Start a contact list
Most people you meet will be more than happy to exchange contact details with you. Rather than stuffing these business cards and bits of paper into a drawer, use them to build your own contacts and a networking directory.
This way, when you're looking for work, you'll never be at a loss for someone to call. Also, when you're asked if you know someone with a particular set of interests or skills, you can show your worth and do two other people a favour to boot.
Be organised:
Organise your contacts into an easily updateable and searchable system (e.g. computer database, notebook, personal organiser, index cards, etc). You might find it useful to include the following information:
- Name and job/role
- Work details - company, address, phone, mobile, fax, e-mail, website
- Notes on the company - recent & future jobs, press coverage, awards, etc.
- How/when you met
- Mutual friends/acquaintances
- Ideas and possible kinds of co-operation
- Any special interests or subjects you discussed when you met them
Your contact list should include personal contacts, people or organisations you have approached and people you have met at training days or industry networking events.
Personal contacts:
Sometimes it's easy to forget what help you might already have at hand. Anyone can be the starting point in a succesful "networking course". Have you thought of the following?
- Do you have a relative or friend who works in media?
- Have you checked if they have a relative or a friend of a friend?
- Could they ask around for you? Do they know someone who can introduce you?
- Could you meet them to find out about their work first hand?
- Can they recommend networking events which might get you started?
The same thing goes for prospective contacts you can probably make through your school, or any other organisation you might be involved in. Remember anyone can help you to start off your contacts book!
Industry approaches:
You might think that venturing out into real networking is different . Well, yes and no. The approach doesn't need to be that different. First, find out who you should be meeting, find out everything you can about them and before the relevant event, consider the points below:
- Who are the players in your chosen path?
- Where do they meet?
- Do you know the trade press titles and do you read them?
- Can you join professional groups or industry associations?
- Have you subscribed to their journals, newsletters or email bulletins?
- Do you know who is doing what?
- Can you contact professionals or companies directly?
- Do you know what they do? (If not find out!)
It may sound daunting, but people can be surprisingly generous with their time when you ask nicely. So always remember to thank people, even if they're too busy to talk to you. You might meet again and good impressions count!
