Task 3a: Current Networks

This task takes a look at the current networks I have around me, I feel it is very important to always continuing growing your network you never know who you may meet along the way.
However there is a certain etiquette that comes with each network I have, there are certain do's and don'ts of the industry which must be adhered to otherwise you could find yourself out of the network.

To start off with I have made a mind map of my immediate networks through my current jobs, some of these will be looking into further as they overlap with social networking.

When working for Performing Sports for example I am very conscious that I am using face to face networking in the industry I would like to enter full time. It is so important to give off the right impression from the moment you enter, I always find the school receptionist can make or break your time at that school so I am always very welcoming. I always make a point of finding out the schools key policies, rewards and disciplines in action and follow the best I can, I can also draw upon these to expand my knowledge of teaching in other schools. I try to integrate myself as much as possible within the schools I am teaching

In the dance schools & corporate event companies I am involved with, I am surrounded by people trying to make a career out of the same things I am. To succeed I believe you need a certain amount of courtesy, happy to go with the flow and never seem too difficult! The industry is far too competitive to cause a fuss as Abby Lee Miller says 'everyone is replaceable' 

I have seen it happen a few times, people choose the wrong time to speak their mind and it ends up back firing completely and they loose a contract, or are not asked to be part of the team anymore and simply drop off the radar as word spreads very quickly!

I also have a lot of 'mums' networks around me, teaching a lot of children especially is extra-curricular they are the key too keeping most dance schools and extra curricular activities running! A firm but fair approach over the years I have found to work best. However mums provide a vast network of people! They know mums who know mums, so its always best to keep them onside!

Since graduating from Stella Man College in 2012, I have made sure that anything I post on social media I wouldn't mind any of my networks reading it. Before this I was very much in student mode and I don't think the professional world had hit me until I graduated. 

From Facebook I have found all of the current networks in my mind map. 

Starting off using the basics of just be-friending people can then lead to suggestions of groups they're part of and posts that may be of interest to me. My current networks have all ended up being linked together.

I have thought of a few examples and links of my networks.

I was friends with someone on Facebook who I have known since I was 10 - I saw her dancing for a company called Manic Stage Productions - I joined Manic Stage Productions -  Some of the girls there already taught for Baby Ballet - I kept my ear close to the ground for when they were looking for new teachers - I am now teaching for Baby Ballet. 

At Manic I was very keep to learn extra skills not just dancing - Ive learnt how to perform with fire & stilt walk - one of the pictures I posted on Facebook was seen by CJP Entertainment looking for local performers - I was hired!

Lucy Kate Star Academy is a dance school that is set up by a fellow performer and a very good friend of mine, when she needed cover work I moved my diary to step in this has no resulted in permanent work.

I started working for a company called Dance Busters - which I found via a Dance teachers Facebook page - I received good reports from all my schools - I was recommended to her friend for some other teaching work - I now work at Performing Sports this is one of my main incomes.

I find that alot of established companies do use social media to do their networking of potential employes as it really does give an insight into the persons real life. However I do feel sometimes there should be a line drawn between personal and professional, but when you're trying to make it into an industry this is a very fine line.

Realistically I can do more networking, there are a lot of people on my social media accounts that I could make contact with more regularly, as I rely on this so much I feel I lack in some elements of face to face networking. However when I met people in a similar industry to me, I am always interested in their story, how they have got to where they are and what else they're doing. I take this onboard and try to adapt it to my life.

I think the key is to ask as many questions as possibly before you become irritating! To always hold a professional manner, no matter who you are talking too. Be kind and courteous and treat people how you would like to be treated. You could have thousands of people around you in a network but may not be able to connect with any of them if you haven't got the correct persona and attitude.

 

Image: http://thedailyquotes.com/we-are-all-connected/