In this post we will be looking at networking. What it is, why it is a fantastic thing, especially in the creative industry. And how you can get started.
So, the first big question is, what is networking?
What?
Networking is one of the key aspects of the creative industry in my opinion. It’s the best way for you to noticed, especially if you are a freelancer.
Face-to-face
With networking you are speaking directly to people who may want to employ you. Whether it is online or at events, as long as you are in talks with people from companies you want to work for, you are networking.
Peers
However, it is not speaking with just potential employers that is classed as networking. When speaking too and swapping contact information with other freelancers of potential colleagues of the same skill level. This is networking.
Well what is it?
Well networking is anything that involves contacting or speaking face-to-face with employers or others in your chosen field in general, by swapping contact information you’ll be spreading your name around as well as collecting information and contact details of other doing the same as yourself, in looking to maybe outsource work to others.
Why though, is networking one of the biggest key elements in the creative industry?
Why?
There is legitimately no downside to networking. you get not only your name and contact details spread around to potential clients and companies, but it also spreads your portfolio pieces too. Networking is one of the key elements to growing as a content creator. Not just in games development, but in film, writing, art and many more industries.
Prep
Ok, it can be scary approaching someone at an event and trying your best to sell yourself. But that is why you need to prepare well, with good prep your nervousness and worries well be quelled, maybe not totally for the first few times but they should be quelled for the most part. The best way to prepare is to have some sort of clue what you are going to say. Come up with a short but to the point, maybe 10 seconds long, speech that tells them what field you are interested in and be sure to have a business card you can hand them. This is what your contact details are going to be on. Make sure the card isn't too crowded though. Include an email address, website link and a work mobile number if you have one. Simplicity is better than walls of text.
Alright, so you have prepared quite well, you have a 10 second elevator speech to sell yourself and you are ready for action. But how do you meet people? How do you tell companies that it is you they should hire? How do you meet those at your skill level to enter game jams with?
How?
It is however important to note that you should always research beforehand who you should be speaking too. For example, at a games event like Insomnia you should find out what indie developers are there and what games they are bringing.
Where?
There are many places online you can network as well as in person. Online you can use the likes on linked into not only network with others of different skill levels but also share your portfolio. Whereas in person events such as Insomnia and E3 provide a great place to not only check out what is upcoming for consumers but also get a chance to talk to the developers of said games and exchange contact details.
Competitions
These are a great way for not only networking but also testing your skill level and learning new things. For those in the games development industry I am of course talking about game jams. These are fantastic for bringing total strangers together to compete for who can make the best game in a limited time frame with themes provided to them. This is one of the ways that opens up the path for joining discord groups for budding game developers to get to know one another and work together on projects. A great place to find out what game jams are on is itch.io, they not only host them, but games can be submitted directly to their online store for inclusion in the events. And afterwards they are just regular listings for people to find and download. I like to think of it as steam for indie games.
In Summary
Networking is something that everyone starting out in the creative industries should do. Not consider. DO!!
By networking you’ll spread around your name and portfolio to potential clients and employers at events in person or online. Gaming events like E3 and Insomnia are great for this as well as taking part in game jams over discord with others looking to compete.
Here is a fantastic video by the people of the jobs website, Indeed. I think it may help you in your quest for getting started in networking.
Let me know in the comments your thoughts on this subject. What tips would you give to anyone looking to start networking?