Wednesday the 18th November- Breeze room chat.

Professional Networks

Breeze room chat- Professional  Network.

Wednesday 18^th November 1pm

Today’s breeze room chat was all about reader three and our professional networks.  We discussed several topics within this context and what was meant by the word “network”, what is it to be part of a network?

For me it was a very illuminating discussion as we talked about what happens within a network, especially as time goes on and your needs as a professional change.  A network can be ever changing depending on your needs in the professional world, so, it can become political and often people are not as important to you as they were previously. Having said it out loud, I found a little uncomfortable, although it seems harsh it can be very true.  People move in different directions and relationships formed can become strained and not worth carrying on with.  Sometimes it seems there just aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up with absolutely everybody!  Plus there is the consideration of what it takes to stay connected with someone.  As was mentioned in our chat, purely posting a comment or hitting the ‘like’ button is not necessarily enough.  I feel that often we can become defensive and wary of people who are potentially just trying to keep us close incase they need a favor.  The performing arts is an extremely competitive world and often networks are formed as a way to survive in the industry, to find out about auditions, to meet that certain casting director in hope we make a lasting impression.  The politics can be brutal and based on personal gain alone. 

However this is not always going to be the case- I have formed professional networking relationships previously and now I would consider those people friends.  Through shared experiences, staying connected isn’t just a necessity but a desired outcome.  Personal networks form and can have many benefits to us, not always related to our career development.

I mentioned within the conversation that I have recently moved to a new area and am trying to form new networks of people around me, which is hard.  I have been lucky within my place of work, but I am currently on the outside of the circle waiting to filter through to the middle.  A process I am familiar with and understand will take time.