Writers
are always looking to network and make the right connections – with publishers,
literary agents, the media, bookstores, libraries, and readers. So how do they go about connecting with
others and developing helpful relationships?
It
all starts with having intention – a clear goal of the types of people you want
to converse with. Once you know who you
want to connect with – and what you hope to get out of a connection – you can
ask for what it is that you want.
So if
you realize you need to develop relationships with certain types of people,
start to identify where these people live and exist. Can you find them at a conference or event?
Do they gather online? Do you know
people who can introduce you to those you want to meet?
Authors
can’t afford to be shy, conservative, or muted.
Even luck won’t deliver you to those you want to meet unless you at
least try to put yourself out there.
Networking
and relationship–building for authors is vital to getting what they want. It’s similar to dating – you have to put your
best foot forward and expose yourself to others. Be willing to get rejected, ignored, or
mistreated. Life has risks, many of
which are worth taking when you’re seeking to pursue a goal.
So
let’s say you meet someone and you want to see how the relationship can
form. What do you do or say? I would suggest you ask questions and be a
good listener. People like to talk.
They’ll like that you enjoy listening to them. You may also learn something in the process.
Then
offer them information about yourself, but don’t be scattered and just talking
about anything and everything. Stay
focused. Give examples or tell a short
story of something interesting and relevant.
Your goal is to sound important enough for them to sense you can do
something for them. Hopefully you can
mutually help one another.
Offer
help. Sound sincere. Show you’re informed, even enlightened, maybe
funny, and always curious.
People
will help those they think can help them.
They will also help out of guilt, greed, fear, or hope. They will share information over doing
something. They will want to come off as
being supportive, even if they’re not.
They will certainly talk further if you show an affinity for the things
they value.
Seek
to find things you have in common. It
could be your faith, industry, favorite sport, or where you used to live.
Lastly,
exchange contact information so that you can email each other or connect on
social media. Take notes on what you
know of the person, when you met and under what circumstances. In six months, check in again. Maybe it will spark a new dialogue that leads
to an action step.
Always
network.
Then
follow up.
Always
ask for something.
But
first give something.
Ask
to meet their connections.
Share
yours freely as well.
Some
of my best friends or business dealings have come from referrals or
third-party introductions. You can do this.
One
of the best people to network with is other authors. Yes, your competition!
They understand your world and many are open to helping each other out. You speak the same language!
They understand your world and many are open to helping each other out. You speak the same language!
DON”T MISS THESE!!!
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