12 answers
Flint
Student
Rochester, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get in contact with more professionals?
I am in college for imaging science and film and I want to learn how to make more contacts in the field. #film-production #experienced #technology #film
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12 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Flint the best and easiest way to meet people is through referrals. Stick around with the people you already know and who know the people you are looking to meet. Being introduced through them or joining in with their conversations you will very likely receive a warm welcome and introduction to the person you wanted an introduction to. This is a similar effect to LinkedIn through their online introduction tool, or even through joining the right circle at an event with somebody you know. Leveraging Social media is an effective way to get to know important contacts better and without the pressure of a face to face meeting that you may not be prepared for. Seek out like-minded or key contacts you would like to know better within your LinkedIn profile, Google Plus, Twitter and more. Try commenting on a link they post or responding to a comment they make, start a conversation with them and offer them value in return. When you have the opportunity to meet them in person it will be easier to reference previous communications with them.
One of the main goals of networking is not only to meet one or two people, but also to tap into the network of the people you are meeting with. Each separate person you meet will know approximately another 200 people, and if you can gain introductions to some of these contacts, you will quickly increase your network and your chances of finding an extremely valuable connection. Ask your contacts if they can recommend a professional organization or the names of some of the people you should be talking with. Building a network is about creating a genuine, caring relationship. Thank your connection for the information they have given and see if you can help them in any way. Share any knowledge you feel would be useful for them. Keep notes on what you learn about your contacts so your future correspondence can have a personalized touch. Remember to give something back to your career network. Networking shouldn't be a one-way street. If you come across an interesting article or a relevant job listing, share it with your network. The point of having a career network is to have resources who can help, but you should reciprocate whenever you can.
Attending a conference or event is a great way to meet a large group of professional contacts. Professional events are often publicized through industry newsletters and blogs. Try to find a guest or speaker list to determine if the event is worth attending. This will also allow you to be productive with your time if you do attend. Conferences relevant to your industries of interest or skill sets may generate the most opportunities. Ideally, the conference will also offer great speakers and some educational value. Introduce yourself to people at the event engage in casual conversation about the topic and your professional interests. If you’d like to stay in touch, get their business card or contact information and send a thoughtful and personalized e-mail the next day. Remember, people attend conferences and events for the same reason you are – to expand their networks. If there isn’t a group or event for your particular interest, organizing that event or group can be a great way to become a thought leader in a particular space. If you have a certain expertise, you might consider making yourself available to speak at an event. Getting started is the hardest part, but over time your network will start growing exponentially faster as the people you meet start introducing you around.
There is no royal road to anything Flint. One thing at a time, all things in succession.
Eagle Scout '73
One of the main goals of networking is not only to meet one or two people, but also to tap into the network of the people you are meeting with. Each separate person you meet will know approximately another 200 people, and if you can gain introductions to some of these contacts, you will quickly increase your network and your chances of finding an extremely valuable connection. Ask your contacts if they can recommend a professional organization or the names of some of the people you should be talking with. Building a network is about creating a genuine, caring relationship. Thank your connection for the information they have given and see if you can help them in any way. Share any knowledge you feel would be useful for them. Keep notes on what you learn about your contacts so your future correspondence can have a personalized touch. Remember to give something back to your career network. Networking shouldn't be a one-way street. If you come across an interesting article or a relevant job listing, share it with your network. The point of having a career network is to have resources who can help, but you should reciprocate whenever you can.
Attending a conference or event is a great way to meet a large group of professional contacts. Professional events are often publicized through industry newsletters and blogs. Try to find a guest or speaker list to determine if the event is worth attending. This will also allow you to be productive with your time if you do attend. Conferences relevant to your industries of interest or skill sets may generate the most opportunities. Ideally, the conference will also offer great speakers and some educational value. Introduce yourself to people at the event engage in casual conversation about the topic and your professional interests. If you’d like to stay in touch, get their business card or contact information and send a thoughtful and personalized e-mail the next day. Remember, people attend conferences and events for the same reason you are – to expand their networks. If there isn’t a group or event for your particular interest, organizing that event or group can be a great way to become a thought leader in a particular space. If you have a certain expertise, you might consider making yourself available to speak at an event. Getting started is the hardest part, but over time your network will start growing exponentially faster as the people you meet start introducing you around.
There is no royal road to anything Flint. One thing at a time, all things in succession.
Eagle Scout '73
Thank You Leland. “Helping one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time.” – James Durst
Doc Frick
Love that you shared you are an Eagle Scout! My youngest son is a Boy Scout Troup 1627 in Royal Oak. Cheers!
Adrianna Marino, MM
Thank You Hira. How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
Doc Frick
Thank You Ksenia. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
Doc Frick
Thank You Tonya. “No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.” – Elizabeth Andrew
Doc Frick
Thank You Simeon. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Doc Frick
Thank You Melisa. “Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” – Erma Bombeck
Doc Frick
Hira Sabri
Business Analyst
7
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Hira’s Answer
I'll echo John's answer on attending related conferences and meeting people from the same industry through that.
Other ways I'd recommend:
- Volunteer to help out at these conferences to get an idea of how things work behind the scenes
- Freelance for related projects to build your expertise which will enable you to learn, create tangible proof of your work, and help you in conversations with industry leaders
- Showcase your work through social media so that it's not just you reaching out to people but people can find and connect with you too
Other ways I'd recommend:
- Volunteer to help out at these conferences to get an idea of how things work behind the scenes
- Freelance for related projects to build your expertise which will enable you to learn, create tangible proof of your work, and help you in conversations with industry leaders
- Showcase your work through social media so that it's not just you reaching out to people but people can find and connect with you too
Jenny Boltz
Sales Strategy
11
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Attend job fairs! I saw many folks suggested Linked In and this is great way to get started. I would also suggest reviewing all your social media accounts as this could be a make or break to getting an interview. Keep your social view professional and friendly while maintaining your authentic self.
Spend time creating your profile
Solicit feedback from professionals your trust to help you improve
Follow various companies to gain industry knowledge in fields your passionate
Jenny recommends the following next steps:
Corey Brown
Marketing Analyst
5
Answers
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Corey’s Answer
Linkedin is an incredible resource to network with industry professionals. Also try and stay connected on other social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Doan Le
Business Management
27
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Doan’s Answer
Several ways to build your network in any field:
* go to imaging science and film conferences
* get referrals through your school
* get introductions through family and friends
* go to LinkedIn.com which is a social network for professionals. Search by criteria that you are interested in. For example, Professionals in the film industry that live in Rochester, New York. Reach out to them and ask if they are willing to talk to you and give you advice for how to start your career.
https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/people/?geoUrn=%5B%2290000684%22%5D&industry=%5B%2235%22%5D&keywords=film&origin=FACETED_SEARCH
* go to imaging science and film conferences
* get referrals through your school
* get introductions through family and friends
* go to LinkedIn.com which is a social network for professionals. Search by criteria that you are interested in. For example, Professionals in the film industry that live in Rochester, New York. Reach out to them and ask if they are willing to talk to you and give you advice for how to start your career.
https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/people/?geoUrn=%5B%2290000684%22%5D&industry=%5B%2235%22%5D&keywords=film&origin=FACETED_SEARCH
Cynthia Timmerman
sales
3
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Attend conferences and volunteer in your community. Linkedin is another great resource.
Lucie dC
Product Manager
82
Answers
California, California
Updated
Lucie’s Answer
In order to boost your network here are a few things you can do:
- Meetups: App that will allow you to meet local people based upon your interests.
- LinkedIn: You can use the platform to meet new people that have a job you seek or a company you are interested into for example (You can send them a message for a coffee and greet for example)
- Volunteering: A little bit of hit or miss in terms of professional network expansion but you usually meet local people and chances are that even if you don't meet somebody in the field you want they can put you in contact with someone they know.
Everything is about starting to meet people and having a good elevator pitch about yourself.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
- Meetups: App that will allow you to meet local people based upon your interests.
- LinkedIn: You can use the platform to meet new people that have a job you seek or a company you are interested into for example (You can send them a message for a coffee and greet for example)
- Volunteering: A little bit of hit or miss in terms of professional network expansion but you usually meet local people and chances are that even if you don't meet somebody in the field you want they can put you in contact with someone they know.
Everything is about starting to meet people and having a good elevator pitch about yourself.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
Patrícia Landim
Marketing and Communications Manager
16
Answers
Lisbon, Portugal
Updated
Patrícia’s Answer
Hello,
There is actually a number of ways for you to meet people from your field.
Living in a digital world, you'll surely find online communities on Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.), there are groups you can look for simplely searching using relevant keywords for your area of interest.
Joining these groups will open a lot of opportunities to meet new people, but also groups and projects where you can learn and even participate in.
Engage with people in these groups and develop your own network and surely you'll be up to speed with new things in your area.
Obviously conferences and events are also a great way to connect with people, if you get the chance to attend one, talk with people, say hello, ask them what they are working on and introduce yourself and what look for opportunities where you can also work, and or learn, with people.
I hope this is helpful.
There is actually a number of ways for you to meet people from your field.
Living in a digital world, you'll surely find online communities on Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.), there are groups you can look for simplely searching using relevant keywords for your area of interest.
Joining these groups will open a lot of opportunities to meet new people, but also groups and projects where you can learn and even participate in.
Engage with people in these groups and develop your own network and surely you'll be up to speed with new things in your area.
Obviously conferences and events are also a great way to connect with people, if you get the chance to attend one, talk with people, say hello, ask them what they are working on and introduce yourself and what look for opportunities where you can also work, and or learn, with people.
I hope this is helpful.
Kei Mercado
53
Answers
Updated
Kei’s Answer
Hello there, Flint.
We have multiple ways to build out networks. You can start by joining some groups in Social Media related to your field. You can also create a LinkedIn account and start researching for people in the same field as you are interested in. Attending online tutorials, courses will also help you build that network.
Thank you. I hope you find this helpful.
We have multiple ways to build out networks. You can start by joining some groups in Social Media related to your field. You can also create a LinkedIn account and start researching for people in the same field as you are interested in. Attending online tutorials, courses will also help you build that network.
Thank you. I hope you find this helpful.
Jay Hurst
Product Manager
55
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jay’s Answer
Flint,
Networking has the same components regardless of the field. First, you have to go where the professionals in the industry are. This includes chat groups (Discord, Blogs, etc..>), Job Fairs, LinkedIn, Seminars, Trade Shows, etc...
Once you are there, try to meet as many people as you can. Put yourself out there and try to engage in conversation. Comment on articles you read, ask questions to those you see, join groups and communities, engage in social media on the topic you are interested in. The more you engage and put yourself out there, the more people in the field you will meet and build relationships with,
Best of Luck
Networking has the same components regardless of the field. First, you have to go where the professionals in the industry are. This includes chat groups (Discord, Blogs, etc..>), Job Fairs, LinkedIn, Seminars, Trade Shows, etc...
Once you are there, try to meet as many people as you can. Put yourself out there and try to engage in conversation. Comment on articles you read, ask questions to those you see, join groups and communities, engage in social media on the topic you are interested in. The more you engage and put yourself out there, the more people in the field you will meet and build relationships with,
Best of Luck
Melisa Cameron
Sr. Project Program Mgr., AT&T Community Engagement
167
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Melisa’s Answer
Hi Flint,
You have some great answers and very helpful information here already so I'll just add an additional resource for you. As others have suggested, volunteering is a great way to grow your network and learn more about the field that interests you as well.
And here's some information regarding a youth film voices competition:
https://freshfilms.org/programs/att-youthvoices/
Submission deadline is April 27.
Best wishes to you in your career and educational goals.
film-production experienced technology film
Also find more information on Fresh Films at http://freshfilms.org
See some videos and information regarding Fresh Films and youth film makers here https://vimeo.com/user17317751
You have some great answers and very helpful information here already so I'll just add an additional resource for you. As others have suggested, volunteering is a great way to grow your network and learn more about the field that interests you as well.
And here's some information regarding a youth film voices competition:
https://freshfilms.org/programs/att-youthvoices/
Submission deadline is April 27.
Best wishes to you in your career and educational goals.
film-production experienced technology film
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Try participating in competitions and events for film. Join groups and try out discussion threads online. Get enmeshed in communities of people that are excited about the same topic. You will rarely be able to make the connections you want to right off the bat. Instead, you have to seed connections with people interested in the industry and allow them to grow into quality contacts over time.