The importance of networking within the creative industries. So how to build a network?

Last week I talked about something that is linked with thsi post : freelancing. I want to come back to one sentence. I said that the number of freelancer increase significatively each years. I think it might be important said you this again because it's a great presentation of how networking is important in the creative industries. The best way to work on interesting project is to have contact with companies that they can contact you when they need you.

Networking

Networking you said?

Networking is the act of make and using connection with others people. So, for you, having a network is to develop your professional reputation and to build a network with other people who can help you and who could work with you.

In the creative industries

Like I said in introduction of this post, networking is a good thing specially for freelancer because they can win trust of some companies to have a lot of work. But it is not only useful for them, build a good network can only be great for you.

How to build a good network

In fact this post will help you to build a great network that you can get interesting jobs.

Do some research

Before meet people of the industry that you are interested to work in, you must know some stuff about it. So do some research about the industry news or about some project that you can talk with other people.

Talking is the key

Never be afraid of talking with other! I think is the best advise I can give you. Interaction is the best way to make connections. In talking with people you can learn about each other, know their way of thinking, of working and you can only learn. Be confident of your skills, your projects, your work in generally and talk about them with other people is the best way of building a network.

Diverse tips to have a professional attitude

In addition of the other tips, you can do some little things that can increase your professional attitude.

Work on your social networks

Work on your LinkedIn and keep it updated with some posts of your work. Moreover, LinkedIn is a good way to do some research and knows about news, projects of your connections.
Other social network like facebook or twitter can be good for you to have.

Carry a business card

The purpose of a business card is to leave a good impression to the person who receive it. Make a little card which carry all your information, how to contact you and some thing like your social network or your portfolio. Do a pretty one that could leave a mark on other people.

Present your work in a portfolio

It's the best way to present your work to other people. If you want some tips to make a good one please check my post : What makes a good portfolio