The Importance of Networking within the Creative Industries

 

What is Networking?

Networking in the creative industries is vital especially in the web development industry. Networking can be used to build and develop your professional reputation and also build a network of peers who can be called upon for advice or even help. Networking is especially important for freelancers and will able them to build a large network of clients or links to potential clients. Some professional bodies run events in many areas that will help to build your network of peers. Hackathons and conventions are also other great opportunities to meet like minded professionals or students in the same practice. Networking with fellow students could potentially lead to group projects and help build both your confidence up enough to tackle your own project in the future. 

Effective Networking

Effective networking is connecting with people or companies within the industry you desire to work in. Even  connecting with someone who works for the company you wish to work for could potentially open a door in the future. Always be on the lookout for expos or conventions in your subject and talk to people while you are there. Always follow up on your connections just a simple message will do to let them know you who you are and what your interests are. Have a look at what other people are doing before connecting so you have something to talk about. They might be looking for a junior developer and it could possibly lead to a job. 

Helping others is essential when networking even past career experience can be beneficial. When I started college I had no prior computing experience and was able to build a rapport with one of my lecturers by helping her with some Christmas dinner ideas, I have 10 years experience as a chef and was able to use that to my benefit.

Networking Tips

1. Listen more than you talk. Networking is about building relationships and good relationships are built on give and take. Try switching the conversation to the person you are talking to.
2. Keep your contact list updated. new mobiles or email address's you don't want to be emailing the wrong person.
3. Always have business cards on you at all times. You never know where you might bump into your next client or employer.
4. Check in on your contacts and congratulate them on new positions or promotions.
5. Send LinkedIn requests even at the risk of them ignoring you, you have done your part.
6. Always personalize your messages. Do not use the auto filled generic messages.
7. Ask open end questions and don't reply with one word answers.
8. Focus on how you can benefit them. If you have done your research on them you might be able to connect them with someone who can help even if you can't.
9. Don't be afraid of small talk it can sometimes open up a conversation to more detailed questions.
10. Adopt positive body language (maintain eye contact, good posture etc) 

Personal Skills

1. Start right away whether it be building online connections with potential clients and other people within your industry. Looking at how other professionals interact with people and clients can give you a better view on networking than any written words can.
2. Ask questions, after connecting with more experienced professionals in your industry make sure to ask them any questions you have, you will find that most will be happy to help as they know how you are feeling.
3. Keep in touch with everyone from education onwards. How many people did you know in school that went on to good things and you wish you had kept in touch with them? Never write anyone off we all have goals and develop at different stages. A client with a small business might not seem so important now but that business could potentially grow into a much larger project and you will be kicking yourself for putting them to the back of the list or not replying to them.
4. Be authentic, Be yourself. The best way to build good relationships is by being honest from the start. Don't be afraid to be who you are, you will be surprised how much we all have in common.
5. Be a giver and help connect people. If someone in your network needs a job that you cannot do and you know who can then help them connect. An example of this would be if someone is looking for a photographer, if you help a connection who is a photographer get some work you never know when you might need one and they might be more willing to help you for a better price as a thank you for putting work their way.
6. Stay connected with your connections. check in every now and then, if you have recommended someone then check in on both and find out how they are getting on with the job. This will show your appreciation and help you get referrals in the future.

   It is intimidating putting yourself out there and experience will help with your confidence. Some jobs might be too big for you and it is important to know when this is the case and know when to call in help from a connection or pass the job to another developer with more experience. This shows professionalism and maturity, working to deadlines and failing to meet them is not a good look. Keep building connections even while you are in employment it wont hurt to help more people to connect.

Sources

goskills.com - goSkills