Due to the competitive nature of the creative world, it is absolutely about who you know, making your charisma and personality almost as important as the talent and skills you bring to the proverbial table.
For the fledgling designer there are several ways in which to develop your contact base. Firstly, if you are still studying you may well have lecturers who are working within the industry. A good place to start is to prove your mettle in seminars - it is commonplace for students to be called upon to assist with projects in a work placement capacity.
Most work experiences will provide a wealth of potential contacts. It goes without saying that you should woo your line manager with your skills and dedication, however, remember that everyone in the office has their own set of contacts - these may prove to be just as invaluable to you in the future. Approaching people can prove very intimidating, especially when they are working, but making the tea and coffee can be the difference between being acknowledged in the corridor and not. It is also important to be aware that lots of interns will pass through the office, so make an impression, be punctual, be warm and friendly but most importantly be helpful. Pre-empting what needs to be done and taking initiative may well lead to extended responsibility, resulting in more opportunities to enhance your network.
With the influx of social websites such as fashionspace.com and thehospitalclub.com it is easy to put your wares on an international platform, allowing those who may not otherwise see your work to do so and form the foundation for collaborations.
Schmoozing is arguably the most effective form of networking. Event launches are generally a good chance to meet people from different disciplines within the creative industry. Meeting face to face makes more of an impact than electronic interaction and of course, from your point of view it allows you the chance to employ your charm - all of us like to have our egos stroked (established or otherwise) a sincere compliment never hurt anybody! On approaching people be polite and eloquent and appreciate that you could be one of any number trying to make an impression, bear in mind that as important as it is to showcase yourself it is equally important not to wear out your welcome. On a practical note make sure that you have your business card to hand. The design of which should reflect your style – leaving a wallet-size reminder of you.
It is inevitable that on starting out you will meet lots of new faces. A simple but effective technique is to keep a notebook to hand at all times keeping a record of not just contact information but personal details. The ability to not only be aware of a practitioners most recent project but to be able to converse about it marks you as an attentive and engaging individual and ultimately stands you in good stead among your peers and competitors.
In establishing yourself within an industry where your network forms the backbone of your career, it is therefore essential that you maintain and nurture that and those within it.
