Current Networks Task 3a

What are the current and different ways (tools) that you have, or do, engage your professional network?

The current networking tools that I use on a day to day basis mainly revolve around web based technologies such as:

• Facebook which I use on a daily basis.
• Casting websites such as Spotlight, Entsweb, Equity, and The Stage.
• Two hotmail accounts one for professional use and one for personal use.
• I use you tube having a link for employers to view my show reel video through.
• I have an interactive Spotlight page which has a personalised link so I can send to potential employers for viewing.
•   Carrying my blackberry phone around with me gives me constant contact to all my web based technologies keeping me engaged with my professional networks.
• Over the last few contracts I’ve made a conscious decision to stay in contact with previous employers and colleagues as we became more than colleagues but close friends sharing so much in common. I will often chat on facebook with them seeing what there up to and try to meet up if we were working nearby one another.

What are the established (and different) ways that others use their networks, especially if they are more established or experienced practitioners that you admire?

More established and new ways I’ve found others using their networks consist of:

• The use of Twitter being able to update a status and follow certain professionals can prove to be beneficial in capitalising on another’s knowledge.
• Keeping a close relationship with your agent seems to be integral to many performer’s successes I have come across. I currently don’t have an agent but am in the process of changing that. In my previous blog i talked about my reluctance to trust agents and the next step in my search for representation. I can see from colleagues that I’m currently working with the benefits to having personal representation having some one who understands your needs on a personal level. This is something that I admire and would like to acquire in the future to assist my continual professional networking and development.
•  The more established performers are the more connections throughout the industry they make. A lot of jobs don’t seem to be widely advertised. One example of this is the dancers on X Factor. Its always who you know as I’ve had a couple of people I trained with appear there and they said they got an audition through a friend. So word of mouth seems to be a more established networking system that I would certainly like to utilise more.

Are there methods, approaches and technologies that you use socially that might apply and help you develop your professional networking?

•  Facebook is a big part of my professionally networking routine keeping me in contact with other professionals who may be casting at any given time.
• I try and stay in constant contact with friends and previous professionals I have worked and trained with. Being at the forefront of peoples minds has helped me to be considered for work by previous employers. If they know my availability then if an opportunity arises I’m more likely to be considered.
• Attending regular dance classes helps me stay connected with other like minded people and we often share tips ideas about up and coming auditions. I’m not afraid to initiate conversations and ask questions to develop my knowledge and meet new people. I think socialising is a great way to stay in the loop as there’s always someone out there more experienced that I can learn from. In turn I have passed on my knowledge to other performers who are just starting out to aid their journey.   

When you reflect upon current networks, can you think about the motives of others to be in the network and what values and purpose they have in mind? 

• Casting directors use facebook to reach as many people as possible hoping to maximise their client database and find the best suited performers.
• I think everyone uses networking for personal gain whether it simply is an employer to fill a position or myself to search and hopefully get a job.
• Networking is used to build a reputation and an image of professionalism. I try to manage my online networks with a sense of caution to retain control on what I let others view. I wouldn’t want a negative impression of me being portrayed personally let alone professionally!  

  
  

  What would your ideal network look like and why? 

  • My ideal network would have easily accessible contact details for like minded professionals.
  • I would have a wide range of performers, choreographers, costume suppliers, agents, past and present colleagues all in the same area so we can share information, availability and advice easily.
  • I like recommendations of good companies who may be hiring as well as advice on people to avoid. I wish I could have received advice about a company I worked for a few years ago because I would have thought twice if I had known their lack of work ethics!

  
  

  What realistic things could you do to work towards developing your ideal network?

  • Realistically I believe I am already working towards developing my ideal network. I will continue to maximise the benefits of web based technologies.
  • I will continue to keep a professional attitude and perform every job and audition to the best of my abilities to sustain a positive reputation. 
  • My next big step to developing my ideal network is by seeking representation. I already have planned is to go down to London and meet with my potentially new agent. 
  • I intend to increase my one-to-one interaction with other professionals attending regular classes to improve my physical skills as well as my socialising abilities.   

  
  

  What tools and methods do you need to use? What do you know about your current and intended networks, and importantly, what do you not know?

  • Good socialising skills are necessary to maximise potential new friends and information.
  • I will continue with my use web based technology’s and word of mouth approach when seeking further employment.
  • I know my current networking skills help to keep me connected to an ever evolving industry.
  • I don’t know how long these technologies will stay relevant or satisfactory to find further employment. More and more I find websites that claim to have so many castings if you pay for a subscription. Even dance cast on facebook which I have found very beneficial will change to a subscription website as of February. How long until all sites and methods of seeking employment require money to even see an opportunity. Society nowadays seems to thrive on money and more and more professional casting sights claim to be exclusive but I know through other professionals most of the castings are replicated and dispersed at different times but ultimately are the same.