Last night’s Oystercatchers X-Series brought together a group of early-career agency talent to focus on a skill that underpins long-term success in our industry, but is rarely taught properly: networking.

Led by Benj Chilcott, the session explored a practical and grounded approach to using networking as a key facet of a career in agencyland. In a fast-moving, relationship-driven industry, the ability to build trust and stay connected over time is a genuine advantage. Done well, networking supports your development, builds confidence and opens up opportunities throughout your career.

Here are some of Benj’s key areas of focus to improve your enjoyment of and success in networking:

Rethinking networking

One of the biggest takeaways was a shift in mindset. Networking is often misunderstood as selling yourself or working the room. In reality, it’s about building relationships over time.

The most effective people approach it with consistency rather than intensity. They focus on giving value before expecting anything back and take a long-term view. Starting early matters, as the benefits of a strong network compound over time.

How to show up in conversations

Strong networking starts with how you engage with people. The most memorable conversations are rarely driven by self-promotion.

Instead:

  • Be curious rather than transactional
  • Ask thoughtful questions
  • Listen properly, rather than waiting to speak
  • Keep it natural, not rehearsed

Simple prompts such as asking what someone is working on or what they’re finding challenging tend to open up more meaningful conversations.

From conversations to opportunities

Opportunities are rarely the result of a single interaction. They come from what happens afterwards.

This means:

  • Spotting where you can help
  • Making relevant introductions
  • Sharing something genuinely useful

A useful principle here is that relevance beats volume. A small number of considered follow-ups will always be more effective than a long list of generic ones.

Building simple habits

Good networking is less about personality and more about consistency.

Putting a few habits in place can make a real difference:

  • Make notes after conversations
  • Keep track of where you met and what was discussed
  • Follow up while the interaction is still fresh

Staying visible over time, whether through occasional check-ins or sharing useful content, helps relationships develop naturally.

Getting more from events

Events work best when approached with the right mindset. The aim isn’t to meet as many people as possible, but to have a handful of genuinely useful conversations.

Going in with a loose plan, being open to unexpected interactions and making the effort to move beyond familiar faces all increase the chances of meaningful connections.

What makes people memorable? It’s rarely the most polished or self-promotional person who stands out.

It’s the one who is helpful, thoughtful and easy to talk to. It’s a bit of a cliche, but people tend to remember how you made them feel, not what you said.

Follow-up that stands out

Most people fall short at this stage, which is why doing it well creates a clear point of difference.

Effective follow-up is:

  • Personal
  • Relevant
  • Specific

Referencing something discussed, sharing something useful or suggesting a simple next step can turn a good conversation into something more valuable.

A simple way to think about it

Start by being curious and asking good questions. Build by finding ways to add value to your newfound connections. Maintain by staying in touch consistently and then let opportunities come from the trust you’ve built.

Networking is a long game. Consistency beats intensity. Generosity creates momentum. And more often than not, the best opportunities come indirectly.

As a follow up to this incredible session, Benj has offered to make his online networking course, designed to make organisations better at relationship selling, available to Oystercatchers Club members, at a preferential rate.

We only have a limited number of these discounts so first come first served. To register, please visit www.networkers.guide and enter the code oystercatchers, for a 75% discount, meaning this course is available for just £24 (ex VAT).