This document provides advice for textiles professionals on developing their career through networking, visibility, and digital tools. It recommends having an "elevator pitch" summarizing who you are and your goals, as well as keeping notes on connections and maintaining databases of contacts. Suggested digital tools include blogs, social networks, and online portfolios to increase visibility and illustrate past, present and future activities. Physical tools like CVs, business cards and portfolios are also advised.

1. Professional practice year 3 textiles 2009

2. role What is your job? What do you do?

3. goals know what you want

4. The “elevator pitch” Compose a single sentence that sums up who you are and where you want to get.

5. The 30 second CV Just as you can develop a minimalist CV highlighting your key points to whet an employer's appetite or attract a funder, it is also useful to have a verbal version of this type of CV to communicate key points.

6. Networks What systems/networks do you use now? Who do you know?

7. Connections Keep notes of meetings Personal database and mailing lists Use and build

8. Visibility Let people know that you exist Illustrate activity Advertise your activities past – present – future Share – give to get

9. digital tools Blog Databases – appropriate? Online portfolios Social networks – appropriate? Website Forums – appropriate?

10. www.blogger.com

11. www.wordpress.com

12. www.ucreative.ac.uk

13. www.jotta.com

14. http://www.artsthread.com/

15. http://www.artindustri.com/

16. www.artshole.co.uk

17. www.textilearts.net

18. www.dedsignscouch.org

19. www.prospects.ac.uk

20. www.axisweb.org

21. www.a-n.co.uk

22. http://www.a-n.co.uk/jobs_and_opps/shortcut/article/92660

23. http://www.a-n.co.uk/jobs_and_opps/shortcut/article/345238

24. http://www.a-n.co.uk/jobs_and_opps/shortcut/article/168331

25. http://www.ning.com/

26. www.shop.ebay.co.uk

27. physical tools CV Business card Portfolio Images/statements

28. expectations of people Personal artistic skills Experience Creative expertise Enthusiasm Flexibility Initiative Commitment Communication skills Reliability

29. How to make yourself visible Know your audience Make contact Have clear marketing tools and be honest Project a positive image Provide strong references Show your initiative/independence Be aware of the competition