Networking has always been part of my job as a journalist, but I'm finding that its become a key component in being a freelance writer - sometimes weighting in more than your professional experience.
That said, I've made it my month-long mission to network with all the local bloggers, journalists and freelancers around in an attempt to break-in to this new and oh-so-foreign world.
First order of business was joining Twitter. Now initially, I was totally and completely anti-Twitter. The idea of realtime updates - as in facebook status reports exemplified - made me a bit weary. But alas, after all the hype around finding gigs for freelance writers via this social networking tool, I succumbed.
To be honest, it's wonderful.
I've connected with enough long lost coworkers, fellow journalists, humanitarians and a few head honchos to make the experience worthwhile. Currently, I have some friends in Sudan who are Twittering updates from the refugee camps. It's amazing to hear what they're doing while they're doing it, and to know they're safe as well. I've also been able to keep up with other human rights organizations, like Amnesty International, and have stayed up to date on the floods in North Dakota.
Secondly came LinkedIn, a website that allows you to create an online resume, search for jobs and connect with past peers. Though not as popular as Twitter, I adore it ten times more. As a researcher, it's the perfect tool to find information on who works where, when and why. Looking for a job at a specific company? Search the company's name and up comes a list of all the past and present employees. I wish it was more used, as it's an incredibly useful tool.
And lastly came the business cards. Though I had some made for my non-profit organization, I was without a proper card for my freelance writing career, which was getting a bit embarrassing. I used Moo.com to design and print my cards - see designs below - and already had to another set of 50 by the end of the week. Pretty soon, the entire city will know who I am, or at least my cards.
At some point, all of these components will come together into one main business identity - with the work following of course! - and until then, I'll be twittering...
Twitter