How To Network On-line For Your Next Big Project
These days I do a lot of my networking and marketing on-line. The web reaches more people than any brochure or media kit, with less time and money. The two that really helped me are: On-line networking/directory web sites and posting in forums.
Having a profile/account/portfolio on any free networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, or Creative Hotlist will get your name out there. Posting on forums will also help to build relations and trust that may bring you new clients and projects.
That's how Create Magazine contacted me to design their 5 page featured article. I have a portfolio on their site. After looking at my work. They thought I might be a good fit for the magazine.
I post on design forums pretty often and have built many relations. As a result, Jeff Fisher, Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, asked me to submit some of my work for his new book, Identity Crisis! 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities Into Successful Brands.
Another example, Steve Gordon, Jr., RDQLUS Creative. Asked me to submit my work for his book, 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers: Insider Secrets for Working Smart & Staying Creative.
Twitter is really a great place for building connections, relationships and interactions with brands and high profile people like Chris Brogan or Guy Kawasaki. In the off-line world you wouldn't have these opportunities, or would be very difficult to get in contact with them.
I've been talking (bantering) with Guy Kawasaki on Twitter for some time. He must really like my style, because Guy approached me to do some design work for him and Alltop. He's a really cool guy (no pun intended) to work with. He actually, listens and are open to suggestions.
If you get a chance, take it to the next level by attending Meetups, Tweetups and Conferences, where you actually meet "In Real Life (IRL)." It's like meeting an old friend, which helps to really build a bond with the relationships you have developed on-line, then off-line into the real world.
So get out there! Start networking, connecting and building relationships.
Here are a few resources that will help with your networking.
Business Networking Web Sites
Biznik
Ad Holes
Naymz
Fast Pitch
Plaxo
Myspace
Start Up Nation
Meet Up
Design Networking/Portfolio Web Sites
Veer
Carbon Made
Design: Related
Creative Hotlist
Design Hide
Designer ID
Coroflot
Graphics
Logo Pond
Logo Lounge
Behance
Flickr
Design Forums
HOW Design Magazine
Freelance Switch
About.com
Graphic Design
Graphics
Estetica Design
You The Designer
Designers Talk
All Graphic Design
Labels: 100 Habits, Alltop, Chris Brogan, Design Tips, Freelance, Graphic Design, Guy Kawasaki, Jeff Fisher, LogoMotives, Marketing, Networking, Promotion, RDQLUS, Self-Promotion, Steve Gordon Jr, Successful
