It is important to really understand the meaning of networking. As many current designers in or out of school may realize, there is pressure from the friendships that you formulate in college. Many of these people may expect for you to help them or connect them to the world in some way.
To build a network, you need to know that person’s work.
Friendships or how you feel about a person should never enter the picture. The reality is that if you refer someone to one of your colleagues or clients, and their work is not up to par: YOUR name suffers. If you do not take the time to familiarize yourself with someone’s attitude, work demeanor and actual work itself, then it is your bad judgment to include that person in your network.
Ways to get to know the work?
- Do some work with that person
- Review their portfolio
- Study their habits
- Listen to their stories
In order to refer someone, you should know why you’re referring them. And the answer should not be “They’re my friend.”
As a designer, this is my list of people I feel I need to have in my network:
- Photographers (All types: Commercial, Event, Fashion, Product, etc.)
- Publishers
- Printing Companies
- Paper Reps / Companies
- Event Planners
- Other Designers!
Of course this list will forever grow with different kinds of people, all of whom will be qualified.
If we as designers want to show the highest quality of work and professionalism, then those we refer and include in our network must reflect nothing less than equal the quality and effort as ourselves.
the xtrovert
Nice blog site, keep up the good work.
Johnny
http://www.royaltalent.com
http://www.elvisentertainers.com
Can “networking” off of facebook relate to sex in any way?? When u choose networking as an option to the reason why u are on it in the first place can it refer to sex in any way shape or form? Please message me back or email me the answer I’d really like to know. I believe networking is a term used for sex and if that’s the case I’d like to know so people don’t get the wrong impression of me or the reason to talk to me thnks!!
Hello there,
Networking on Facebook relates to Professional or Social Networking being the reason why you’re on there. I have yet to come across anyone to take it to mean anything perverse so I think you’ll be fine! Facebook has become a very powerful marketing and professional tool so most everyone that sees Networking will understand what you’re trying to do.