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"I have no network" can be an important issue. I have similar problems, and don't know where to start. It's easy to give tips like that, but how in practice you

"I have no network" can be an important issue. I have similar problems, and don't know where to start. It's easy to give tips like that, but how in practice you'd build the network? You don't want results 20-30 years from now. I got into most places by reference. That doesn't mean success - no high salaries, no good prospects, just barely managing to find the next place. I wouldn't say I'm too bad socially; young nerdish traits waned enough already. But with growing age finding Bay Area-adequate salary - kids, you know - is harder, not easier, even though experience and skills grow. It's a real problem. Would be thankful for a good advice.

lightblade 11y ago
Network is not something you get overnight. It may take years of strategic planning to achieve. I would say networking is less about meeting people and more about building a reputation. Commenting here on HN is one way to build that reputation. You can get go to meet ups to meet people, but giving talks is how you get reputation. The same applies to conferences. At work, especially in larger companies, you can build reputation as experts in one particular technology, lead brown bag sessions to demonstrate that expertise. You sometimes notice other people that have good network. It's also important to stand out in front of these people to get second degree connections. If you also have good network, these people would gladly be your best friend.
- xt00 11y ago
  Yea if your job is pretty technical, then being somebody that people "know as the guy/girl that really knows their shit and gets their shit done" is a good place to start. It also helps to ask people about their areas or if you hear somebody is struggling on something help them out from time to time. It goes a long way. For example, there were many times when I would be in a hardware lab and hear that somebody is struggling to properly capture some data on something, so I'd be like "hey I can write you a little script to help out with that.. just gimme 10 mins.." then I'd give it to them and they were happy to have the help, and later others would hear that I could help on that kinda stuff so people start to learn who you are and stuff like that so you build up a positive reputation in the company.

lightblade 11y ago

Network is not something you get overnight. It may take years of strategic planning to achieve. I would say networking is less about meeting people and more about building a reputation. Commenting here on HN is one way to build that reputation. You can get go to meet ups to meet people, but giving talks is how you get reputation. The same applies to conferences. At work, especially in larger companies, you can build reputation as experts in one particular technology, lead brown bag sessions to demonstrate that expertise. You sometimes notice other people that have good network. It's also important to stand out in front of these people to get second degree connections. If you also have good network, these people would gladly be your best friend.

xt00 11y ago
Yea if your job is pretty technical, then being somebody that people "know as the guy/girl that really knows their shit and gets their shit done" is a good place to start. It also helps to ask people about their areas or if you hear somebody is struggling on something help them out from time to time. It goes a long way. For example, there were many times when I would be in a hardware lab and hear that somebody is struggling to properly capture some data on something, so I'd be like "hey I can write you a little script to help out with that.. just gimme 10 mins.." then I'd give it to them and they were happy to have the help, and later others would hear that I could help on that kinda stuff so people start to learn who you are and stuff like that so you build up a positive reputation in the company.