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This is something I've wondered about for a while. Everyone says "Hang out in IRC"

That's great and all, but there's a lot of IRC servers with a lot of different channels. Got any specifics? Its almost like saying "I find using email gets me a lot of clients". Its specific enough to have an idea, but not enough to be of any use at all if you don't know where to start.

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As a direct example: the forum I go to (while I won't say its name) is tailored for people who make money through advertising. In their IRC they talk about advertising and I went in looking to just make friends with them and to let them know I'm a designer, without asking for work. Eventually, one person came to me asking for work (and by eventually, I mean within hours) and after the work I did for him, word spread VERY fast about my capabilities and I've been booked since. The ONE important thing it to make sure you always keep your word, otherwise the reputation you've built declines.

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