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A Rural California Artist’s Thoughts on LinkedIn

You “MUST” be on Facebook/LinkedIn/GooglePlus/Twitter to be considered a serious promoter of your work.

Oh yeah? Do I really need more time on the computer, with “virtual” friendships?

Are these Giant Sequoias having a water cooler conversation?
Four Guardsmen, pencil on paper, 11×14, unframed, $175
 I’ve heard that Facebook is like the backyard barbecue, another one whose name I’ve forgotten is like the bar scene, and LinkedIn has been compared to the water cooler.

I chose LinkedIn, because the barbecue is too big and feels like a waste of time, I don’t like bars, and having not worked for big companies, I’m curious about the proverbial water cooler. (Ever seen farmers on the side of the road, their pick-ups side-by-side in opposite directions, windows down as they chat? That’s their water cooler.)

Staying Power

LinkedIn is a bit of a puzzle to this simple rural artist. I haven’t yet concluded if it is helpful, or if it is just another distraction from being in the studio. It takes so much time to follow the links, find people’s websites, examine their work, comment if they have a blog, and for what? Are other artists truly my potential customers? And as a definite regionalist (referring to my subject matter), is anyone outside of my area truly a potential customer? Do these people in Minnesota/Washington/New Jersey care about Mineral King or Sequoia or Wilsonia??

Sure, it is fun to be asked to join people’s networks, and I feel warm and fuzzy to see that I now have 120 connections. But why? I’m not having personal conversations with these folks. I’m not looking for a job, which seems to be the primary function of this virtual water cooler place.

I’m always hoping for sales and for commissions, but doubt if this is going to happen from clicking “Accept Invitation” or “Send Invitation”. And that seems to be the motivation behind every person’s request to join his network. We all want sales – we are in business, and businesses exist to make a profit.

On LinkedIn, I am somewhat active in an Art Business group. So far, I have picked up a few tips, commented occasionally, and enjoyed some good virtual conversation. This is conversation minus body-language and vocal inflections, so who can say how authentic it is??

In Mineral King, we seek authentic conversation with real people, complete with body language and vocal inflections.
Sunshine at the Neighbor’s Place, pencil on paper, 11×14, unframed, $175

In this Art Business group there are many beginning artists, seeking answers and help. (Most established artists are too busy working to be spending time talking to strangers on the computer. Yikes, what does this make me?) So many commenters obviously don’t take the time to reread what they have written – the typos almost give me a rash at times. It takes time to weed through the dross.

I pay attention to those who are articulate, friendly, professional and thoughtful.  This sometimes causes me to look for their websites, which is a little tricky and time-consuming on LI. (lots of clicking and link following and window opening) Again I ask, “Why?” Is this my version of reality teevee,  am I just procrastinating,  am I seeking like-minded colleagues or do I just want to find a secret recipe to success by copying the business practices of Someone Who Gets It?

I could buy Linked In For Dummies. If I read it and followed its recommendations, would I begin to sell more work to strangers?

I’d rather be drawing, painting, teaching, or blogging. When I’m not doing those things (i.e. WORKING!), I’d rather be knitting, gardening, reading something, or hanging out in Mineral King.

 

6 Comments

  1. So many choices in life, so little time!! Would love to see people more, read more, paint as I have not done so for 13 years, write more letters to my daughter in Japan, write letters to my prodigal child, just letters to people I care about and tell them so!! Then there is Christian Mingle to check out, my blogs, my news junkie fix for each day, yoga for sure, getting everything done so I can go to the mtns for a weekend. But this is life, and I am blessed so I just do what I can, and as Elizabeth Elliot says, “just do the next thing”!!

    Hugs,
    Melissa

    • Indeed, Melissa! Some days I wonder how I can even fit in eating? But I do!

  2. It’s true, Jana. Childhood summer schedules must shape so much of how we feel about summer. For our homeschooling family, summer stills feels so refreshing to not be teaching. My challenge now though is to be self-motivated and consistent for other things in my life: writing,etc.

    So, at the cabin, do you get to set days and hours for both work and play? Do you have a typical schedule that fits you best?

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

    • Jennifer, at the cabin we tend to sleep until we awaken regardless of the time. The sun doesn’t hit the cabin deck until 8:30 a.m. so on chilly mornings we linger by the woodstove. If it is a hiking day, we force ourselves into gear earlier, depending on which trail.

      I try to not work at the cabin – it is really hard to work with out electricity or the computer or my drawing table with its big magnifying lamp and other tools. Besides, who wants to work when I’m surrounded by people on vacation? Not me! Learned that the hard way. I’d be painting some oranges, and someone would stop by and say, “Why are you painting oranges when you are surrounded by all this scenery?” “Ummmm, because someone is waiting for these paintings.”

      So, I work as hard and fast and long as possible 3-4 days a week, then I go up the hill for 3-4 days. Sort of like living an elevator life, or perhaps a pogo stick existence. Not complaining, of course. The blessings of a cabin far outweigh the hassles of being bi-home-al. Bihomal? Sure.

  3. Jana,

    I’m not on Linked In, although my husband is. And facebook for me is more of a way to connect with my youth group teens (and former teens from over the years) and relatives who live further away. But, yes, it can too easily suck time from more productive routes.

    I’ve seen the truck-in-the-road conversations too, and they make me smile.

    Pausing to enjoy your “Sunshine at the Neighbor’s Place” and recognizing familiarity in your “Staying Power” drawings,
    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

    • Jennifer, I can see where FB would suit your life with all those teens and post-teens in your life. “Truck-in-the-road conversations” – that term makes me smile.

      Thanks for your thoughts and for taking the time to comment – always a pleasure to hear from you!

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