Networking is a term used extensively in business. It doesn’t just apply to office workers or those in high-powered careers – although we’re sure most of our readers will know at least one person from a business background who has been networking with other professionals. Networking is simply the process of starting (or strengthening) a […]
Published 19th November 2025
Networking is a term used extensively in business. It doesn’t just apply to office workers or those in high-powered careers – although we’re sure most of our readers will know at least one person from a business background who has been networking with other professionals.
Networking is simply the process of starting (or strengthening) a relationship for business purposes. Networking is usually done for the benefit of both parties, e.g. gaining more contacts, increasing sales opportunities etc. It can involve any of the following:
Think of business networking as a social way to raise a person’s or company’s profile – like human marketing.
Why can networking be beneficial to models? Surely, if you’ve joined a reputable agency you only have to update your portfolio and trust that the agency’s clients will pick you?
That’s only half the story. If you’ve registered with a decent modelling employment agency and if you keep your portfolio refreshed with current photos, it’ll serve as the best starting point for your modelling career. However, models cannot afford to do nothing after these initial actions.
Models who network increase their chance of more work. It might be slow progress, but the odds are in a model’s favour. At the very least, models gain more knowledge into how our clients work, and they’ll be in a better situation than waiting for things to happen. Networking is about raising your profile, gaining contacts, and showing them what you can add to their marketing strategies. Modelling is fun, but it is work, after all, so perhaps more models should think of their work as business – even if it’s part-time or on an ad hoc basis.
What about a model’s network strategy? Who should you approach?
Networking between other models is a wonderful way to share views and information. You can do this on assignment if working with large groups. Many of our models come away with fresh contacts and new friends, building relationships that are mutually beneficial. Think of our pool of models as a network, so you can explore new ideas simply by interacting with like-minded individuals.
Models can use our social media pages to network. This is a convenient and effective way for lots of models, where they can reminisce on past assignments and look for ways to improve. We encourage our models to interact with other Models Direct talent, so if you haven’t joined any of our social media channels, please do so.
Networking with the brands we work with is also a good starting point in building relationships in the industry. Our clients are the decision makers, and they are the ones that pay us so we can pay our models. They want to see enthusiasm and dedication, with models being professional and punctual and fun-loving in equal measures. They value models asking questions on set. If clients employ a creative agency to produce the campaign, it’s a good chance for models to gain contacts. Showing willing and looking to the future is always noticed.
Models can network with us directly. We have a responsibility in ensuring our model’s safety – and to provide the best service to clients – but we’re a sociable and approachable bunch. If you have any stories or unique experiences, we’d love to hear about them.
Don’t be shy about networking. Interacting with more people in the same industry can be provide models with more knowledge and a renewed passion which can only be helpful in modelling careers.