Let’s face it – getting a job is tough. Getting a job you like is even tougher. So many factors go into getting a job: researching, résumé writing, interviewing, interning (and if you’re in the design field, portfolio building) – and we’ll cover them all in the future. However, the number one thing you can do starting right now is NETWORKING.

Whether you’re a junior in high school, just out of college or an industry veteran, you can always benefit from networking. What does networking even mean” It’s a fancy name for “getting out there and meeting people.” It’s that simple.

What do you need to network” Here’s a basic checklist:

• BUSINESS CARDS

Sounds hard, but it’s not. Why do you need them” So you’re not scribbling your contact information in your doctor’s scrawl on the back of a soggy cocktail napkin. You’ve got several options here:

Inexpensive: Design and print your own on your home computer with products like Avery pre-perforated business cards. (You can get them without the little jagged edges, though.) Any of the major office supply places carry them, and you can download templates off of Avery.com. Use your imagination.

Moderate: Use an online service like VistaPrint.com. For minimal bucks you can choose from standard templates or do something more custom. Give them your info and they’ll set you up. Presto!

Expensive: If you’ve got cash to spare, go to an office supply place with printing services. They’ll help you pick out a style, paper, font, etc., and then they’ll print it for you. Full service.

• SELF-CONFIDENCE

A good friend of ours gave us some fantastic advice once: FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT. Do you really think that everyone has loads of confidence to spare” NO. Then how does the world function day in and day out” People brace for the unknown, suck it up and get out there. You are no different. Just be genuine and sincere, and you’ll be fine. We know that sounds SO Pollyanna-ish, but it’s true.

• GOALS

Set a goal of meeting a certain number of new people at an event and hold yourself to it. If you’re outgoing, make it five people. If you’re not, start with just one. Baby steps are OK. Now don’t kid yourself – “meeting someone” doesn’t mean just saying “hi” and walking away as quickly as possible. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re attending the event, ask a question, etc. If the person is not receptive or unpleasant, then move on – they have their own hang-ups, and you don’t have time for them because you’ve got your own to deal with. If you get through the event in one piece – and you will – reward yourself by renting your favorite movie or treating yourself to your favorite food. Don’t go overboard, though. We don’t want anyone blaming us for gaining five pounds because he / she met 10 new people in one night.

• A PLAN

You’ve got your cards, your confidence and your goals… now WHERE to go” The obvious choices are places where designers and like-minded people hang out, namely professional meetings and showroom parties. Think you’re not welcome” Think again. Find an ASID or IIDA meeting in your area. Go and soak it all up first if you’re scared. The next time actually talk to someone. No need to be desperate – you’re just making small talk and gathering information. No professional design meetings in your area” Then go for the not-so-obvious choices. What are you interested in: hobbies, charity work, civic or social organizations” You may not believe it now, but THE WORLD IS A SMALL PLACE, and it’s getting smaller by the minute. You never know whom other people know. Person X is Person Y’s aunt, who is a big designer in Los Angeles, and they’re looking for a designer… This is how things happen.

Do NOT let the following arguments stop you:

• “I can’t have a business card if I don’t have a business.”

Whatever. All you need is your name, a telephone number (even a cell) and an email address. Just some way to contact you – that’s the point. Keep it simple. Please don’t put any cartoon bears or sunsets on it with gold foil lettering or something. Less is more. You’ll be respected for keeping it simple. (Quiz: Who said “Less is More”” We’ll address that topic in a future issue.)

• I’m shy.

Who isn’t” We all have our moments. People can change – we completely believe that. Feel more comfortable being someone else than yourself” That’s what actors do all the time. Then play a person who isn’t shy. Don’t let this one thing hold you back and squash your potential. It will haunt you.

• My town isn’t big enough.

See the “A PLAN” section above. Summary: Six Degrees of Separation. Join www.friendster.com if you truly are in the boondocks. The internet can be a beautiful thing in the right hands.

• No one will want to talk to me.

Rule No. 1: People love to talk about themselves. Rule No. 2: People love to talk about themselves. Just ask. You’ll be amazed at what people will tell you and how you’ll benefit from it. If nothing else, it’ll be entertaining, and you’ll have a good story to tell your friends.

Look, you’re going to have your “on” days and your “off” days. That’s OK. Not every day is a day to meet new people. The key is not to get discouraged and keep at it – after awhile it’s not so scary. Heck, you’ll get to where you’ll actually enjoy it. No kidding. The key is to start early – BEFORE you’re desperate for that job. People smell desperation and get frightened, so avoid it.

Now get out there and socialize!