FFJ Guest Voices: What I've learned about networking
Plus a Spring sale, a training course and a podcast episode!
In our Guest Voices slot, we’re on the look out for diverse and different takes, advice, tips and projects. If you have an interesting (and practical) idea there is a Google form for your pitches here.
This week our guest newsletter is from Zainab Hussain, a freelance journalist just starting out in her career. Zainab has been doing work experience through the Freelancing for Journalists scheme, getting support for generating ideas and pitches. Here she discusses how she has overcome her aversion to networking.
What I’ve learned about networking (so far)
I’m new on the freelancing scene. Also new on the networking scene, so this isn’t a guide on how to network but some things I’ve learned that might be useful to others who are as skeptical as I was.
What I thought networking was: inauthentic, banal, hustling, reserved for the extroverts among us. Until I delved into it, and realised I had been denying myself a whole host of opportunities and experiences simply because I had put negative labels onto something I knew little about.
1) Let go of expectations
Stop worrying about who you think you’re supposed to be, and what you think the interaction should be. I didn’t believe I was the right person to start networking. I thought I had to reach some level of perfection before I was allowed in; a degree I had to finish, or a job role I had to have. Then, during a science writing conference, I was asked whether I wanted to book into a ‘Meet the Editors’ session. Surely I, a student who hadn’t yet found the courage to pitch to the student paper, would have nothing of value to say. I signed up anyway. I told them I was interested in journalism and that I was lost on how to begin. It was a conversation that opened up opportunities — I signed up to a feature writing course as a result, developed a regular writing habit, and connected with an early career journalist they directed me to.
2) Be intentional
The first time I decided to try a networking event, I thought about what I wanted to get out of it and set an intention. I would speak to at least three people I didn’t know and follow my curiosity, which was to find out what they do, how they got there, and what they liked/disliked about their work. I came out having met some amazing people, heard about the wonderful things they’re doing, and gained some valuable insight on the things I want to do. That might not necessarily be what you want out of networking, but the point is that it’s helpful to go in with a purpose, and one that is right for you.
3) It’s basically a scenius
I found myself asking people to meet for coffee, while still holding on to the idea that ‘I hate networking’. It turns out I didn’t hate networking, but the idea of what I previously thought networking was. I loved meeting people, sharing experiences, exploring ideas and figuring out my own during these conversations. This reminded me of the idea of a ‘scenius’, from Austin Kleon’s book Show Your Work. He writes that the ‘lone geniuses’ we admire were actually part of a scene of other artists/ writers/ insert profession here. Sceniuses are a community of like-minded people who are looking at each others work, supporting each other and sharing ideas. So… networking, in a nutshell.
4) It takes practice
I should mention that I did not turn into a pro, but I did get better. I am still a little terrified of networking, a little awkward. I make mistakes. I still go in with all of those things, because it’s worth the stumbling and the effort. Like most things in life, the more you practice, the better you get. What I think networking is now: connection, community, interesting facts, good conversations, support, encouragement, collaborations, opportunities. Also, shared ideas, learning, stories, quenched curiosity, and really, whatever you choose it to be. Some will see it as a business transaction, while others will go in wanting a really good chat.
Latest podcast episode
Continuing the theme of diversifying your income, on the podcast this week we delve into the world of report writing and translation. We speak to experienced health journalist Priya Joi who has written global reports for the World Health Organisation, United Nations and Global Vaccine Alliance, and freelance journalist Judith Zerdin who also works as a Spanish/French to English translator. We discover how to use transferable skills to get freelance work in these two fascinating fields.
Find us in your usual podcast place or click below.
What’s coming up
Our four-week online course o in partnership with Journalism.co.uk is starting again on the 22nd April. If you are new to freelance journalism or want to boost your work and get lots of feedback, support and guidance as you go, this may be just what you’re looking for. Kickstart your freelance journalism career is one of the most reasonably priced courses out there and previous attendees have achieved commissions on the back of pitches they worked with us on in the Guardian, Metro, Runner’s World and EuroNews to name but a few.
To find out more and grab your place for April, click the button below. We should stress this can all be done in your own time, assignments are voluntary and the course also now includes live Q&A sessions.
Spring sale!
SPRING SALE! All of our freelancing guides and video tutorials have 30% off. Pick up a guide to pitching for just £3.50, or a video tutorial on TikTok for Journalists for just £7. Find out more about our full range of resources by clicking below.
Triumph of the week
Making it to the Easter break with the to do list ticked off
That feeling when
Everyone you contact for a story replies immediately!
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!