Networking Tips for Authors
You have no doubt been told that you need to be networking to move your career along. While there are many high-tech options like LinkedIn or email introductions, people still have the most trouble with face-to-face networking. Personal contact can be a game-changer, so here are a few tips to help you make the most of your next mixer.
Plan ahead
What’s the dress code? Is it a cash bar? What if someone asks about your book? Is your name tag legible? Thinking through the possible pitfalls can relieve a lot of the pressure.
Take a buddy
But agree that you will meet new people together. Hanging out with the folks you already know may reinforce your relationship, but it’s not networking. Support each other to make new contacts.
Bring a leave-behind
Business people have business cards, but authors can also use bookmarks or postcards with their contact information. Something with your headshot will help people remember meeting you.
Don’t force your leave-behind on people
Just passing out cards is not networking. It’s more like shoving flyers under the windshield wipers in a parking lot. You might catch someone’s attention, but more likely, they’ll throw your piece away. The time to give your card is when you make a connection.
Follow up
It can pay big dividends to write a quick email to the folks you talked to at an event. Just a “nice chatting with you” message reminds people who you are and sets the stage for a further relationship.
Look for lonely people
If you are shy, there is nothing more tortuous than being the loner in a roomful of strangers. So look for other people just like you. Make it your mission to help them and you’ll wind up helping yourself.
Practice ending the conversation
Sometimes you can’t stand that obnoxious woman a moment longer or the guy you’re talking to is scanning the crowd instead of looking at you. That’s when you know it’s time to move on. Have a couple of phrases planned like “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll check out the buffet” or “But I shouldn’t be keeping you from the buffet.”
Meet all kinds of folks
Yes, it would be great to corner that agent or editor and sell them on your new book, but don’t focus on them to the exclusion of the other people in the room. You might also get to know librarians who book speakers, organizers of book clubs or even the spouse of that agent you want to meet. And don’t forget your fellow authors. Writer friends can share tips and leads with you and will be your best buddies at the next awkward networking event.
Volunteer to help
Being charged with a purpose makes you feel like an insider rather than an outsider at an event. Some of the best volunteer positions are the ones where you register or greet guests, helping you put names to faces for later contact.
Take baby steps
Beating yourself up afterwards for not being a social butterfly just compounds the problem. Change takes time. Choose an attainable goal such as “I will introduce myself to two new people.” Even “I will stay for one hour” is an acceptable start.
Every crowd of strangers may include your next best friend, your biggest fan or your most influential sponsor, but it’s up to you to meet them. So pop in a breath mint and let’s get networking.