My Suggestions for GMTG's Networking Proposal

For the Guild Musical Theatre Group's Committee, here are my suggestions as to how students and Alumni members of the society could network:

•One social media page could be set aside for business purposes only. Other social media like Facebook and Twitter can still be used for social chat and events, but a new Linkedin or similar page must be available, exclusively for business purposes. (There are plenty of social media pages that might do as well, like Pinterest, Tumblr or Instagram; but LinkedIn is probably best, because it was designed specially, for business networking.)

•The page could be a team effort, run jointly by both the GMTG Committee, and the Alumni Admins. Any change to the page has to have the agreement of both. 

•The page could be run and organised like a GMTG showcase or similar event. It could be co-ordinated by an Alumni officer, appointed full time to do this, and to plan and organise events etc.

•As a rule, anyone who graduates from GMTG to work in the performing arts industry could be put on this page as a contact. Members who are serious about a career in the performing arts can also put themselves onto it. 

• Because fellow Alumni and current members may not have time to check an extra social media page; this page could be linked directly to other pages, so that all messages and updates come to users via their Facebook, Instagram etc.

•The page could be a members only club: open to members and Alumni of GMTG, with the exceptions of music and drama students and teachers from our University. Once it gains momentum, the owners may consider opening it for wider use by performing artists in general, but it's important to be specific, if and when the page is set up.

• A 'Service for Service' rule could be made, so that anyone who contacts a user of the page for a favour, must be willing to offer them something in return. Alumni like myself are happy to help, but we do need a clear reason to take time away from our work to do so. For example, a current member who contacts an Alumnus in the business, for connections, must then be prepared to find volunteers and ideas he or she wants in return.

These measures will ensure that  if successful, it becomes a formal agreement between both sides, and that while members and Alumni may change jobs or career paths, their successors will be able to keep the process going.

I realise that I have been very persistent about this idea, but that is because I know that Guild Musical Theatre Group has a major networking opportunity before them. Business analysts from my profession would seize this opportunity immediately, for its potential. And also, I see the passion and determination in younger people, for a career in the arts. When I was in their shoes, I wished more Alumni like me would have helped.

Opportunities like this can only exist because people like ourselves choose to make them happen. While there will be challenges, I say to you the Committee, and the society; that if we all put the same amount of focus and determination into building this network, as we would a showcase; then we will succeed. The steady stream of new students and new Alumni will guarantee a lot of knowledge transfer both ways, and if this is focused correctly, will ensure many career opportunities for many people.

Good luck.


James M

Alumnus