Networking Vs Self-Promoting

Networking Vs Self-Promoting

The Great Wall of my Career

As I conclude my college education (BFA in Creative Writing), I begin to step-out into the vast real-world industry workplace. One of the most suggested pieces of advice given to us beginners is, ‘You have to network.’ This is what we are taught. Network! Network! Network!

Over the weekend break, I took my first step forward and created my first account on a recommended network platform. I did everything professionally––as taught. Shortly after setting-up my profile, I received a letter from the site moderator stating my account had been flagged due to self-promoting. My account and posts were deemed as self-promotion, but honestly, I was just networking. I wasn’t selling any products. I have no buy links. I was just presenting myself professionally. That is (after all) why we do sign-up for such organizations... isn’t it?

Food for Thought: So wait... If you do network (good)... Then you’re guilty of self-promoting (bad). But if you don’t promote yourself... Then you’re not networking enough. “It’s a trap! I tell you... This whole thing is a trap––I think!”

Site-Moderation is fairly a new thing. It grew in popularity as a result of the 2020 pandemic. It’s not completely a bad thing. It does get rid of unwanted content from many platforms and post sites. I guess it all depends on what is declared good or bad. There are many quirks to be worked out (as with anything). There are actually legal court cases (as we speak) on the matter. Numerous claims that some authoritarians have taken advantage of this new tool to viciously attack victims in their working careers. Some claims are legit, and this unfortunately is true in some cases––but not all.

Let’s be honest! No matter what career field you choose to pursuit, “You have to get out there... and make it happen,” They say. “Otherwise... nothing will ever happen.”

Perhaps (In my case) I obliviously did do something wrong and made a mistake (or was mistaken). Sometimes, it’s not what happens, but how we respond. I decided to calm down and be professional. First, I wrote the moderator back and apologized. I assured him that I was not trying to promote (as assumed), and that I was only trying to succeed with good intentions. Guess What? It worked. Take a look at the message conversation.

Moderator: I wanted to let you know that your post has been flagged (Self-Promotion). if your post starts a conversation (that’s helpful) or educational to the community, like giving advice or asking a question. You can also post self-work if you're asking for feedback. Let me know if you have any questions.

NOTE: Does this sound like a professional work place, or a hang-out (chat) community?

(A) It actually is a professional workplace that is highly recommended.

My Reply: Thank you for contacting me. My apologies for the post. I am still new and learning. Looks like I should study posted posts to better understand what-is-what. I assure you; I will do my best to be a good (and contributing) member of this communtity.

Moderator: You're welcome! I understand, I was new here once too. There's a description box that'll tell you what is allowed to be posted, and if you ever have questions, just message me or another Moderator (we have badges on our profile pictures).

NOTE: My account was immediately unflagged, and now it was actually recognized and acknowledged too.

Did you see what happened? An opportunity just presented itself. I took this opportunity and began talking with the moderator until we actually became friends. My first friend, or should I say... Network Contact (LOL). Yes! We did become friends, and eventually it was this friend who helped me set-up my profile correctly. Now! I’m in... and everything is on the up & up. More importantly, I turned a negative into a positive.

Maybe perhaps, You do have to network, and If you do it correctly, professionals will recognize you. Note: These days there are many pretenders or dreamers (not quite there yet), so I do understand the need to dig deeper and verify newbies. Somewhat! I only hope they are reasonable.

The question of Networking Vs Self-Promotion still comes into play, and the discussion has only begun. Networking is promotion, but it also encouraged. As to (real) Self-promotion (Spam-Selling) is frowned upon. We used to call this spamming back in the day, and nobody wants to do that. The distinction between the two is a tuff call.

The real question might be, “Are moderators able to tell the difference between the two?” That’s a good question. Services are a product, but not like actual products. Getting a job in today’s market is equivalent to making a sale (in a way). I often state to people not to mistake focus, drive, and determination for ego. You’d be surprised. Truth is: There will always be negative people everywhere (on all sides), and there are legitimate claims of situations (such as) Abuse of Authority. Otherwise the Justice Department would seize to exist. Those who ignore this fact will eventually suffer the consequences of negligence (in legal terms).

Facts are facts, but things are not always the worst. First look to see if you made a mistake, and if you can fix it. In the end, I can only say, “It’s OK to make mistakes.” We all do. Things are different these days. Let’s be honest! The people who have been in the business for 30+ years did not go through today’s hurdles. Maybe, they don’t understand today’s beginner. No! We didn’t get the MEMO. Maybe we don’t understand their new policies as they wish we would. Or maybe... It all takes time to perfect. Have faith and do your best. Remember to always be professional no matter what comes your way.

As for Networking Vs Self-Publishing, all I can say for now is...    [To Be Continued]  

By Todd Fabyanic (2025)