As an introvert, the term "networking" always scared me and I always had a negative connotation of it. When you grow up around people who constantly put you down and don't take what you love to do seriously, it creates a lot of self doubt and kills your confidence. I realized at the beginning of last year that if I really want to continue pursuing my passion and if the thousands of jobs I've applied to in the last 5-10 years haven't seen any success, then I need to start creating my own opportunities and not rely solely on other people. Once I started doing that, I noticed I was getting more opportunities from people. Not because I was searching for them but because I "put myself out there" but did so in a way that benefit them first. Richard from Stage32 posted an Instagram reel about this topic and he's 100% right. I built a rapport with people and they saw that I was real, liked what I did and saw that I didn't have any self-serving intentions. I recently came to the realization a couple months ago that I was "networking" unintentionally. The moment I realized it, I laughed because I was like "OH so that's what this is."
My perception has since changed about networking. It doesn't have to be scary. It can be fun, eye opening, and teaches you a lot about yourself and who you choose to surround yourself with. I can sometimes be socially awkward when I throw myself into uncomfortable social situations, but I joke about it and 9x out of 10 people like that I'm honest about it and find it endearing. It also gets easier the more you do it, but you're always going to have those funny/awkward moments so you might as well just embrace that side of you.
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Sorry people constantly put you down and didn't take what you love to do seriously, @Lindsey Jones. Glad you put yourself out there and you're seeing the benefits of it. You're right, networking doesn't have to be scary. I was just talking with Nastaran Nouri about that (www.stage32.com/lounge/anything_goes/Insignificance-in-Significance). I really think your post is gonna help members feel comfortable networking.
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sounds like you went about it in just the right way. that’s great! totally understand. the word networking is not something I like either!
Leave the introvert to your private life...wanna succeed in this work, gotta mingle and not only online...4 eyes, the better any chance uve got...
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Good to hear you are going for it. I feel your pain. You have to create your own opportunities and don't worry about anyone else's validation of you and where you should be or going / or successes. Just do your thing! And remember, as artists, most of us are a bit weird / socially awkward. Own it. :)