By Carl Grivakis
Everyone always says…Network. It’s the buzz word for this business generation. Thinking of a network we always think of a spider web because of all the various lines connected at many different points. The trick is building up these points so you have a larger web. Here’s a list of ways I create more meaningful lines of communication in my own network.
1. Web Forums
These online boards are a great way to connect to others inside and outside your field of practice. The thing is you need to invest some time into these forums, rather than be a drive by poster. The more you connect to someone on a personal level, the more likely you may be to work with them in business. It’s because of web forums that I have landed job interviews, polished my resume, gained design work and even coordinated printing for them. I would say fine an online home for yourself and become an active member, HOW does nicely for that. If you like, expand to other web forums as well, the more people that you connect with the more effective it’ll be. Also realize anyone you see regularly on this forum is highly likely to be at the HOW Conference…maybe even a featured speaker there.
2. Previous co-workers or former classmates
These people have seen you work, know how well you handle pressure and your level of quality. Be personable with coworkers that you were really friends with, skip any superficial relationships…most people see right through that. Keep in touch with alumni through school and other methods of communication. If I’m on a job hunt, I keep my friends informed…and just this last week I was offered freelance work with quite a nice upcoming business. Be sure to give as well as receive, if you know of openings, post them at your old university or email them to friends (at their home address.)
3. Web Presence
Get yourself a Website. Better yet, get yourself a blog. If you have something to say, say it a blog so others may better learn who and what you are. Web crawlers will work out getting you in a search engine listing as you add more content. I blog quite a bit, got me a nice authoring gig gives me even more exposure as well. So I say blog!
4. Customer Referrals
Create a professional and friendly relationship with customers. They will remember good service, and will recommend you to their friends. This may not always lead to a gig, but the more your name is heard, the more projects will come in. Many designers stand by the fact that referrals are their best form of advertising.
5. Pro Bono (this does not mean "spec work")
Working with non-profits helps bring you into a group of people that aren’t in your industry, but are instead gathered together to support one cause. You are the master of design in their eyes, and they will preach your gospel to friends, family and even strangers. Beware pro-bono contest work though, this stuff can cause you more misery than profitability. A contest is most likely going to merit you wasted time, because in the end there is only one winner. The person sponsoring the contest and earning hundreds of free designs. The winner isn’t usually a great design either, but rather one that fits in the sponsors twisted corporate vision.
6. Join a club
Pick a club, sign up, and enjoy it. Choose something professional or casual, AIGA, GAG, BNI or even the Rotary. Just be around people who may need your professional abilities and around professionals who can influence your work. Hell they may even teach you how to network during a seminar they have.
7. Business Cards
Get some, then give em out like they’re candy. When meeting new people, or giving someone your number, conveniently offer them a business card instead of a scrawled upon napkin. Also put your card up at every bulletin board you see. Business can come from anywhere.
Yup, so there it is…that’s how I network and with some measure of success. Go and do likewise…and if you come up with anything else, please let me know
Source here.
Everyone always says…Network. It’s the buzz word for this business generation. Thinking of a network we always think of a spider web because of all the various lines connected at many different points. The trick is building up these points so you have a larger web. Here’s a list of ways I create more meaningful lines of communication in my own network.
1. Web Forums
These online boards are a great way to connect to others inside and outside your field of practice. The thing is you need to invest some time into these forums, rather than be a drive by poster. The more you connect to someone on a personal level, the more likely you may be to work with them in business. It’s because of web forums that I have landed job interviews, polished my resume, gained design work and even coordinated printing for them. I would say fine an online home for yourself and become an active member, HOW does nicely for that. If you like, expand to other web forums as well, the more people that you connect with the more effective it’ll be. Also realize anyone you see regularly on this forum is highly likely to be at the HOW Conference…maybe even a featured speaker there.
2. Previous co-workers or former classmates
These people have seen you work, know how well you handle pressure and your level of quality. Be personable with coworkers that you were really friends with, skip any superficial relationships…most people see right through that. Keep in touch with alumni through school and other methods of communication. If I’m on a job hunt, I keep my friends informed…and just this last week I was offered freelance work with quite a nice upcoming business. Be sure to give as well as receive, if you know of openings, post them at your old university or email them to friends (at their home address.)
3. Web Presence
Get yourself a Website. Better yet, get yourself a blog. If you have something to say, say it a blog so others may better learn who and what you are. Web crawlers will work out getting you in a search engine listing as you add more content. I blog quite a bit, got me a nice authoring gig gives me even more exposure as well. So I say blog!
4. Customer Referrals
Create a professional and friendly relationship with customers. They will remember good service, and will recommend you to their friends. This may not always lead to a gig, but the more your name is heard, the more projects will come in. Many designers stand by the fact that referrals are their best form of advertising.
5. Pro Bono (this does not mean "spec work")
Working with non-profits helps bring you into a group of people that aren’t in your industry, but are instead gathered together to support one cause. You are the master of design in their eyes, and they will preach your gospel to friends, family and even strangers. Beware pro-bono contest work though, this stuff can cause you more misery than profitability. A contest is most likely going to merit you wasted time, because in the end there is only one winner. The person sponsoring the contest and earning hundreds of free designs. The winner isn’t usually a great design either, but rather one that fits in the sponsors twisted corporate vision.
6. Join a club
Pick a club, sign up, and enjoy it. Choose something professional or casual, AIGA, GAG, BNI or even the Rotary. Just be around people who may need your professional abilities and around professionals who can influence your work. Hell they may even teach you how to network during a seminar they have.
7. Business Cards
Get some, then give em out like they’re candy. When meeting new people, or giving someone your number, conveniently offer them a business card instead of a scrawled upon napkin. Also put your card up at every bulletin board you see. Business can come from anywhere.
Yup, so there it is…that’s how I network and with some measure of success. Go and do likewise…and if you come up with anything else, please let me know
Source here.
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