Networking at pubs?

[Kurzon]

Hi, if you haven't seen my first thread then just want to point out I'm new to the "real world" having just come out of academia.

The one thing I keep hearing about all the time is the networking opportunities at pubs in order to progress within the company you work.

Forgive my ignorance, but how does this work...? I always thought that you keep working environments separate (professional) to your personal life*. Is it even appropriate going down the pub with people you're working with, especially your managers? How do you ask?

*although tbh whenever I worked part-time at restaurants, the people were pretty laidback and always up for nightclubs, the workplace was never rigid or formal, same with uni when being grouped with random people to work on assignments etc. is it like this?

[cojak]

We're contractors.

We will buy the odd round for the poor permies when we go out for a birthday or Christmas drink but we don't network within companies (unless we want an extension, we may buy a pint for the PM or something). We don't 'progress' within a company, we increase our rates through hard won experience of many different companies.

It's more important to network outside of the current company, the next contract is more important than the current one in that respect.

You do sound as if you're a permie - do you think that contracting is the way to go for you? You may be in for a nasty shock if you've come straight out of Uni.

You don't have your Mum/your uni/your employer looking after you any more. It's all up to you...

[Kurzon]

We're contractors.

We will buy the odd round for the poor permies when we go out for a birthday or Christmas drink but we don't network within companies (unless we want an extension, we may buy a pint for the PM or something).

It's more important to network outside of the current company, the next contract is more important than the current one in that respect.

How do you network outside, where do you find these people and how do you get introduced? How do you then make the leap from there to an informal setting at the pub?

[eek]

How do you network outside, where do you find these people and how do you get introduced? How do you then make the leap from there to an informal setting at the pub?

Right lets be 100% clear here.

Search for a permanent position get some skills and come back in a few years. You will not be able to progress upwards from where you are as a contractor.

You don't start your career by contracting You need a skillset first and that comes from a few years of experience.

[cojak]

Why are you obsessed with pubs?

Sign up for LinkedIn - join groups and debate and discuss your specialisms. Go to conferences, offer to be a speaker. Write articles for journals.

Be visible in your chosen niche.

[eek]

Why are you obsessed with pubs?

Sign up for LinkedIn - join groups and debate and discuss your specialisms. Go to conferences, offer to be a speaker. Write articles for journals.

Be visible in your chosen niche.

He needs a skillset and a niche first. Its not like 1994 where a pile of us immediately become internet experts by knowing that it existed and how to dial up demon.

[cojak]

He needs a skillset and a niche first. Its not like 1994 where a pile of us immediately become internet experts by knowing that it existed and how to dial up demon.

Yes, he does seem wet behind the ears.

OP we do network, and I do have a list of people I would call upon if needed (some even within CUK <tips hat to eek>), but that's because I've known them years and have a fair idea that they know what they're doing and wouldn't embarrass me in front of a client.

I wouldn't use you because you're too green and unknown.

Get some real-world experience, then network.

[MarillionFan]

He needs a skillset and a niche first. Its not like 1994 where a pile of us immediately become internet experts by knowing that it existed and how to dial up demon.

Ah demon. Now that brings back memories. They may have found the pentagram in the woods but they'll never find that virgins body.

[Ticktock]

Ah demon. Now that brings back memories. They may have found the pentagram in the woods but they'll never find that virgins body.

Don't worry, they can see your body from space, I heard.

[DodgyAgent]

How do you network outside, where do you find these people and how do you get introduced? How do you then make the leap from there to an informal setting at the pub?

I suggest you go and read one od stephen Covey's books