Networking

[DeadPoolX 9]

I've never understood the whole "networking" idea. If you have no one to network with (like me), how are you supposed to do it? I can't go up to random strangers on the street and start a conversation. I imagine they'd look at me like I'm insane. I know I would if someone did that to me.

This problem goes beyond work as well. My wife and I have no friends here and the only people we know are her family. That's great and all, but they have their own lives and are on Vancouver Island. That's a good hour-and-a-half ferry ride, if not more. That doesn't include the LONG drive from where we are to Horseshoe Bay. BC Ferries can be expensive, too.

We're not particularly anti-social (although we're not the most extroverted people), but it's really difficult to get to know people. Again, what are we supposed to do, strike up a conversation with someone on the street we don't know?

Part of the problem may relate to our work. My wife works at home and as of right now, I have no work at all. Add up our financial situation and rarely go out (not that there are a whole lot of entertaining venues where we live).

So I have to ask: how do you network when there's no opportunity to do so?

[Malrothien 6]

I'm not sure - most networking would be done through parties/meetings/acquaintances.

Horseshoe Bay isn't that far of a drive.

[DeadPoolX 9]

I'm not sure - most networking would be done through parties/meetings/acquaintances.

Horseshoe Bay isn't that far of a drive.

It is when there's a lot of traffic and during the holidays. Since when has HWY-1 not been bumper-to-bumper and we visit my wife's family for Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

[Malrothien 6]

I haven't been on Hwy 1 in almost two months now.

[ValerieA 350]

Are there any volunteering opportunities where you are? These can be an awesome way to meet people, both for social purposes, and potential future employment. Plus, it is fun and rewarding!

I've never understood the whole "networking" idea. If you have no one to network with (like me), how are you supposed to do it? I can't go up to random strangers on the street and start a conversation. I imagine they'd look at me like I'm insane. I know I would if someone did that to me.

This problem goes beyond work as well. My wife and I have no friends here and the only people we know are her family. That's great and all, but they have their own lives and are on Vancouver Island. That's a good hour-and-a-half ferry ride, if not more. That doesn't include the LONG drive from where we are to Horseshoe Bay. BC Ferries can be expensive, too.

We're not particularly anti-social (although we're not the most extroverted people), but it's really difficult to get to know people. Again, what are we supposed to do, strike up a conversation with someone on the street we don't know?

Part of the problem may relate to our work. My wife works at home and as of right now, I have no work at all. Add up our financial situation and rarely go out (not that there are a whole lot of entertaining venues where we live).

So I have to ask: how do you network when there's no opportunity to do so?

[Sprailenes 47]

What industry are you in? It can be as little as just attending job fairs, getting your name out there, asking places for information about their companies. There are networking parties too, little luncheons, usually in major cities.

[lgg 2]

Do you mean work or social networking? I read this as social networking but I do find that the two are pretty well linked so...

I, to be honest, have no ideas for you but I plan to volunteer once I get to the states, volunteer and take a couple of classes. I'm hoping to get into some sort of environmental type design/web/marketing work.

I may have to go pro-bono for awhile, dunno...

But good luck to you.

LGG

[bradcanuck 1]

Networking starts with hobbies. Having something to do like Kickboxing, cake decorating or any other hobby you are interested in surrounds you in like-minded people who enjoy the same things. From there conversations and friendships start.

I love to hike and scuba dive, so I am a member of forums related to these activities and I meet with groups and take part in group activities. Then we keep up with each other on the forums. Professional networking is different and more formal and rarely lead to friendships. Just service swap relationships.

PS. The Island / Mainland trip is long, expensive and hard to do on a regular basis. So I hear you there. (Lived in Parksville for 19 years)

[lgg 2]

OH also agree with the mainland/island thing. I lived in Nanaimo for about most of my childhood/teenager-hood. I lived in Vancouver for a couple of summers on break from Uni in Montreal and I used to ride my bike from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe bay ferry terminal.

What I think about that now? #######, I must have been totally insane. All uphill, windy roads and long and terribly difficult.

Geez.

[Darnell 8,478]

I used meetup.com for many years - always could find something to do.

VOlunteering opportunities are a great thing, as well - you just have to FIND them.

I am also a fan of ToastMasters for networking (although that's NOT the primary purpose of the group ) see http://www.toastmasters.org , find a local guild, and go forth.

But - the one thing that I think, that trumps all - is the local Chamber of Commerce. They have activities throughout the month. Get their calendar, go to all. If you are hesitant to actually GO, then become new friends with the Secretary - he/she will know all about business networking in that community - in my mind, that's a universal thing, if there's a ChamCommerce, there's that ONE person who knows all - so it's up to you to befriend him/her, suck that brain for knowledge acquisition, and go forth.

A secondary avenue - usually the local community college has free lectures, and events, and things to do. Sometimes is not part of the regular 'calender', though, so might be hard to find. My fav 'thing' to attend is the lecture on entrepreneurship. Always find good contacts there..

For some, it's also a matter of which came first, the chicken or the egg - and in this instance - which is first, your networking skills or the events to attend ? Only you can deal with that, of course, but .. think about it a bit, map out your plan for world domination ...

If NONE of the above is available in your area - hey - check into the local farmer's co-op - it's winter time now - they have some time , now, to make meetings and events for their members..

Good Luck !

Edited December 2, 2009 by Darnell

[Ban Hammer 13,400]

darn, i thought this was gonna be another facebook thread.

[Varba 0]

OH also agree with the mainland/island thing. I lived in Nanaimo for about most of my childhood/teenager-hood. I lived in Vancouver for a couple of summers on break from Uni in Montreal and I used to ride my bike from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe bay ferry terminal.

What I think about that now? #######, I must have been totally insane. All uphill, windy roads and long and terribly difficult.

Geez.

You lived in a desert for most of your youth?!

WOW!

[lgg 2]

This would explain why I am so damn sweet, right????

OH also agree with the mainland/island thing. I lived in Nanaimo for about most of my childhood/teenager-hood. I lived in Vancouver for a couple of summers on break from Uni in Montreal and I used to ride my bike from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe bay ferry terminal.

What I think about that now? #######, I must have been totally insane. All uphill, windy roads and long and terribly difficult.

Geez.

You lived in a desert for most of your youth?!

WOW!

[Revenesque 2]

I've never understood the whole "networking" idea. If you have no one to network with (like me), how are you supposed to do it? I can't go up to random strangers on the street and start a conversation. I imagine they'd look at me like I'm insane. I know I would if someone did that to me.

This problem goes beyond work as well. My wife and I have no friends here and the only people we know are her family. That's great and all, but they have their own lives and are on Vancouver Island. That's a good hour-and-a-half ferry ride, if not more. That doesn't include the LONG drive from where we are to Horseshoe Bay. BC Ferries can be expensive, too.

We're not particularly anti-social (although we're not the most extroverted people), but it's really difficult to get to know people. Again, what are we supposed to do, strike up a conversation with someone on the street we don't know?

Part of the problem may relate to our work. My wife works at home and as of right now, I have no work at all. Add up our financial situation and rarely go out (not that there are a whole lot of entertaining venues where we live).

So I have to ask: how do you network when there's no opportunity to do so?

I feel ya, DeadPoolX. My husband and I are introverts too but I'm working on that. :-) Here's what I do:

1) join clubs (i.e. Toastmasters. I belong to two clubs)

2) join meetup.com - It's a great site for people to get together for a variety of reasons

3) join Facebook

4) join a sports club (i.e. dragonboat teams)

Plant the seeds now, let some time pass and soon friendships will blossom. :-)

[DeadPoolX 9]

Career

My career is (was?) in graphic design. As I've posted many times before, that field is practically dead. With the exception of the largest and most well established companies, most businesses don't understand the need for a professional graphic designer. They think the 13 year-old down the street can do the same job, but for a lot less. Even if they don't necessarily believe that, they'll have someone who already works for them do the designing, instead of hiring a new person or getting someone to work on a contract.

Seriously, I've had people try to bargain with me about prices. They've told me that instead of getting paid monetarily, having my work shown by them is "great exposure" and an "opportunity to get experience and add something to my resume." I get all of that anyway, but that seems to be lost on them.

They've also DEMANDED (as part of the contract) that I show them everything I did so they won't have to hire someone like me again. Worst of all, there have been people who've laughed when I told them I charge for my work. They really thought I was joking. When I told them I wasn't, I've heard all sorts of excuses such as "times are hard and money is tight" or "I have a family to feed." Great, but I need to make money too.

Why should I do work for them for free? Will they do work for me free? No, they wouldn't. But somehow graphic design has gone from a once viable profession into something considered a "child's hobby."

Volunteering

I've volunteered with the BC SPCA and the local city government, where I instruct people on technology (mostly computers). You'd be surprised at how many people have NO idea how to work a computer. Some don't even know how to use a mouse.

But anyway... the people at the SPCA have no interest in anything to do with me beyond volunteering. I'm not a jerk towards them, but we simply have no common interests beyond volunteering at the SPCA. Most of the volunteers are middle aged women with too much time on their hands. Seriously, some of the "youngest" volunteers are close to 50 years-old (most are older). Maybe that doesn't sound old, but it's hard to find a common interest with someone from a different generation, especially those who're even older than my dad.

I have the exact opposite problem when teaching classes on computers. Most of the volunteers are in high school or in their very early 20s. I don't have a lot in common with teenagers or early 20-somethings. Besides, they wouldn't do a whole lot for me in either a social or businesses capacity.

Those who run both volunteering programs aren't interested in doing anything with volunteers beyond whatever is necessary. I do have them as work-related references now (which is lot more than I had before!), but that's as far as it goes.