Task 3a: Current Netoworks

Definition of 'Networking'

“A process that fosters the exchange of information and ideas among individuals or groups that share a common interest. Networking may fall into one of two categories - social or business. In the latter category, one of the implicit objectives is to form professional relationships that may boost one's future business and employment prospects.” [1] (investopedia)

I currently use websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin, but I recognise that my current networks are fairly limited and that this is something I need to work on. I have a couple of contacts who I can call on for jobs or tools or general help, but I have not built up a vast network of contacts or industry friends. This may be partly to do with moving into teaching where keeping up with the current fashionable networks is less important and certainly the networks you need change, but as a choreographer I have definitely dropped the ball. I could definitely engage more in the choreographing world, find more new connections and inspiration, even do some free work to get noticed. Many of the people I trained with and my theatre friends have vast networks of contacts and websites that keep them in the loop. Having good connections can get you into secret auditions, score you some free tickets or even drinks with some famous people in the industry, all of these can help you further your career. I believe that the further you progress with your career the more important and useful these networks are, it becomes more important to be in the know and up to date, more important to know the right people and say the right things. It is interesting that we can now network via social media, you can tweet your favourite performer or share your work with an inspiration in your field, this is a while new method of creating a career network.

But why is networking important, how does it benefit us? Having a network can benefit us is many ways from job opportunities to fame to just having someone to talk who understands our networking can provide us with many opportunities. This gives many people motives build strong networks. Most will build networks as way of advancing in their career, the theatre industry can be being in the right place at the right time, so networking can get to that place at the right time. Networking can also be of use even if you’re already at the top of your field, so many celebrities and theatre industry leaders have social media accounts, this both aids their ability to achieve more fame and success but conversely is also a way for the less revered to learn from their idols. Networking is also a two way connection, you may be as useful to your network as your network is to you, this provides a nice group environment to networking as everyone can help each other.

My ideal network would consist of many leading industry professionals, theatre companies and leading performing arts schools. As a choreographer and teacher I want to be connected to emerging young talent, the best performing spaces, inspirational performers and helpful supporters. Many people use social media and online networking to raise their profile or to raise money such as Kickstarter, this is a great way to reach a wider network and a wider range of supporters. It is also important to think of the way you present your online presence, if you are going to network via Facebook, it is important to remember to remain professional and not post anything that might lose you a contact or even a job. You no longer even need an agent as most auditions are now posted on a variety of theatre websites such as casting call pro and spotlight, networks created for you, though they are also used by everyone else so it is not a very exclusive network.

I definitely believe that networking is both important and useful and that I certainly could get better at it (and probably need to). As modern technology pushes ever forwards I struggle to imagine the ways in which we may begin to network in the future.

  

[1] Investopedia “Networking” online. Available from: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/networking.asp#ixzz3uEaM8fNt