not for me.” That pattern doesn’t just shape whether you go - It shapes how you experience the room when you’re in it. This episode is about something deeper than networking. It’s about who you are becoming every time you choose to stay, leave, speak, or stay silent. The artist who leaves early…or the artist who stays for one more conversation. The one who performs…or the one who gets curious. KEY TAKEAWAYS You’re not bad at networking, you’re protecting yourself. Your brain remembers past discomfort and pre-loads you to expect the same discomfort at every event. The room isn’t the problem, the story is. Two people can have completely different reads on the same moment: one sees “they’re just busy,” another sees “they don’t care about me.” Neither is objectively right - the story you choose either opens or closes possibility. Your interpretation is often what limits you. Start small: go to one event, stay a bit longer than is comfortable, and have one non-performative conversation. Networking isn’t performance, it’s discovery. BEST MOMENTS “Many artists aren't making decisions from current exhaustion. They're making decisions from anticipated exhaustion. From memory.” “Instead of jumping to they don't like me, they're not interested. Try widening the lens. Maybe they're overwhelmed, maybe they're socially awkward... you don´t know.” “This isn't really about networking. It's about becoming somebody who can walk into a space, notice discomfort, and not immediately obey it.” HOST BIO With over 35 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She has sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. **** Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! https://cerihand.com/membership/ **** Unlock Your Artworld Network Self Study Course Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/ **** Book a Discovery Call Today To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at [email protected] **** Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/