How can you use your professional network to achieve your production goals?

1 Finding opportunities

Having a professional network can open doors to finding and creating opportunities. You can learn about projects, grants, and competitions that match your interests and skills. Additionally, you can connect with potential collaborators, mentors, partners, and employers who can support your career development. Moreover, it's a great way to gain exposure and recognition by showcasing your work to a wider audience. To make the most of your network, you should stay in touch with existing contacts and attend events where you can meet new people. Additionally, follow up with new connections and build an online presence with a portfolio that you share with your network.

2 Getting feedback

Using your professional network to achieve your production goals can be done by getting feedback. This can be very beneficial for improving your work, learning new skills, and overcoming challenges. To get feedback, you should seek advice from experts, mentors, peers, and critics who can offer constructive and honest feedback. Invite contacts to attend rehearsals, readings, previews, or performances and ask for their opinions and suggestions. Joining or forming a group or community of like-minded artists can also provide you with support and inspiration. When networking to get feedback, it’s important to be open-minded and respectful. Ask specific and relevant questions that show your interest and curiosity. Listen actively and appreciate the feedback you receive, even if you disagree or feel uncomfortable. Don’t forget to give feedback to others and show your gratitude and recognition.

3 Securing funding

Securing funding is a third way you can use your professional network to achieve your production goals. Funding is essential for covering the costs of venues, equipment, materials, salaries, marketing, and travel. You should explore different sources of funding such as grants, sponsorships, donations, crowdfunding, and ticket sales. Additionally, you should identify and contact potential funders such as organizations, foundations, companies, individuals, and fans who can support your vision and mission. To be persuasive and professional in your networking you need to research and target the funders who are most likely to be interested in your project. You should also prepare a clear and compelling proposal that outlines your goals, budget, timeline, and outcomes. Furthermore, you should follow up with the funders and maintain a good relationship by reporting on your progress and results.

4 Solving problems

A final way you can use your professional network to achieve your production goals is by solving problems. Problems are inevitable in any production, such as technical issues, creative conflicts, schedule changes, or unexpected emergencies. You can use your network to find and access resources, such as equipment, materials, services or information that can help you overcome difficulties. Additionally, you can seek and implement solutions, such as tips, tricks, hacks or best practices that can help you optimize your work and avoid mistakes. Furthermore, you can learn and adapt lessons, insights or feedback that can help you grow and improve from your experiences. To solve problems effectively, you need to be resourceful and flexible in your networking. You should reach out and ask for help when you need it and offer help when you can. Moreover, it is important to share and exchange your knowledge, skills and expertise with your network while learning from theirs. Lastly, it is beneficial to embrace and manage change and uncertainty while being open to new opportunities and challenges.