Current Networks.

In this day and age, the internet and social media are at the forefront of our professional networking. For dancers, sites such as; Dancers Pro, Youtube and The Stage play a vital role in developing our careers. It's hard to imagine working as a dancer in an era where they didn't exist. There are multiple ways of professional networking, for example, being part of an online social media site, the more traditional method of attending networking events and being a member of a group or affiliation. Participating in professional networking can ultimately help further a career and aid in self development. 

My professional networking could definitely be improved upon. I don't actively participate in many networks, despite it being key in regards to furthering my professional practice. Through taking the Professional Practice (Arts) course, I have already gained a blog, a flickr account and a gmail account, none of which I would have previously thought to participate in. 

I predominantly use Facebook as a networking tool. I have a personal account and I'm also part of groups such as The Hustle. Facebook is amazing for connecting people all over the world. Having worked and lived abroad, a lot of my friends and contacts are overseas, so Facebook is great for staying in touch with them. Some more experienced practitioners may have a separate account or page on Facebook which is used for purely business purposes and to promote either themselves or their brand/ business.

The Hustle is really useful, even if simply for connecting like- minded people. I found my current room in my flat through The Hustle, and even though neither myself nor my flatmate are currently performing, we are very similar people from similar backgrounds. She now runs her own photographic studio, 'London Model Academy' and it's really interesting to see which methods she uses to promote her business. I know that Twitter is Michaela's focus and her central tool for promotion and marketing. She also has a Facebook page and regularly organises networking events for people in the industry.

http://www.londonmodelacademy.co.uk/

I recently registered with various recruitment agencies. This has been a good way for me to find out more about different industries and the types of job roles I might be interested in. By speaking to recruitment consultants, I have gained a better understanding of, and further insight into different professions. By being put on their 'books', I am updated on available job roles.

Socialising with work colleagues is important in enabling me to engage in my professional network. This can help to build a rapport with other practitioners, make contacts and even further my understanding of my industry.
I would like to attend some events specifically for networking. This will be something that is completely out of my comfort zone, but is obviously a great way of meeting other practitioners, gaining contacts and even getting advice. Fund raising events can be similar in this way, and are for a good cause too!

I didn't know much about blogging before starting this course. I have since realised it can be a really beneficial tool to have. It is useful for longer pieces of writing and whether you are writing a blog yourself or following blogs, you can gain a lot of knowledge on many different subjects. You are able to follow multiple blogs, and engage and connect with people through commenting on their posts. 

As I've mentioned before, LinkedIn is now the world's largest professional network with 300 million+ members. It is an excellent tool for practitioners and is something I want to get involved in. Twitter and LinkedIn are next on my to do list!

When reflecting upon current networks, the motives of others to be in the network are to: gain knowledge of their profession and specific job roles, to gain contacts and to promote themselves or their brand.

I recently read about Facebook's new career social network that is set to launch in a few months. 'Facebook at Work' is designed to compete with professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and will allow users to keep their personal and professional accounts separate.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2847311/Facebook-Work-set-launch-January-Social-network-s-ad-free-LinkedIn-rival-roll-early-new-year.html

I think this could potentially be another great networking tool and sounds similar to what I would consider my ideal network. It could remove the danger of employers having too much access to personal information and photo's etc. via Facebook. 

My ideal network would be a site that is specific to my profession and one where you are able to connect with other practitioners in your field. It would be similar to LinkedIn, where you are able to create a 'profile' containing your c.v. and listing the skills you have. There would also be lots of information available, career advice, job opportunities, upcoming networking events etc., and links to useful blogs and other pieces of writing.  
I'm not sure how I would go about developing this idea, but I would begin by doing research and getting an idea of what else is currently available that is similar to this concept. I would attend networking events and discuss my ideas with other practitioners to get their feedback regarding a site like this, and whether they would find it useful. I could then begin to research blogs and start to collect information and links to other useful websites. Developing the website could be quite difficult, and may need the help of a website designer.