Networking can be such an important tool within the design world. Its become essential for business and designers to not become isolated and stay in the know where the industry in concerned. From experience with my own companies OBEKO and Urbnkila its become increasing apparant that today it helps to have contact with people in your field if you want to achieve success. It is important who you know, how they can help you and vice versa. The more contacts and friends you make from networking the greater the oppurtunities will be for you.
When you’re out in the “real world” looking for work, you can’t rely on your stellar resume and great grades to land you that perfect job. In today’s world, many young adults find their dream career through networking. This mysterious art often confuses the uninitiated, but there are a few easy ways to get started.
Myspace today has become an essential tool for networking, almost every design company or designer has one. Why? Because they offer closer relationships to specifically the people in your field of profession or interest. I have set up 2 myspace accounts for both my companies and from doing this i have gotten advice on matters where i have needed help as well as clients. Myspace also helps you spread the word that you out there doing your stuff alive and kicking!
Another great way to network is to go to exhibitions and job fairs. Talk to the people there and make a good impression. Always dress professionally and present yourself as a model employee. You may also want to consider doing some volunteer work or interning in your field to build up a network of contacts you can call to help you find that job. We have recently been invited to Margin an annual fashion exhibition in london through networking from there we hope to make more contacts to open more doors.
On the web you can find other sites like Ryze (http://www.ryze.com/) that form virtual communities to bring networking to those who aren’t already connected. Less reliable are contacts from friends you might meet on Friendster or other online communities. Other web forums related to your preferred career can help, too, but don’t count on the internet to land you a job. There’s nothing like face-to-face contact to make an impression.
www.tbcfm.com is a website ran by our friend austin vernon who provides aunique web based wholesale marketplace and trading community. Its an exciting new online eprocurement tool and marketing platform for brands, buyers, press and consumers. They will Promote your collections, Manage wholesale orders from existing buyers, Display forward collections via secure showroom or look-book, Broadcast TV adverts and promotional videos, Distribute company press and event information, Conduct online meetings with buyers, receive daily industry news direct to your desktop.
Living in Bridgend i looked up networking agenciesand people that are involved in helping develope business in the area, here are some of what i found;
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=169708&NewsAreaID=2\
http://www.supportu.co.uk/
http://www.bridgend.gov.uk/english/business/index.htm
www.venturewales.com/
There are not too many if any drawbacks of networking if done correctly in my opinion so it is extremely beneficial to not hold back but get involoved as much as you can.
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