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Self-promotion: How to?
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| Lira |
2007 taught me the difference between knowing and being known, and I came to the conclusion that I need to work more on my "social self". Although I'm very friendly, and many people around me seem to appreciate my efforts, I'm often screwed up by the fact that I leave not too many doors open. So, considering the fact that the stuff I study (and do) is often highly theoretical, how could I give my work more visibility? Better yet, how do you promote yourself?
I've been thinking of:
- Working more on my blog: I'm trying to keep a blog in Portuguese and, in spite of its relative inactivity (I seldom post something there) I've been receiving some nice feedback. I've been thinking of buying a domain so I could post content in different languages (having two separate blogs sucks, I can't do that :p), and I think that would look more "credible" too.
- Publishing a novel: Although I'm already doing some academic research, and I've already started publishing articles, some friends have been telling me I should write a novel. Sounds like fun, but I'm afraid my ideas might be a little bit too complicated.... has anyone here ever published a novel/poem/anything? Did you profit in any non-economical way? I remember there was a thread about publishing books, but I think my focus here is not the same.
- Networking: I think I should work on that too. Education certainly comes first — I'm now working on my master's (in spite of all that happened), and I wonder whether a degree in philosophy would be a good idea at all (given the fact that I'd have to take an on-line course now due to time restraints). What are some good ways of meeting people you share interests with?
Ideas? Valuable insights? Criticism? |
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| bas |
| I like your blog-to-website idea, that doesn't seem like it would be too complicated to get off the ground. Sounds like it would be a great place to start, it would also help with your wanting to write a book. |
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| MrJiveBoJingles |
You should probably try to write a short story before you even think about writing a novel. And you shouldn't worry about the ideas being too complicated unless you're deliberately going for popular success a la Dan Brown.
:p |
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| Project-K |
| If you're going to write, please do society a favor and don't dumb down your ideas, there's far too much of that going on lately in all manners of art. |
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| iammesol |
At least from my local experience I've found one of the most important parts of networking is sort of branding yourself. For some reason I have an appearance that anyone (from Atlanta to freaking Stratford, England :wtf: ) can remember and recognize. Also, I run my little mafia forum. Even though some may not care or even dislike it, it still once again puts a little note by my name of who I am. Find a brand that fits you if you can.
Also, a key in networking is to be approachable. I've lived by the motive "Put your best foot forward or none at all" for quite a few years now. I never show anyone my work/appearance/anything unless I know it is has the quality to be presentable. You're a great example of a person who has already done/does this daily, so I think you will do great.
Good luck Marcus. :) |
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| venomX |
| Well I've recently been in the race for a position in the student association for my faculty at my university. I can tell you this much: networking is essential! If people know you, they will look for your work. You could do this in many ways, some are more effortless than others. For example, take a position in your faculty doing some that might seem minor like contributing to the student newspaper, this can get your name out there and help you meet other students in your university. Another way is to attend activities hosted by your faculty, or join clubs that are related to your field of study. Many times these clubs or activities will provide you with opportunities to meet important people (in your area of study) or provide you with interesting events that can hone your skills. Another one is social networking, depending on how popular it is where you are and in your are of study. Those are just a few suggestions, but definitely focus on networking. A robust network of connections will help you get your work out there faster and can help you go further. |
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| tubularbills |
| make a picture sig |
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| Fibonacci |
I don't see how any of those plans will help you. Personally, they are all great ideas, but they will not help you network.
Networking is all about great socializing. It is the ability to have people take an interest in you, and what you are up to.
It takes a few skills that MOST PEOPLE do not know and/or have not learned. You really have to be unselfish, flattering, and modest in the right occasions and bold and confident in others. Try to look out for other people, and talk to them as though they are #1. Like THEY deserve all the credit. I get talked up a storm because my job is to make other people look good, and I do so in a non-threatening way. For some reason, that makes me pretty popular. And though it's not really a popularity contests, it certainly makes a difference to have many people discuss you in a positive light.
Really the key to great networking is the way other people perceive you. I suggest you stop posting threads on how to do it, and go out and do it - go to a coffee shop and start a random conversation. Compliment people. Be a bold and unique individual. As you start to do these things, they will become integrated into your personality.
Great networking isn't made at the office, it's made at the local pub, a business trip to a fun and exciting location, the golf course, a brunch meeting, etc... |
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| iammesol |
| quote: | Originally posted by Fibonacci
Great networking isn't made at the office, it's made at the local pub, a business trip to a fun and exciting location, the golf course, a brunch meeting, etc... |
+1 |
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| Vivid Boy |
networking networking networkin and networking and then knowing which doors to walk through and which to leave behind u in a nice way that theyre not closed forever.
the internet. it doesnt help with . its the pussies approach to life. and dont think u cannetwork online as well. there nothing like being face to face when pressure is such a key factor to getting what you want.
you need to meet people on the outside who have similar ideas and who canhelp you and whom you canh help as well. Theres nothing like relationships.
best way i find to meet people is through clubs social events and talking to contacts you already have to see if they have a contact for this and that. |
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