I have found that taking a hit and doing websites that haven’t paid much (if anything at all) but deliver me new channels of people/communities in which I can network and potentially pick up new work have worked really well for me.

Nice set of links - like above have said - will have to give em a read today :)

You’re right, networking is a big part of the overall picture. For some, even many, it is difficult wondering where to start.

Technically, it could be considered the same as trying to find a boyfriend/girlfriend. The big thing everyone gets nervous about is the ice breaker. You think to yourself, what can I say that’s not dumb, wierd, etc. One solution: Just be yourself and say a comment about something that’s going on around the two of you. Laugh about it, be angry, express yourself and again, just be yourself.

The next step, in a relationship is trying to get the woman’s/man’s phone number. This aspect of the similar scenario is the same as the one we are concerned about. Bring something up that would require personal information exchange. Example: “[If he/she’s talking about their services or products] Sounds interesting. Do you have a web site which I can check out? [gives address] Cool, thanks. Is your e-mail address on here [the website] too?” That’s it. That is just one run through of a possible scenario. Other things could be either personal cell phone numbers, etc. If you don’t exchange information, or get the other person’s information, don’t worry about it. Just like there are plenty of other women/men in the sea, there are plenty of other possibilities [in the sea].

Same concept, different ball game. Be yourself and don’t be afraid. The worst that can happen is that you don’t get his/her information. And if you didn’t, who cares? You never had it in the first place.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, and the biggest risk if not taking one. What do you have to lose?