In this open discussion episode, host Lee Smalt and guest Austin Saylor (freelance motion designer and creator of Project 200K) explore practical strategies for networking, building community, and connecting authentically in the motion design industry.

This episode covers:

• "Never not networking" philosophy: How networking becomes natural rather than forced when you view every interaction as an opportunity to genuinely connect, treating it like keeping your eyes open for people rather than completing a checklist
• Getting comfortable with discomfort: Why pushing through the uncomfortable feeling of reaching out, attending events, or putting yourself out there is essential for growth—and how that discomfort lessens with practice
• Relationships first, opportunities second: Understanding the difference between outreach (seeking opportunities) and networking (building relationships that may lead to opportunities), with emphasis on authentic connection over transactional exchanges
• Practical networking tactics for introverts: Using the 10-minute rule at events (stay 10 more minutes before leaving), creating challenges or excuses to connect (like asking for quotes or taking selfies), and being honest about nervousness
• Client Relationship Managers (CRMs) for freelancers: How tools like Notion can help track client interactions, project history, and schedule regular check-ins to maintain relationships without letting connections fade
• Building your peer network matters: Why connecting with people at your experience level is just as valuable as connecting with established professionals, since you're all growing together and will refer each other for years

Help Wanted:

Monday Meeting is looking for volunteer hosts for November and December episodes, as well as volunteers to join the team to help with editing, social media, and other tasks!

Visit MondayMeeting.org for this episode and other conversations from the motion design community!

SHOW NOTES:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Monday Meeting Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠MondayMeeting LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠MondayMeeting Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠MondayMeeting Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠MondayMeeting Newsletter⁠
• Full Harbor
• Austin Saylor
• Motion Design Discord and Slack groups
• The Way of Integrity book
• Digital Body Language book
• Tiny Experiments book
• Basic CRM setup in Excel
• The $1.80 Insta Strategy