Networking. We all know it’s the key to success in the web industry. Why else would social networking sites like Twitter flourish?

And yet, despite its necessity to our continual success, most of us are afraid of networking. The word conjures up images of smarmy door-to-door salesmen and industry “mixers” where everyone knows everyone else … except you.

If you’re shy, the very thought of networking can send you running. But even shy people can learn the skills necessary to build and expand their industry network.

Nowadays, networking comes in two forms: face-to-face, at industry events, conferences, or even on the bus, and online through forums, blogs and social networking sites.

Both online and face-to-face interactions employ the same tactics: you need to find some people who you want to network with and wow them with your charming personality. It’s easier than it sounds. Here are a few tips to help you improve your networking skills:

Read more

If you’re a web designer, developer, or any kind of freelancer in the web industry, you’ll need to keep an up-to-date portfolio of work online.

Creating your web portfolio need not be a huge hassle. If you’ve been in the web business a long time, you’ll already have completed a wide variety of projects (“clips” in portfolio-speak).

From these, you select the strongest examples of your work – the projects you’re most proud of.

Which pieces show off your talents or diverse skillset? Assemble several projects you might be interested in including. Later, you can chose 6-10 of the best designs.

Read more

When you are trying to stand out among thousands of applicants for a great job, you have to think beyond proper formatting for your résumé and spell check for your cover letter.

If you want to have any hopes of standing out, you have to think outside the box.

First things first: Make sure you follow all the requirements of the application process.

Ignore the instructions and it really won’t matter how innovate you are because you might not even be considered for the job.

Read more

With businesses tightening their purse strings and rising petrol, food and housing costs, employees are feeling the pinch. If your income no longer rises to meet inflation, not only could your finances be in danger, but your wellbeing, too.

Receiving a raise lets an employee know the company appreciates the work they do. Regular pay increases entice workers to keep up their productivity, and increases workplace enjoyment. People are happier at work when they feel they are paid fairly.

On the other hand, a long period without a raise can make you feel undervalued and unappreciated. And, while many businesses are cutting back on perks because of the economy, the need to retain good employees doesn’t cease just because the economy is rough. If your company is still turning a profit and you haven’t been offered a raise in a couple of years, it’s time you took the initiative and asked for one yourself.

Read more