#51: How NOT To Network: Networking Horror Stories with Julian Ribinik

In this episode of Mind Your Wedding Business, Kevin sits down with New York–based wedding photographer and wellness coach Julian Ribinik to talk about networking the honest way. From “spray-and-pray” introductions to the perils of overindulging at mixers, they share real stories that reveal what not to do, and what actually builds trust.

Together, they unpack the mindset shifts that make networking feel human (not transactional): ditching expectations of ROI at the door, reading the room, and focusing on genuine connection over job titles. Julian also breaks down how long the referral flywheel really takes to spin—and why your best opportunities often come from unexpected corners of the industry.

They also dive into what vendors need to know to make networking work for their business. You’ll learn how to follow up without being pushy, how to meet people on their preferred channels, and how to show your best self on the job so word-of-mouth can do the heavy lifting.

Highlights:

Why going to an event expecting bookings sets you up for disappointment
The better opener than “So, what do you do?”, and why name tags can backfire
How small, late-night conversations often create the strongest connections
Legal/logistical pitfalls and how to avoid them
The real timeline for results—and why referrals often come from non-obvious sources
Follow-up that isn’t cringe: timing, channel, and tone

This episode offers a clear, candid playbook for building relationships that last—so you can grow your business on trust, not transactions.

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