Part 3 :The Networked Professional

This part of the module is perhaps the section that I am most familiar with. Networking is something that most professionals will encounter in their careers and I believe that within the Arts, in particular, it is very important for professional development. So, what is Professional networking exactly? I began by doing a mind map of everything I already knew and had thought about networking. This was anything from examples of networking, to words I felt related to it. I began to build upon and expand on the mind map by using Reader 3 to deepen my understanding of what it means to network professionally. Below is a picture of the finished mind map, as you can see many of my thoughts linked with one another and I suppose this echoes the connective nature of 'Professional Networking'. 

According to Reader 3, the literal definition of Professional Networking is "A work related community held together by either close working affiliation or more distant but common work interests or needs" (Reader 3, 2015). Professional Networking is an extremely effective tool for bettering yourself within your field and if used cautiously can aid your career immensely. One of the main words that sprung to mind when thinking about the concept of networking was 'community'. Anyone in the dance industry will know how tight and small the world of dance can be. It very much is a community which makes networking more accessible to dancers. There is a group on Facebook called 'The Hustle!'. This is essentially a large scale network for performers, actors, models, photographers etc, with over 34700 members. As a dancer, in my opinion, this is perhaps one of the most effective and popular methods of networking around today. Auditions, workshops and industry discussions are posted very regularly (several an hour), which allows you to communicate and network with other professionals within your field. I have been contacted by other members regarding work and have also messaged others myself with questions or concerns within the industry. 'The Hustle!' is referred to as a community which again demonstrates this idea of unity and friendship. I feel that within this community there is an element of "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" so to speak. By this, I mean a mutual respect. If you help someone they will do their best to help you out in return. This is the beauty of networking - it is a two way street. Using acquaintances or fellows performers to aid your professional development is a fantastic tool to have but you must remember to help in return when you can. 

Issues of Professional Networking:

There were some issues that began to arise in my exploration into Professional Networking. Dance is renown for being a competitive industry and exchanges between dancers can turn sour when the element of competition is brought into the equation. This is something that can actually hinder networking as someone might not want to give away advice, help or information in case it gives another 'the upper hand'. As ridiculous as it might sound, that is not something that cannot be dismissed. A wonderful quote I found in Reader 3 describing professional communities is "A network of support that will help us when we are in need" (Crisp & Turner, 2007, p266). This is how it would be in an ideal world, helping one another when we can, however with the element of competition that might not always be the case. Another interesting point is that of "be nice to everyone on your way up as you never know who you might need on your way down".  With networking within the dance world being so rampant, it is important to remember that you might need the assistance of anyone you encounter at any point. The dance world is very small, everyone knows everyone and word of mouth can spread fast. If you gain a bad reputation with an employer or colleague, this could reach any number of industry professionals and could have a detrimental effect on your future endeavours. If you are pleasant and helpful whenever you can be, then this shouldn't be a problem, however it is easy for a bad reputation to spread and you may need someone in the future who won't be so willing if that reputation has reached them. 

With the idea of a community comes the added issue of hierarchy boundaries. Understandably, one must be cautious when trying to network with an individual that is perhaps high up within their field. Despite everyone starting out at the bottom, professionals that are highly regarded need to be approached with respect and professionalism. Acting over confidently or friendly may put them off and they may not wish to be bothered. Privacy is a right and although once upon a time they would have been in the shoes of the eager new beginner, they may not appreciate pestering. Is there a particular way to approach this issue?

Types of Networking:

• Agents - In my opinion the champions of networking. The job of an agent is literally to network with industry professionals, build rapport and put forward dancers they deem suitable for a role or job. They have to gain the trust of employers and expand their contact list through networking on a daily basis. Reputations are a huge factor in Networking and building rapport with a variety of individuals is a great way to achieve this. 
• Acquaintances - Networking with people you have met on your journey is an excellent way to better your career. Fellow dancers can help one another to find jobs and gain experience - something I have experienced first hand. In fact I got my current contract through a dance friend as she set up for me to take company class and when a dancer went down through injury, she told the director I would be available. All of these things would not be possible without using the contacts you have made along the way.
• Teacher /Student - Remaining in contact with teachers you have had can also be a good way to network. Teachers tend to have a good knowledge of the industry and may also have useful contacts in the profession. likewise a teacher remaining in contact with past pupils can be useful when it comes to sending current students out to company auditions

Connections, be it personal or professional, can be the making of someone's career. Networking is using these connections to aid yourself professionally and it is a powerful tool to have. It has been said that you are never more than three people away from anyone and this shows how connected we are as the human race. Professional Networking can be used within a multitude of settings as long as we remember that like anything there is always an element of give and take. Don't expect to have someone help you if you do not offer it in return, if you remember this, then networking has the ability to aid you to the top!