Networking
Although it certainly isn’t mandatory that you network with other writers, contracting agents and recruiters, networking certainly can make your life run smoother by making it easier to find the next client.
What is Networking, Really
For years I resisted networking because I thought it was an impersonal, rather intrusive form of sales. I had been turned off by people who abused networking by trying to “sell” themselves at every event, by intruding inappropriately, or by always being in their “sales mode.” I didn’t want to behave like that; I just wanted to write.
Years later I learned that networking doesn’t have to be forced, impersonal or agenda-driven. Networking can be warm and polite, involving a genuine expression of interest in others and a willingness to contribute. Effective win-win networking is all about gathering and disseminating information.
Elevator Speech
Do you want to learn how to tell people what you do without their eyes glazing over? Learn an Elevator Speech. An elevator speech is an indispensable tool for promoting your work. Your own personal elevator speech consists of a sentence or two that you can deliver in the space of a short elevator ride that expresses the essence of what you do or what you offer. It is much like a sound bite. Prepare your elevator speech and practice delivering it.
Helping Others and Yourself
Proper networking not only helps you reach your personal and professional goals, it also involves extending yourself to help others reach their goals. You do this by acting as a resource for others. When recruiters contact me about a job that does not interest me, either because I already have a contract or because the position isn’t a good match, I nevertheless respond immediately, thanking them for their consideration and offering them an alternate contact. They will remember me for my quick response and my willingness to help.
Effective networking is dynamic; it helps make the world a little smaller and more personal.
Participating in an STC Special Interest Group and attending chapter development meetings is a good way to either start or expand your professional network.
E-mail Rolodex
Retain the e-mail address of every recruiter or potential client who has ever sent you an inquiry. Even if you were not available at the time, or if your qualifications did not match the open position, keep this person’s e-mail address. I save all inquiries (along with my responses) in a Job Contacts folder in my business e-mail. Then, when if I find myself close to the end of a contract without a new one on the horizon, I resurrect those e-mails and send a note to the recruiter, telling them when I will be available and reminding them of my qualifications.