(2-minute read)

Might be a bit strange to write about networking at this time, but it's a topic that will remain relevant for time to come, regardless of the current global situation.

Some of my best projects, jobs, even friendships came out of networking events far outside my comfort zone. Later I made them my comfort zone.

My first talk at a big conference. WebCamp Zagreb 2014.

(showing my impressive web design skills of 2003.)

Why network?

I know this one guy who now operates one of the largest development companies in Croatia, and he told me a story of how they started, and how they grew their company by the power of networking. The funny thing is, he was telling me that story on a plane while we were going to a conference where I was a speaker, and his company was a sponsor, but still I didn't understand the full impact this can have on my life.

For the first year, three of them would save all their money to fly out to San Francisco, rent a small AirBnB and attend as much local meet-ups, conferences, or just IT group hangouts. "Why?" I asked. So you can meet people that might need your expertise. As a designer, you should go to all developer group meet-ups and events, talk about how design is an essential component of their work, and how you can work together to make something great, complement their skills with yours.

If you are the guy who continually talks about design, and one day someone needs a designer, who are they going to think of? You or some guy who is the best designer in the worlds, but never gets out, doesn't share his work and no one know who he is? At that point, it just clicked.

But I'm an introvert

So am I. And no one believes that. You are now probably thinking "bullshit, no you're not". The thing is - I was not always a social butterfly and the ray of sunshine I am today. In high school, I was the goth emo kid writing poems and doodling graves 😅 😅 being all gloomy and misunderstood. Yup...

It's a learned skill - to be active in an unknown environment and the first one to extend a hand and introduce yourself. It takes time, and it takes out a lot of energy from you, and you're exhausted after a networking event. But at the same time, it's the easiest thing you can do to push your career forward. In places where these events are a daily thing, all you have to do is show up; someone will start talking to you. Your job is to respond, be honest and don't hide the love and enthusiasm you have for what you do - it's infectious, and it will make people want to work with you.

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

Cheers.

T.