Three Things I've Learned from Attending Networking Events

It turns out that moving to a new city and starting a freelance career from scratch takes more than just rolling off of the plane and shouting, "I'm here! Hire me!" So, in an effort to meet the design community in my new city, I've been attending networking events. Groups like the AIGA, Meetup.com, and General Assembly have been an amazing resource for me to connect with the local community and meet my fellow creatives in the midwest.

The idea of networking events has always scared me. As an undercover shy person, walking into a room full of strangers is intimidating. However, the more I do it, the easier it becomes. I thought I'd share a few things I've learned from attending networking events. Here goes...

1. Leaving the house is the hardest part.

It's easy to sign up and once you're there, it's easy to meet people (sometimes... more on that later), but the hardest part is always just getting out of the house. An hour before every event, my head is filled with reasons why it isn't necessary for me to go, why I have other things to do, and a so many excuses that I almost marvel at my own creativity. But, without fail, the moment I leave the house, I'm glad that I decided to go. Some of the best events I've ever attended were also ones that I nearly blew off to watch another episode of Better Call Saul. So, hit pause and go to that event!

2. Nobody actually likes the idea of networking. 

When faced with the prospect of attending a "networking event," my head used to fill with images of people moving from person to person, attempting to gain value from the interaction. It seemed insincere and uncomfortable. When I started attending these events, I found that most other people there had the same opposition to this idea of networking. Even at networking events, people are seeking genuine connections.

3. It's alright to talk about zombies.

Design is my passion and my career and while I love a spirited typography debate or color theory discussion, I don't always want to talk shop. I've found that at networking events, many of my conversations meander away work and into current events, food, and yes, zombies. Like I mentioned in point two, people naturally seek authentic connection, so if you want to talk about Breaking Bad, go right ahead. (Just no spoilers!)

Thanks for reading!

Dodge

New Kid on the Block: Introduction to the Chicago Design Community

I'm brand new to Chicago.

It has been quite a bit of time since I've been new. For someone who is constantly moving apartments, I have not lived more than sixty miles from the hospital where I was born until now. My last job lasted almost eight years and my relationship certainly fits into the category that the kids are calling a "LTR." So, you could say that I'm new to being new.

The transition from the Bay Area to Chicago was much easier than I expected. Except the flash thunderstorms and unpredictable humidity, this spoiled Californian has been pretty comfortable in my new midwestern habitat. My location transition came with a career transition as well, one that that took more than switching to anti-humidity shampoo to address. I am now a full time freelancer. This means that it's time for this introvert to get out there and meet the community.

As it turns out, Chicago was ready to meet me as well. After a quick peek at the Chicago AIGA website, I found a General Assembly event, aptly titled "Introduction to the Chicago Design Community." So, I signed up and I showed up, not entirely sure what to expect.

The event was a four-person panel of Chicago-based designers, all with different backgrounds and different specializations. They were all very interesting and articulate and I found myself constantly pulling my Field Notes book out to take note of a jewel of wisdom until I just kept it in my lap, pen at the ready. Instead of giving a play by play of every question and answer since no one will read that and honestly, I cant remember, I'll share some of my favorite gems of insight and wisdom.

The Chicago design community is one of acceptance. The doors are open and so are the minds so get involved. I'm excited to put this one to the test. 

There are so many different ways to connect with other like-minded people. Don't limit yourself to just one. From Slack communities, to MeetUp groups, to gallery openings, and drop-in classes, there is no shortage of community around here. That goes for design and pretty much anything you cam imagine.

Be yourself. The age-old advice that Mom gave me on the first day of school still holds true. Keep up the side projects, explore that weird interest, and never ever stop creating. At the end of the day, authenticity leads you where you need to go every time.

So, there are just a few of my thoughts on the event and about my next baby steps into the freelance life. Thanks to the speakers, General Assembly, and the AIGA for making my first steps a little easier!