Effective networking is essential for every designer. But what is it? What is it all about? And how can I become a pro at it?
Often referred to by names like Schmoozing, networking is the practice of actively striking up and engaging in informal communication/conversation with others in order to build up the circle of people whom you know, and thus gain mutual assistance or support.
While networking is predominantly about people, it is also largely about creating opportunities for yourself and the people you are networking with. Essentially each person in your network represents multiple opportunities. As your network of people grows, the amount of opportunities that are potentially available to you and your network expands exponentially.
These opportunities can be numerous and come in many many forms. Some opportunities might be immediately obvious. Others will become known as you build the relationship or much further down the track. These opportunities could range from job/employment or business related to social opportunities (maybe a membership offer to a club previously inaccessible to you). There is a reason that old saying goes ‘its not what you know its who you know’.
While in these last few paragraphs I have talked largely about networking bringing benefits to you. You should always keep in mind that to really get somewhere in building a good network that gives benefits back to you, you will need to constantly look for ways you can provide benefits to the people you are networking with.
As a designer, especially if you are planning on one day having your own practice, you will need to engage in actively networking. The reasons for this are numerous, but like I said before it mostly relates back to opportunities. A lot of designers want opportunities to do amazing work,to have this work featured in exhibitions and magazines, and to have their name out there are being amazing at design. Opportunities to do all of this can be opened up through the people you know.
The most effective way to begin on this path to having an excellent network begins during your training as a designer, often at University. And without often knowing it, this has to be one of the core reasons to attend a university. You meet people. To begin with its class mates, who will ultimately be practicing in the same field as you in the future. Then there are your lecturers, who are already in industry and already have professional networks that you (in some cases, unfortunately not all) can leverage. And there are also thousands of other students in other disciplines to meet. Meeting people in other disciplines is a must in building a strong network that will benefit you. People in other disciplines have a whole different method of doing and looking at the world. They are also connected to a whole different set of people than anyone in your discipline will be.
If you didn’t really actively meet people in University and kick start your networking. Don’t worry its never to late. There are plenty of places you can network (you should also network in these places if you are still a student).
Events
Ranging from seminars on many topics to trade shows and opening nights. Events are by far the best place to network if you are a designer. You get time to chat face to face with people in a casual setting. If you get nervous meeting people then there are often drinks that might help, just be sure to never have too many. Otherwise your professional reputation could suffer. Also don’t forget to take some business cards along. Yes that’s right, get business cards printed even if you are a student. Get the best you can afford and get short runs done regularly. Because as designers we are always wanting to update our image. But make sure you always have a small stock of cards available and don’t let them run out.
Online
Blogs and sites like Linkedin are a excellent places to network online.
Blogging is a great way to network with people and build your network through sharing your thoughts and views on various topics over the internet.
Linked in is also good for networking through joining groups and starting/contributing to discussion.
Out & About
When your out and about strike up conversations with people you don’t know. Maybe your standing in a very long line at the post office or at stuck on a plane. You suddenly share something in common with the person next to you – your stuck in that line or on that plane together. You never know who you might met or what opportunities might present themselves.
Your networking toolkit
There are several tools that are necessities to network effectively.
Business Cards - don’t leave the house without them, you never know who you might run into or when you might need them.
A Pen (or two, just in case one runs out) – So you can jot down someone’s details, a website or resource. If there is time at the end of the conversation then jot down on any business cards you received the event and anything of importance you talked about.
A smile - good networkers are friendly people who always exude confidence and have a smile. Smiling makes you more approachable and gives those face muscles a good workout.
Conversation – read plenty so you can be up on current issues and trends across many fields, not only will this help you to strike up conversation when networking but it will also help you in your design work.
A business card holder – invest in large one that you can add extra pages to. This will help you keep all those business cards you have collected organized.
Follow up & build the relationship.
It is VERY important to follow up with people. When you get home with all those business cards you have collected you should make sure you email or call the person within 24 hours. These days a short sharp, polite mail is best. But if they expressed an interest in you contacting them, then a phone call might be better suited.
example email:
Hi John,
It was great to meet at the Design Victoria function at Tree Tops last night. I enjoyed our conversation on the future of solar energy. Should you need to chat about Industrial Design at any point in the future, don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to seeing you at future Design Victoria events.
Kind Regards
Raph.
There you have a quick and dirty introduction to networking for designers. Please feel free to add your thoughts or advice on networking in the comments.
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