promotion & publicityOne of the best things about my job is the fact that I get to read some very cool books. And if I have been asked to edit them, then I actually get paid to read them too! Specialising in helping expatriates and entrepreneurs to write their books, and being both an expat and an entrepreneur myself, means that, nine times out of ten, the books I work on inspire, teach and motivate me. Last month was no exception when I worked on a third book by networking guru, Andy Lopata. Andy has taught me so much about networking and now I am happy to pass this knowledge onto you.
A few years ago I worked on a book he co-authored, called Building a Business on Bacon and Eggs. It was about networking at breakfast meetings. While editing that one I learned how important it was be consistent and to build strong relationships with a relatively small group of people, for they will become the people who champion your work. I think of them as the cheerleaders.
More recently I worked on And Death Came Third, this time about overcoming the fear of networking and how to do it effectively.
Then, last month I worked on Andy’s book on referral strategy. This book explains how to turn those with whom you have the strongest relationships into your referrers. It is a fact that much of the business that you will obtain by word of mouth will come through recommendations and referral. This book explains how to foster the kind of relationships that lead to great results.
A writer is only as good as his/her network
Writers, just like entrepreneurs, need to grow, nurture and utilize their networks. If you want to be a success and to have plenty of ideas, lots of people to interview and enough markets for your work to keep you busy and well-paid, then networking is a fundamental skill.
I have long believed that a writer is only as good as his or her network. And writers need to develop connections in various areas if they are to produce useful, inspiring work.
I just did a quick calculation and realize that if successful writers will have ten different types of people in their network.
The ten people writers need in their network
1- Natural Connectors – the people who just can’t help themselves from giving you leads and connections and passing your name onto other people. These are the folks who go around with other people’s business cards in their briefcases and will pick up magazines and spot potential markets for you while they are out and about.
2 – Experts – the people who know more than you do about the subjects you write about. They are the gurus, the ones who have already written a book on the subject or speak about your topic at conferences. They are respected in their field. You need to ask these guys questions so that you can quote their answers in your writing.
3 – Referrers – the people who know you well and truly understand your business and what you are looking for. These people will pass your details onto the right kind of people regularly, both the people you could write about and those who may want to publish it.
4 – Case Studies – if you want to teach your reader something then you can will add lists, statistics, facts and information to your work. But, if you want your message to be memorable then you need case studies. Look for people who you can write about. People who will happily share their stories.
5 – Cheerleaders – I mentioned these people earlier. They differ from the Natural Connectors, who just can’t help connecting anyone with anyone and may do so at random and the Referrers who are careful and strategic about the way they connect people. Cheerleaders are the folk who will shout about you and what you do from the rooftops. They’ll do a lot of shouting but no follow up. You need these guys because they are the ones who will start the buzz about you and kick start your word of mouth referrals.
6 – Mentors – writers need role models. Someone who already knows the ropes and who can help you to follow in their footsteps. Ask your mentors questions, pick their brains and ask for advice, leads and connections. I offer a mentoring service to my clients.
7 – Critics – and we need to be open to honest opinions and feedback. Maybe the members of your writers’ circle can provide this? Maybe you will pay for an independent review. Whichever you choose, you need feedback. I use my writers’ circle and regularly pay for independent advice too.
8 – Supporters – supporters will be there to pick you up when you are down and smarting from a rejection letter or suffering writers’ block. They will help you to stay motivated.
9 – Catalysts – these are the ideas people. The ones who will be happy to brainstorm and blue sky with you and will discuss your mad plans and ideas and give you plenty of their own too. Doing this with my clients is one of my favourite things.
10 – Promoters – writers need to make friends with the people who can promote them. The editors, the other journalists, the bloggers and tweeters. The folk who have a huge network and the means to write about you and your writing too. These are the folk who spread the word in print or online.
Who do you have in your network?
