Seeking tips on networking in a creative field
July 11, 2014 3:52 AM Subscribe
I work in a creative field. For the first time in a long while, I have got a little downtime before my next big project is due to kick off. I want to use this time to engage in some networking and try to expand my clients list. I'd love to hear some tips on how to go about that.
I have got a portfolio site (my own domain) and a Linkedin profile that is up-to-date. I also have a facebook profile that I use mostly to post (rarely) stuff I've been doing, and to keep in touch with colleagues and to follow/share interesting stuff in creative fields. Right now I am working on creating a Behance portfolio, as well as some personal/promo projects closer to the kind of work I would love to do in the future.
Frankly, I rarely seek clients; they usually come to me, based on my previous work or through referrals. I've been lucky in that aspect but I really would like to be more proactive. I've got many contacts but I am not quite sure how to go about "cold" e-mailing. I don't want to be spammy and relentless self-promotion (from other people) tends to annoy me. Also, I am well aware that I don't have the kind of personality or "people skills" I see in some successful self-promoters. I like my privacy and I am wary of over-exposure on social networks. These are my weaknesses. My strengths are that I have a good visual culture and that I am good, reliable and fast at what I do.
Another detail: I've worked intensely for a few years with ad agencies, then I took a much-needed break. I'd like to go back. However, competition is fierce. I'm connected through Linkedin to the people I worked with, but many have moved agencies or countries in the meanwhile. How to best use these connections to my benefit, when some probably don't remember me? Most will, but there are a few I only did a few jobs with, and it has been a while.
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Sorry for the wall of text. Basically, any tips that would help me draw a game plan would be most welcome. Thanks in advance!
I have got a portfolio site (my own domain) and a Linkedin profile that is up-to-date. I also have a facebook profile that I use mostly to post (rarely) stuff I've been doing, and to keep in touch with colleagues and to follow/share interesting stuff in creative fields. Right now I am working on creating a Behance portfolio, as well as some personal/promo projects closer to the kind of work I would love to do in the future.
Frankly, I rarely seek clients; they usually come to me, based on my previous work or through referrals. I've been lucky in that aspect but I really would like to be more proactive. I've got many contacts but I am not quite sure how to go about "cold" e-mailing. I don't want to be spammy and relentless self-promotion (from other people) tends to annoy me. Also, I am well aware that I don't have the kind of personality or "people skills" I see in some successful self-promoters. I like my privacy and I am wary of over-exposure on social networks. These are my weaknesses. My strengths are that I have a good visual culture and that I am good, reliable and fast at what I do.
Another detail: I've worked intensely for a few years with ad agencies, then I took a much-needed break. I'd like to go back. However, competition is fierce. I'm connected through Linkedin to the people I worked with, but many have moved agencies or countries in the meanwhile. How to best use these connections to my benefit, when some probably don't remember me? Most will, but there are a few I only did a few jobs with, and it has been a while.
***
Sorry for the wall of text. Basically, any tips that would help me draw a game plan would be most welcome. Thanks in advance!
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posted by ohisee at 12:00 PM on July 11, 2014