Networking within the creative industries is extremely crucial whether you are seeking employment or looking to go freelance. Building relationships is a basic part of life. Building a networking circle is one of the most vital requirements of establishing yourself into the industry. You are at a disadvantage of getting a job if you are unable to network within the creative industries. You are competing with everyone and you need to stand in the crowd. I will explore how to stand out within the web development field.
Portfolio
An exceptional portfolio can set you apart from the crowd. Please see my earlier blog on what makes a good portfolio. A portfolio on its own won’t land you the job, however. On top of a portfolio having business cards can help. It is the easiest and fastest way to share your information with a potential client/company. It seems old fashioned, but these techniques are still relevant and work. A business card should be to the point and contain all the information to contact you. An NFC tag or QR code is also a good idea to open your portfolio website. These can be the difference between standing out and being part of the crowd. One of my favourite things is a creative CV. Especially if it has a connection to your portfolio and business card as shows the work you’ve put into yourself (same/similar theme, colour or design). I love the percentages and the circles to show how much of a language you know but recently found out although I think they look super cool they have zero relevance and make you look a bit of a halfwit. So, stay away from using percentages to show off something may have meaning to you but no-one else.
Enthusiasm
Be excited. Don’t be annoying excited but just the correct amount of excited. What does this mean? I am a fan of watching the apprentice and there is a task every year where they need to pick 1 or 2 products and then sell them. There is normally a clash between the 2 teams where they both want the same product. Normally the team that shows the most excitement and interest for the product gets it. Why wouldn’t they? They build rapport with the client through the interest they have on the client’s own work. This is done through asking questions and being genuinely interested in the product, body language, verbal nods on the pitch and a smile. This has got me a long way in life so far and it works for most aspects of life.
Body Language & Confidence
Body language is mainly how you sell yourself in person without realising you are doing it most of the time. Most places say don’t slouch, sit up straight but I’m a sloucher when I sit. Sometimes you do things without realising you’re doing them, and they are what make you, you! As cliché as it sounds. There is a general list of things to do and not do with body language, but I am more of a fan of doing what you think is right. Make your own mistakes that way you learn and develop as a person. Not everyone is going to like you and that is life but not everyone is going to dislike you. So be yourself whilst networking and not someone else as you tend to get found out. Have confidence in yourself and your portfolio. You made it and the work within it. Be proud of the work you have accomplished. First impressions count so relax when meeting people, be yourself and show your passion.
Talk!
Talk to people, take your time to get to know them. Socialise and be friendly to your colleagues and not just the clients/company’s if you’re at an event. Use social media, introduce yourself to companies as being interested in working with them someday. The worst thing they can say is “no thank you, I’m not interested” to you. Plenty of others will take the time to talk back so just move on. Networking is a massive part of all aspects of your life from making friends to finding a job. I got my current job through a referral from networking with everyone in my college class. It came out the blue and was unexpected, all because I am technical with WordPress experience and they thought I’d be a good fit to work beside them. I made some good friends from college and will likely make many more. Some people find networking very easy and some people shy away from it. Personally, I find it very easy to speak with people. I get nervous and have my anxiety issues (like most people), but most people won’t see this as I don’t tend to show it. If I have a question to ask, I want to know the answer so I will ask it. I don’t care if anyone wants to laugh at the question. I have found that it is faster to build rapport when you both have things in common but it’s not impossible to build rapport with nothing in common just requires more time and patience. I have learned through my experience to not judge a book by its cover as people will often surprise you if you do.
Most importantly there is no such thing as having too many friends.
