I’m not too big on majorly networking with other voice actors. I find that it comes your way not matter what you do. However, as someone who wants to continue working and getting jobs, it’s best to be a little aggressive when it comes to getting yourself out there. I’ve found that the following websites have helped me time and time again in connecting with others, and getting more work opportunities.
All of these recommendations are fairly simple to use. They are things you can use every day, and be able to use them for personal reasons as well.
#1. Twitter : Twitter is a “new” thing, right? Wrong. I’ve been using Twitter for a long time. I was what was considered one of the “early adopters” of this service. Twitter is a micro blogging site where you say what you are doing in 140 characters or less. It also allows you to add links to show others, and reply to others using the @ symbol and their username. Twitter is amazing for networking, because it allows people to search for specific phrases using Twitter Search. It also allows you to carry on quick conversations with others, which leaves out a lot of the small talk. People can be direct with each other on Twitter, and the possibilities of how many people you follow, or how many followers you have is endless.
#2. Facebook: I break a rule on Facebook. I use it for personal, and business. However, I’ve found that helps me. Using Facebook to keep in touch with my family and friends has given people a glimpse into my personal life. Using it to network with others has allowed me to be able to message people, and see what they are up to as well. Everything really personal can be hidden from view using lists, or by using private messages. You are also opened to the networks of those you are connected to which makes it easier to open up your own network of people.
#3. LinkedIn: A lot of people may be scratching their head at the mention of LinkedIn. The truth be told? I am not a huge fan of it. You have to know how to use it right, or it’s just another social network. LinkedIn is supposed to be for professionals that network with others. Connecting to someone is not as easy as just adding a friend on MySpace. If you do not know them, you must introduce yourself first. However, LinkedIn offers you some stellar search engine optimization. LinkedIn’s own SEO is so good, that it will push you closer to the top. I have found that a lot of people I have worked with use LinkedIn. I’ve connected with them, and made sure that I’m opened to their network. I don’t count on it to get a new job or work opportunity,but it does certainly help.
#4. Having a Blog: You don’t need a blog really, even a website will do, but a blog will work so much more in your favor. Why? Search engines! My own site is hosted on WordPress which has some awesome page ranking. So, my posts are pushed to the top of many results by default. People will search for specific keywords, and find my site before others. I have found that even posting something random helps you out. There are many voice over artists with their own blogs, and I have connected with a lot of them thanks to a simple search that lead them to me or vice versa. It’s a great way to find someone you might never have found before.
I know many of you are wondering why I didn’t include MySpace in this post. I will admit, it is completely out of personal bias. I really don’t care for MySpace at all. I use it to find new music, and that’s about it. I’ve found MySpace to be too young for me, and the spam of people wanting me to be their “friend” has gotten annoying. In my own opinion, MySpace is a great place to find new music artists, and independent music. As a social network, I don’t find it to be of much use.
