I've discussed GDC in recent posts, but there's one person I haven't discussed – not a famous person, not a well-known name (yet), but a student named Jason.  His blog is here.

Jason's an acquaintance of mine, and we hung out at GDC for awhile and networked – and Jason was an example of having his networking skills in serious order.  I learned a few things from him, and I wanted to share what impressed me:

1. He had his own website – a great job of personal branding and central location.
2. He'd started to leverage social media like linkedin.com and twitter.
3. He had his video resume (showing his graphics, development, and video work) on his PSP.  Literally he could whip out his PSP and show somebody his work. (I may use this idea myself).
4. He had his resume at the ready.
5. He had a portfolio he could customize by shifting around the files in a 3-ring binder.
6. His portfolio included "hobbyist" work that showed off other skills – in good order, showing off his professionalism.
7. His business cards were two sided – one for contact info, one for skills.  He left extra whitespace on the card to give people space to write.

That's having it all together.  I think of myself as a reasonably good and informed networker, but Jason taught me some lessons (the two-sided business cards and the PSP especially).  I also loved the fact it was purely progeek – from the PSP display to his game-FAQ writing examples – all professionally done.

Someone out there want to hire this guy?  I've already got someone I know talking to him, so he may go fast . . .

And for those of you reading, if you think you've got an impressive way of marketing yourself, let me know.

- Steve