PPP2 Research: Why Do We Network?

There are many different reasons to why we as a generation of people like to get our work out there on the internet and get more involved with other people online to get themselves more heard of, and during our PPP2 session today we discussed this into great detail. 

We started off by getting into small group and mind mapping to answer the all important question. We gave ours a little bit of a create spin, and ended up incorporating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles into it, but it still included all the necessary information.

After doing this we then went into more detail about what networking is and how it can be helpful to us as students wanting to then go into the big bad world, so to begin we ask ourselves the question:

Why do we network?
- Thinking about work and jobs in the future
- Nepotism: Sharing work amoungst family and friends to get ourselves started
- Live briefs and competitions
- Internships to get experience in the industry
- Helps out the portfolio
- To get contracts for work (Commission)
- Continual Professional Development

Philosophy: If it doesn't exist; make it.

The Shy Connector
We then looked at a presentation entitled The Shy Connector in which they give tips on how to become better at networking and getting yourself out there by following these seven tips:
1. It's okay to be an introvert
2. Change your perspective
3. Give people reasons
4. Look for ways to help
5. Give yourself homework
6. Make it easy to get to know you
7. Keep going, keep practicing

When looking at these points I realise where I need to improve more in a lot of different areas to be able to advance in the world of networking. I need to make sure, as a am an introvert myself, to get myself out there more and meet new people to gain new opportunities in the industry.

During this year as well we also have the opportunity to get involved with Leeds College of Music to be able to get music composed for us so that we can use it in different films, animations or games that we create. By doing this we are not only getting something made for us that will be unique and true to us but we are also helping them out and this is one of the points that I could improve on. Other things that I could do to help others would be to specialise in something that's unique to me and something that I am good at, and start to create video tutorials or online guides to be able to help others.