Your Networking Tips are really sincere pieces of advice. I am highly impressed with the openness and your blogging style. Thanks.
We just got back from Lucky’s Fashion and Beauty Blog (FABB) conference where we got to hang out with some of the world’s most influential style bloggers. These ladies are known in the blogosphere for their impeccable taste, but we admire them just as much for their business savvy—they’ve built massive followings online, plus they have huge networks in real life, too.
We caught up with a few of our favorite bloggers and asked them to divulge their secrets for successful networking. (And, of course, we checked out their looks, too!)
Kendra of Closet Confections
Her Networking Tip: “Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up! Trading business cards at an event is just the first step—the real value comes in the relationships you build afterwards. I’d recommend contacting people every month or two to stay in touch: invite them to other events that you think they’d find interesting, share a relevant article or link, or even just say ‘hi.’ You’ll be amazed how much your network can grow!”
Her Look: Cubicle Chic loves animal prints! (Remember our snakeskin post?) Props to Kendra for taking the trend all the way with a beautiful dress!
Visit Kendra at closetconfections.com.
Meghan of Voila Meghan
Her Networking Tip: “Remember the rule of reciprocity: if you do a favor for someone, they will return it one day. So be friendly and open with everyone you meet.”
Her Look: Bangles! Bangles! Bangles! With a button-down, with a blazer, with an elegant sheath dress—piling on the bracelets always adds a pop of glam.
Visit Meghan at voila-meghan.blogspot.com.
Alexis of Dolly Rocker Girl
Her Networking Tip: “Just assume that other people are awesome, so feel free to gawk and compliment them!”
Her Look: Can we please have Alexis’ purse for our work wardrobe? Matched with a peacoat and fall scarf, it would be an excellent autumn accessory.
Visit Alexis at dollyrockergirl.blogspot.com.
Adrienne of Me, My Hair & The City
Her Networking Tip: “Don’t be afraid to say ‘hello’—that’s truly all you need for an ice breaker.”
Her Look: We can’t get enough of color. Adrienne’s blue dress is the perfect length and neckline to wear to the office—just throw on a blazer!
Visit Adrienne at memyhairandthecity.com.
Brooke of Just B
Her Networking Tip: “Challenge yourself—travel to meet people and attend events, and tweet at strangers!”
Her Look: Brooke’s pleats would be an excellent addition to our work wardrobes. Fun, feminine, and a little retro, this skirt would look great paired with some heels and a sharp button-down.
Visit Brooke at justbblog.com.
Grace of Stripes and Sequins
Her Networking Tip: “Tweet people after meeting them to keep in touch. It’s a quick and easy way to make contact.”
Her Look: Emerald green is the color this season, and Grace’s gorgeous DVF dress is the perfect combination of color and style.
Visit Grace at stripesandsequins.com.
Julie of I Heart Heels
Her Networking Tip: “Don’t be afraid to just walk up and introduce yourself to someone. To borrow a phrase from Eminem, ‘you’ve only got one shot, one opportunity.’”
Her Look: Julie has a wonderfully simple look—and who doesn’t like a little leopard? Add a belted black cardigan, and it would fit in perfectly for casual Friday at our office.
Visit Julie at iheartheels.com.
Lauren of Everyday to Runway
Her Networking Tip: “Always have business cards! I even have two sets—one set for professional networking with all of my business information, and another set with more basic personal information for casual situations. This way I’m ready to network at any moment!”
Her Look: Patterns are always a good way to add some flair, and we would love to wear Lauren’s Missoni-inspired top with some wide legged trousers. Maybe the new collection at Target hasn’t completely disappeared yet…?
Visit Lauren at everydaytorunway.com.
Rebecca of Thirty-Five Inch Inseam
Her Networking Tip: “Don’t hesitate to share and don’t hold back!”
Her Look: Those shoes! Rebecca makes us want to go shop at Anthropologie—right now. Take a cue from her style and don’t be afraid to mix a pattern or two next time you’re getting ready for the office.
Visit Rebecca at thirtyfiveinchinseam.com.
Meredith of Cubicle Chic
My Look and My Networking Tip: Especially in creative industries like blogging, wear something worth talking about! If you have beautiful earrings, fantastic shoes, or an interestingly patterned shirt, people will have a great excuse to talk to you. I wore this insanely bright dress (also on trend for candy brights), and it served as a great networking tool on several occasions.
