Guerrilla Networking for Writers

I frequently talk about networking on this blog. I believe it’s just as vital to success as the craft of writing (skill) and talent.

Many people view networking as something you do. Okay, language purists, networking is a verb and therefore, an action, literally speaking. But it’s not an action with a definitive start and end point, like washing the dishes. You shouldn’t put it on your to-do list and set aside time to complete it. (It’s actually a lot more fun than washing dishes, and not a chore to dread).

I’m reminded of a cartoon in which a writer is walking around his office with a coffee cup. A colleague asks him what he’s doing and he replies, “Writing.” Networking is just like that. You can – and should – do it anytime, any place. If you’re doing it well, people won’t even realize you’re doing it.

For me, networking is what I do when I’m procrastinating writing. It helps me justify – to some degree – the time I spend on Twitter and Facebook. But I understand not everyone feels that way. The good news is, you have opportunities to network all around you.

- When you read blogs and leave an insightful comment because the writer impressed you -- that's networking.

- When you go to a party, with some friends you know and some people you don't, introduce yourself and tell them what you do -- that's a first step toward networking. Ideally, you’ll build on this to create relationships with some of the people you meet.

- When you IM or call an acquaintance, not someone you speak to every day, and ask what they're up to, that's networking. (Some pros call this "pinging" people.)

- I went to a comedy club Friday night with a friend I hadn't seen in months. Not only did I introduce myself to the people at the table behind us, I'm writing about the comedian and I found out my friend wants to start a home business... you guessed it – I was networking (and drinking wine -- what could be better?)

Most importantly, networking should take place wherever you are, at any time -- ALL THE TIME, even.

I'm not saying to be shmoozy or sleazy or always looking out for your interests. In fact, networking really is just taking a GENUINE INTEREST IN OTHER PEOPLE AND THINKING OF WAYS YOU CAN HELP EACH OTHER.

Probably the only time a successful writer shouldn't be networking is when they're actually *writing*. And both are equally important to success. Do you agree?

Call Me "Catalyst"

A friend of mine once said he wanted his business cards to read "Catalyst" as his title.

This resonates with me. Many times, my greatest success occurs when I bring other people together, then step back and let the sparks fly. Sometimes I reap rewards myself, but often, the reward comes in watching friends achieve amazing things based on connections I expedited.

I don't want to say, "Oh, look at me!" or, "They never would have done this without me." Fate has a way of bringing people together when they can help each other. But it's nice to know I can help make the process go smoothly sometimes.

This happened to me yesterday (a few times!) and while I didn't get a lot of work done, I did accomplish significant "networking" in two different circles, in three different circumstances.

I can't reveal the details just yet (yes, yes, more secrets...) but one phone call I made yesterday might result in some very strong marketing connections for three other women. And me? I'll get to sell a few stories about it.

I'm happy with that.