Building a Network That Actually Refers You

When you think about growing your design business, does the idea of “networking” make you want to hide behind your mood boards? We get it. Nobody wants to feel like they’re passing out business cards at a bad cocktail party.

That’s why we teamed up with Kate Bendewald, creator of Designer's Oasis, for a masterclass: Get the Word Out – How to Develop a Network that Loves to Refer You.

Kate breaks down how to build authentic, lasting connections that don’t just exist in your community but actually work for you. Here’s what we covered:

• The “know, like, and trust” factor. It’s the foundation of any strong relationship - and the reason people feel confident sending clients your way.

• Finding your people. Where to look for meaningful connections (hint: it’s not just at the obvious places).

• Staying top-of-mind. Because even your biggest fans are busy, and a gentle nudge keeps you from being forgotten.

The best part? You can do all of this without feeling like a pushy salesperson. It’s about showing up as your authentic self and letting your work (and your relationships) do the talking.

So grab a coffee and check out the session. Building a referral-ready network doesn’t have to feel awkward - it can actually be fun.