Networking: a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest (Dictionary.Com)
BeLink’d began with a network. Some people knew that I already managed a site – it’s not in existence anymore, but it surrounded my writing and graphics. But it wasn’t until I began networking that I found my own calling: to create web sites.
The site I did for Roy Audio came through an old high school contact. He showed me his site, and I noted that he’d made it out of frames, so I offered to do it for him. The current design is in need of a heavy revamp – admittedly, it seems like my graphics skills were much higher than my design skills at the time (this was a very long time ago). Of course, through sheer passion for design and programming, you can kind of see how things have already grown pretty fast – just take a look at my web site design for MagPC.
After I created this site, my next project came through the network, too – a friend of mine in San Francisco was looking for someone to turn a design into markup and CSS. So, my contract job for LiveJournal was also born (which was pretty sweet!)
The moral to the anecdote is this: make your network aware of your skills. At the time, I didn’t think that I would actually become a web designer, despite having been a web master for several years at that time. The majority of my jobs have come through the network – which just highlights its importance.
But how can you build a network?
- Make business cards. I’m serious – at some point, someone might be looking for a designer or some other craftsman, and come across your card in their wallet – and then contact you.
- Don’t be shy. I’m actually a very shy person, but the truth is, being a little bit outgoing can go a long way. Talk to people, and introduce yourself. You might make a very good contact through someone you just randomly met at a lunch counter.
- Maintain your address book. Keep in touch with people – don’t let them forget who you are, but at the same time don’t make an ass of yourself and be too much in their face.
- Attend events. One of the best things I did for BeLink’d was attend WordCamp Las Vegas. I’d always been a fan of Wordpress and enjoyed creating templates for it, and it even helped me with this blog a bit – at least, the social aspect of it (it could still use some more work – but that is coming slowly but surely). Introduce yourself to people at these events, don’t be too shy to participate!
Many of these things seem elementary, but truth be told, they’re something that many people don’t do. But what about social media, you ask? How can I integrate that into your network?
Next time: let’s touch on how social media has affected networking, and things you should be aware of concerning it.
