"You say people gloss over when you mention your day job, so don't mention it!"

"My first piece of advice here is simple. You say people gloss over when you mention your day job, so don't mention it! Especially not early on in your conversation. You say you have loads of creative endeavours, so lead with them and make them the first impression of you. Passion is infectious, and if your creative work is where your passion lies; don't give the people you're chatting to any excuse not to hear about it."

"Secondly, as you're already doing so much, I would try and see out someone you know very well, that you trust and, crucially, someone who will be brutally honest and candid with you. Speak to them about what's happening and why they think it is. They know you better than me(!) and you may need some tough feedback on your approach to develop."

"Finally, maybe you're not seeking people out in the right environments, or at the right events? Are there passions or loves you have (running, cooking, etc.) where you might have more luck finding people on your wavelength? Seek out some of those places adjacent to the creative world you're looking to enter, and trust a little more serendipity. Also, why not create something yourself that will entice the people you're trying to meet or connect with?"

Begin conversations by highlighting creative endeavours rather than a day job so passion becomes the first impression and listeners focus on creative work. Find a close, trusted acquaintance who will be brutally honest and candid to diagnose why connections are not forming and to give tough feedback on approach. Explore different environments and activities aligned with personal passions where like-minded people gather. Consider creating events or projects that provide real value to the desired network and position yourself as host to attract and connect with relevant people. Persist and allow serendipity to work in your favor.

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