Information gathering is a vital and valuable commodity in any business or profession. As a performer information gathering is something I take part in everyday. In order to absorb the most valuable information I use a range of sources in order to gain the most knowledge I can. I have actually made a mind map on a website which I just found that has been very useful in helping me really think deeper in where I gathering information from. The website I used incase anyone is wondering is http://www.mindmup.com which was very easy to use!
Phone
Calls
This allows me to call anyone and speak to them directly to talk to them and retrieve the information I was looking for by asking questions
Text
I can gather information by being able to talk to people directly through short texts and I can look back on previous texts to retrieve information I may have forgotten. It also allows you a bit time to construct what you are going to say that talking on the phone.
Apps
There are a massive range of apps on smartphones these days and also these apps provide me access to the internet which has access to a lot of information.
The Internet
Google
As you can see internet has a massive amount of outcomes and is probably where I would go first in order to access information. These days, we have unlimited access to a range of information if you just 'google it'. It has a massive wealth of information and is the fastest and most efficient way to get a lot of information in the quickest time. You can get anything from casual blogs and forums to factual articles and academic papers so whatever you are searching for you can find.
Youtube
Here I can get a visual connection where I can watch factual videos with deep explanations in a wide range of subjects within dance to filmed performances and it can be a good source of research which looking into a company or choreographer.
Social Media
As I have discussed in previous blogs, social media is great for networking and also people can share articles or blogs which can supply you with valuable information.
Email
Email is a social way of interacting with people and you can exchange information about many things on a professional and social basis. It can be a good way of discussing with people and asking questions to people.
Casting Networks
On the internet there is access to a range of casting networks which allows me to gain information on upcoming auditions.
Writing
Planner
I keep and constant planner (or diary) which I rely on to keep me organised as without I am not always the most organised person. I can go back and look on stuff I have written in advance for that day to remind me of things i need to do.
Journal
I can find information from the journal I have written as I may have writing something that I have learned that day and if I have forgotten it, so I can go back and find it in my journal.
Notebook
Often when attending lectures or rehearsals I take a notebook with my where I can take notes and gather information so that later I can go back and look at it and retrieve the information.
Letters
Letters are used less often these days but occasionally I still receive letters with information such as bank statements.
Social Interaction
People say that a lot of business conversations happen in coffee shops these days and I often spend a lot of time chatting to friends and colleagues in places such as coffee shops as it is a good place to sit and relax and have a good talk about things.
Newspapers, Books and Magazines
A lot of the time you can access these online but I still have a subscription to The Dancing Time which sends out a monthly copy which keeps me up to date with what is going on in the dance world. I still like getting the paper copy as sometimes I find it easier to read than reading it online.
What sources of information do you not use enough?
Personally I think I should be attending more workshops and take part in more of a variety of classes but as many of you will find I sometimes struggle to find the time and money. Although I do want to try and get to more if possible as you can a lot from these kind of experiences.
I really like your brainstorming idea how did you create it? Grouping your networks is a quick and easy way relay what you use and why you use them. Really good way to get your information across clearly
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