I am already a part of many networks both professionally and socially. For professional networking, there are a handful of key tools that I use regularly.
Spotlight - Spotlight is an obvious network for those involved in the performing arts industry. Although I'm focusing more on my teaching career, I keep my Spotlight profile available should I choose to audition for a job. It's the most widely used network for agents and casting directors and makes the audition application process efficient.
Email - My emails are my first point of professional contact for all my current jobs. If I wish to apply for a job, it is through my emails that I will send in my application. Gone are the days of only being able to give your hard copy to the company you wish to work for. This email address is how most professionals I encounter would ask to contact me, which is why it is vital that I am always up to date with checking my inbox.
Facebook - In some cases, professionals will ask for my Facebook username in order to search and contact me. Through my Facebook profile, people are able to see the companies I have previously worked for and how I currently work for. It allows them to see photos, posts and anything else I choose to make public. This obviously means being aware of the content of what I post and always thinking first about how I want others to percieve me.
What's App - I use the messaging application What's App on my phone for one of the companies I work for. It is a very instant way for my boss to advertise work availability for myself and my colleagues to then accept on a 'first come, first served' basis. It is through this application that I could then network further with any of my colleagues who work for the company, should I need to.
Blog - My BAPP Arts blog itself is a tool for networking with others who are on my course. It is through the use of comments and Skype sessions that we are able to gain feedback in order to improve our course work.
Those that are more established within the industry may choose to use other social media in order to network. I often see professionals getting in touch with each other through the use of Twitter and YouTube. Not only are they contacting one individual, but they are able to post that 'tweet' or 'comment' publicly for all to see. This can create positive publicity and advertisement using their networking to an advantage. For example, if a popular musician 'tweeted' another popular artist about collaborating on their next single, it would create great publicity and hype from their fans who are also able to read the post.
There are other forms of social media that I use socially, that I could potentially make more use of with regards to professional networking. The use of photo applications Instagram and Flickr, could possibly be used for networking if I wanted to use them for advertisement purposes. However, I currently use Instagram for personal use only to keep up with friends. Flickr is something I created for this course and have not yet needed to use for any other purpose. Twitter also has it's own potential for networking, however I feel this is something that can only benefit greatly established professionals who have a large number of followers. I would like to use my YouTube more in the context of networking and passing on my profile details. This is something I hope to develop in the near future.
I believe there are many reasons why people choose these tools to network. One reason is due to it's effeciency. It's quicker than making a phone call or writing a letter and it promotes an instant response. Secondly, the use of social media within networking is great for publicity and advertising. Not only can you connect and speak with others on these platforms, but you can also publicise yourself or company all in the same place. Finally, the main reason behind networking in general is the idea that these connections made can provide you with some form of professional gain. Talking to the right people can hold potential job prospects or further important connections.
My ideal network would be a place where a lot of these current tools are combined. An application which allows you to create your own small website that includes a place for videos, comments, messaging, CV uploads, pictures and any other personal information you wish to provide. It would have the option to search others and invite them to connect with you and be able to view your site. Realistically, this sort of website would not be free to use but it's definitely something I would consider paying for if it became available. Something that could bring me closer to having this kind of platform to network on, would be if I created my own website. This is something I am aiming to do by the end of the year. I currently feel like I don't know enough about it to take the first steps in creating a website so some research will need to be carried out beforehand.
In order to improve my current networking situation, I need to be bolder in giving out my own details such as email address, Facebook name, YouTube channel etc. But I also need to be bolder when asking potential connections for theirs. It is second nature for most professionals to be asked their social media usernames, therefore I should't feel embarassed and shy away from that fact. Especially if it's information that could potentially further my career in some way. I need to make sure I take advantage of all my current networks and get the most out of them as I possibly can. A network I would like to experiment with over the coming months is Linked In. I've many recommendations from other teachers who have explained it's a great way to connect with those in the same field of work as you. As mentioned previously, I also need to look into the ways in which I can create my own website that I can then pass on to network with.
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