| Mr Khan said: I never understood how networking worked (and probably made a few threads to that effect in my bouts of "i'll never get a real job" angst). I'm beginning to do so, but it's a function of being back in school and thus being surrounded by people in my field. Instead of where i lived, where no-one does what i want to do. |
Meh.. don't worry about it.. some people are way more natural with it then others.. I'm an awesome networker but I see the troubles a lot of my students are having when they finish the study and go on their own.. (graphic) designers basicly live from networking.. you can't survive on making a flyer for the birthday of your aunt.
Yes talking smooth helps and makes it easier but a lot of them are just too scared to get into a networking situation..but they tend to forget that the other people there are also interested into networking.. It's easier in my position as designer, we have a lot of openings (film, festivals, stores, theatre play etc etc), special events, friday afternoon drinks.. and as teacher (we have a lot of "events" that the school organizes).. I have a lot of meeting moments to network..
But still I drive for 1,5 hour to a meeting moment if it seems slightly interesting to me.. a lot of people think beforehand: it's not worth it.. you make it worthwhile.. If you think you didn't meet anyone interesting you damn make sure that a few there found YOU interesting.
I'm telling you: every one you meet there has the same doubt about networking.. its not easy, it sucks, you have to put yourself out there, and everyone is gonna try to hit on the hot blond woman.. but its already an achievement to just be there
Just remember: the best deals are done during a smoking break.. be there even if you don't smoke
Face the future.. Gamecenter ID: nikkom_nl (oh no he didn't!!)
