We've got our life strategies, our career strategies, all sorts of strategies.  In fact I'm kind of getting tired of hearing the word strategy, and need a strategy to use it less.

So, you may be planning that big fan-to-pro leap, that progeek paradise, that Otariiman overture.  You got a strategy.

So what's your fandom strategy?  How are you going to use your fandom work in your career – or how are you going to make yourself appear more professional than just a fan?

This is something I rarely see people plan for two reasons: 1) they don't think about it, and 2) they assume fandom work will always be an advantage to them.

Unfortunately, neither of these are good.

On the plus side, you've put a lot of work into your fandom.  You've got leads, friends, portfolio pieces, experience, and more.  It's important to evaluate what you've done, what you've gained, and what you can do in order to maximize usage of your fandom efforts in your career.  Also, frankly, if you're a pro geek, you don't want to loose touch with your geekery.

On the negative side, your fandom work may not always be an advantage to you – old art on an old site may not display your skills, some fanfic may not be something you want an employer to see, etc.  You're going to want to ask what you can use – and what you may want to distance yourself from or take down.

So as you work on your career, ask what your fandom strategy is going to be.  As how you can leverage your fandom activities in your career – because sometimes the most important thing is asking this question in the first place.

- Steve