Networking tips

I promised a blog post on the daunting subject of networking so here we go. I'm hopefully going to show you that it isn't as scary as it sounds...

I know for a fact many writers are the shy, retiring type (like me). We don't want to talk to people. All we want to do is be left alone to write. Our creative space only has room for one!

But, here's a thought - what if you're already talking with fellow writers through Facebook and Twitter? And hey presto, guess what, you're networking.

My first word of advice - don't think of it as networking. Don't think of it as what can I do / what do I have do for this person for them to like me and connect with me. And turning it on its head, don't go into the relationship with the selfish motive of what can I get out of this, either.

Think of it as socialising with friends - meaningful sharing of ideas, sharing books and articles you've read and interesting industry advice. Who wants a shallow, negative relationship anyway?
 
Seek out the people you admire and invest in them. After all, you get out what you put in. And people will reciprocate. The idea is to surround yourself with those friends who will motivate you and keep you sane on the rocky road of a freelancer.
 
I love giving something back through my blog. Put yourself out there with your writing and pretty soon you'll be attracting like-minded people. It really is as simple as that - and once again I say Hallelujah to the Twittersphere!

Not only did networking uncover the real world of publishing to me, but it found me my agent, who in turn found me my publisher. I also made some good friends and held some lively debates at the events I attended. This is why it's so important to throw yourself out there every now and then. You never know who you're going to meet and what will happen.

Go on, go for it!

Here is a splash of my favourite networking tips:

• Understand the other person's needs ahead of your own

• It's not about quantity, but quality - find the right people

• Proactively seek out people who you want to connect with

• Offer praise first, then request help / advice later

• Keep the initial contact short

• Introduce people - this is my absolute favourite bizarrely enough. If I'm in a crowded room with too many people to talk to, I pair people off so I can talk to the one person I need to make contact with. Don't be a drifter moving from group to group. Sparkle, shine and hold your own

• Make a point to follow up - hold my hands up, I'm rubbish at this

• Exchange business cards and jot down one thing about that person on the back so you remember them!