What are effective strategies for an entry-level eSports employee to build their network?

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” I personally dislike this saying, but it’s absolutely true. Networking is the best way to find a job, opportunities for career advancement, and meet people who can help you reach your goals. Before you head out, make sure you have a digital business card with updated info, know the general makeup of attendees, and think of a couple talking points to engage others in conversation. The goal while networking is NOT to sell or secure a deal. It’s to build relationships with others and secure a continued conversation that might lead to a sale later on.

Post as much as you can (quality though)! The world moves a million miles a minute (especially gaming and esports). Nobody is going to go digging to find out all the cool stuff you're doing you have to put yourself out there!

Attending events & tournaments is a great strategy ? Why? 1- it's bring together players, teams & industry professionals in one place & you will have the chance to meet and connect with them can lead to career opportunities, mentorship,&valuable connections. 2- Actively engage in conversations with other attendees,show genuine interest in their work,ask questions, & listen attentively,this helps in building rapport & establishing connections that may prove beneficial in the future. 3- Join online communities: platforms like Discord, Reddit, and LinkedIn offer spaces for interact & share valuable insights,engaging in discussions, seeking advice, & sharing knowledge can help in expanding one's network within the eSports industry

Other than mIRC, this was the first real, "old school" way I started getting involved in esports. At 16 I drove my car to my first Counter-Strike LAN tournament in Concord, CA. There I met many of the people I've already competed online against and formed strong bonds and friendships because of these in-person interactions. When you attend these events/tournaments, whether as a spectator, competitor, organizer or promoter, be prepared to utilize the number one tool of networking: communication. Communication is like a muscle, it needs to be continuously worked out to grow bigger and stronger and this will create more opportunities for you in the near future.

Attend local, regional, and international eSports events and tournaments. These provide excellent opportunities to meet professionals in the industry, including players, team managers, organizers, and sponsors. Networking events often accompany major tournaments, providing a more relaxed environment for making connections.building relationship is the key.

1. Online communities like Discord, Reddit focused on eSports provide a platform to connect with like-minded individuals, industry professionals, players, & enthusiasts from around the world, by actively participating in these communities,entry-level employees can expand their network & establish valuable connections. 2. Seek mentorship & guidance:Online communities often have experienced professionals & industry veterans willing to share their knowledge and experiences Entry-level employees can seek mentorship and guidance from these individuals, gaining valuable insights and advice to navigate their career in the eSports industry,building relationships with mentors can provide valuable guidance & open doors to new opportunities.

Begin by identifying and joining online platforms and communities that are specifically tailored to eSports. These could include forums, Discord servers, social media groups, and specialized websites dedicated to gaming and eSports discussions. Platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and esports-focused forums provide diverse spaces for engaging with the community.

One shouldn't underestimate the value of creating or sharing valuable content. Part of building a strong network is making your perspective heard and providing insight on things where you can add to the conversation. It's not enough to get the "follow back" on twitter. You then have to keep up to date with current events and find opportunities to meaningfully contribute. Showing your network that you not only understand your area of expertise but can also add to the collective understanding is a way to prove value. It will help you spark conversations, find new points of alignment, and keep you top-of-mind with people. That said, be wary of spamming or overdoing it. Don't post just to post or add input where it isn't useful.

Before diving into content creation, identify your niche within the esports ecosystem. This could be game analysis, strategy guides, player interviews, or even behind-the-scenes looks at esports events. Defining your niche helps you tailor your content to a specific audience and stand out in a crowded digital landscape

- One thing I've found helpful is to research & understand the interests & needs of the target audience before creating content,which will attract a larger & more engaged audience. - I disagree with the idea that content creation is limited to written or video content,there are various forms of content that can be created, such as live streams, podcasts, info graphics & even interactive gaming tutorials,diversifying the types of content produced can help reach a broader audience & cater to different preferences in consuming content. - An example I've seen collaborating with established content creators or influencers in the industry, can provide valuable opportunities for cross-promotion & increased credibility within the eSports community

Build your personal brand by sharing your esports knowledge. Tutorials on YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok go a long way in demonstrating your knowledge of your passion, whether its Valorant, Counter-Strike, or League of Legends. Once you have a template in place that you can streamline across these social platforms, the hardest part is remaining consistent with the distribution of your content. I personally struggled to go live every day on Twitch at a consistent time and my numbers fluctuated negatively because of it. If you're going to be a reliable source for others to consume what you're offering, you have offer it often while remaining focused on what your channel's goals are.

Your next connection is a short message away. Reaching out to leaders in the space can go a long way, just remember to be respectful, reach out with a concise message and have a clear goal in mind (even if that goal is just to connect on LinkedIn).

- One thing I've found helpful is to do thorough research on their background & accomplishments beforehand,this shows genuine interest and allows you to personalize your message when explaining why you specifically want to learn from them. - Actually, I disagree with the notion that mentorship has to be a long-term commitment with one specific person. - An example I've seen is too attending eSports conferences or events and proactively approaching industry professionals as potential mentors,this face-to-face interaction often creates a stronger initial connection & increases the likelihood of securing mentorship.

Mentorship is not just about professional guidance; it's also about building a supportive relationship. A mentor serves as a sounding board for ideas, a source of encouragement during challenging times, and a guide through both professional and personal growth. The mentor-mentee relationship can be a source of inspiration and motivation.

"Help me, Help you": Egos are often highlighted in the esports space due to the entertainment/viral moments they provide. Thankfully, there are lots of people in the esports space that recognize the help they got along the way to put them in the place they are now. Those same people genuinely enjoy the opportunity to mentor and guide others that are looking to get into the space as a way of paying it forward. If you are genuinely passionate about contributing/participating in the esports space, reach out to people that are in positions you would like to be in at some point down the road. Be a sponge and learn everything you can.

It's not what you know it's who you know. The fastest, best way, of learning and progressing your career is through mentorship. Learn who is making waves and attach yourself to them. Find out where they're active online and if they're not then find out if they're speaking at an event or attending. Show your enthusiasm but make sure you communicate effectively what you require. A mentor can teach you so much about work but also about life. Their experience and ways of dealing with matters will resonate for many years.

The moment I moved to Connecticut I immediately volunteered to become the Assistant Coach and Program Director to demonstrate how much I card about my University's Esports Program (Academically and Competitively). This afforded me opportunities to become a Head Coach for 3 teams and an chance to teach for a semester at the collegiate level. I found out how to get involved with these platforms: LinkedIn, Discord, and Twitter (USE THESE!). LinkedIn and Discord are excellent ways to establish yourself in communities that are focused on esports topics that you love and is shared by others.

- One thing I've found helpful in volunteering or interning for eSports organizations is to actively engage with the team, showcasing not just your skills but also your passion for the industry. - Actually, I disagree with the notion that networking in eSports through volunteering or interning has to be solely online,attending events and tournaments related to your interests can provide valuable in-person networking opportunities. - An example I've seen is pitching your unique skills & contributions to potential employers or partners while volunteering, this proactive approach can set you apart and open doors for more meaningful connections in the eSports community.

It’s great to volunteer or intern for esports organizations to improve on valuable skills, expand your network, or gain other benefits critical to your professional success. The key is to know what you want to get out of the experience and to ensure the opportunities available are aligned with your investment of time. TL:DR it’s ok to work for free, as long as you are receiving some other type of compensation for your time and efforts.

Volunteering is a great entry point. I would recommend looking for opportunities in editorial for games you are familiar with (200-300+ hours invested). That's a great gateway to opportunities, and gets your name published which can help you down the line. I would be careful of asking for a timeline for financial compensation, just volunteer for 2-3 months. Use every resource available during that time to acquire knowledge, and if possible ask to shadow a senior member of the team.

For the love of the game(s): I have played a lot of Call of Duty and been a huge fan of the competitive side of it. I finally worked up the courage to try and get involved with the scene and recognized I could do so by making use of my journalism skills I had developed in college. I sent a Twitter DM to the Breaking Point account and was surprised when I got a response so soon. Through some conversations, I was able to work the 2023 CDL season as a journalist with Breaking Point and have made lots of connections with people in the COD esports ecosystem. Discovering ways to apply your pre-existing skills to areas you are passionate about is an excellent way to get started in esports.

- One thing I've found helpful in building a personal brand for networking in eSports is to consistently communicate my vision, mission, values, & goals across various online and offline channels. - Actually, I disagree with the notion that personal branding is only about self-promotion. Authenticity is key; it's crucial to genuinely align your brand with your values & contributions to the eSports community. -An example I've seen is individuals effectively building their personal brand by not just showcasing skills but also highlighting their journey, challenges overcome, and lessons learned,this holistic approach resonates well and fosters more meaningful connections in the eSports industry.

The gaming community generally houses two main personalities: 1) Community builders who focus on gaming for good, lift others up, and practice inclusion. 2) Edgelords and internet trolls exhibiting toxic behavior that promote exclusionary practices. “Edgy” personalities might seem to bring success because of the attention gained through “shock value”, but opportunities are often lost due to poor behavior and issues with liability. Gaming for good is generally more successful. Through good relationship building, positive attitudes, and an overall stance of “support”, these personalities often rise through the ranks quickly and are promoted to others, opening new doors. Understanding these differences is critical to building your brand

Consider leveraging social media platforms strategically,engage in conversations, share relevant content, & connect with professionals in the eSports industry,this active online presence can enhance your visibility & broaden your network. Perspective is crucial; don't solely focus on what you can gain but also contribute to the community. Actively participate in discussions, offer insights, and support others,a collaborative mindset often leads to reciprocal relationships & a more enriching network in eSports.

If you're trying to build a lasting network that isn't superficial, I would recommend inviting new contacts to actually play esports titles together, or even host a round of Jackbox or Among Us, anything where you can socialise outside of the work environment on equal terms to form real friendships.