So current networks that I have:
Twitter/Facebook
I think these are probably everyone's most used sources of networking these days. You can keep in contact with people who you may have thought you would lose contact with. As well as that, I have found a few of my teaching jobs via Facebook. I am a member of two groups on there that are 'Dance Buddies' and also 'Dance teachers in need'. This is another network in a network as I have lots of contacts should I need cover for any of my classes, help on some of the work etc.
Meeting People
I think this is also a very good way to network and build lasting relationships and contacts. I mentioned this above regarding various groups on Facebook that I am part of. Also back in the day when I used to audition, meeting people and helping each other, in regards to other auditions we had seen that would be good for them and other things. Also the majority of my stable teaching jobs in 3 of my schools are from recommendation and word of mouth, which is great for my self esteem, as I must be doing something right!
Linked In
Now I have an account for this, but I have probably been on it once. During the rest of this study, I would like to be more involved in this as my dad has it, and he is living on it 24/7.
Middlesex Uni
Obviously this is only recently, but I have become part of an online network which is this study. Its great, and I spend lots of time reading the blogs of some of my college friends who I didn't even know were doing this, and I hope to do more networking and make more friends!
The main thing that you have to consider in these sites, and especially in front of people is how you act towards them, or what you put on your sites. As I said, a lot of my work has either come from Facebook, or from word of mouth, and I probably wouldn't have got those jobs if my behaviour was not correct. In my old job (Screwfix/B&Q) they actually employed people just to watch what you put on social networking sites in case you put something that you shouldn't have. I always believe you should watch your behaviour on those sites, as I have seen people come and go from jobs due to what they put. I believe in that, and also punctuality :) (I hate being late for anything - it makes me worry!)
As well as them, I would like to have my own website, showcasing my abilities as a dance teacher/choreographer. It could include status updates from my Twitter/Facebook. I need to do a showreel as well, which I could put on there then. I think these are going to be my ongoing goals which I can record on this blog.
Steph xxx
