The WMF Archives: Tips for Writers: Groovy Alternative to Traditional Networking

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Tips for Writers: Groovy Alternative to Traditional Networking

6:00 AM

By Pam Houghton

A former colleague of mine sent an interesting little article about the dreaded task of networking. This particular article was geared toward job-seekers, but I think it applies equally to freelance writers seeking work.

Here it is - and then we'll talk!

"If you are looking for a job and you've been told that networking is the best way to get hired, keep reading...because you're about to learn a totally Guerrilla job-search tactic that will make most of the 'experts' madder than a wet hen.

Because it goes against almost everything they've been telling you about networking.

Let's talk about networking for a minute.

Do you like to network?

Enjoy making phone calls to people you don't know?

Enjoy handing your business card to strangers at networking events and hoping they'll call you?

My guess...NO.

And you're not alone.

Most people HATE networking.

They think it's a pain in the butt AND largely a waste of time and effort.

You, too?

If so, here's a radically new idea: Stop networking.

Instead, start trying to be useful to other people.

That's the advice of Dan Sullivan, founder of The Strategic Coach, a focusing program for entrepreneurs.

According to Sullivan, if you can bring confidence and clarity to people in your network by researching their needs and then offering something useful - in the form of product news, information about their customers, contacts, expertise, etc. - people will make time to talk to you.

Because you will be seen as an oasis in today's desert of bad economic news.

And, according to our experience counseling job seekers since 1996, people who make time to talk to you today will remember you with favor the next time potential job leads cross their desk.

One thing is certain: If you keep doing what you've been doing in your job search, you'll keep getting what you've been getting.

And if you're not getting calls from employers, why not try being useful to as many people as you can for one week and see where it leads you?

Until next time,
Kevin Donlin and David E. Perry
Co-Creators, "Guerrilla Job Search Home Study Course"

I think this is a great way to look at networking. You're not asking for anything, just doing - and when you do for others, they don't forget.

Perhaps taking this approach will make networking a little less freaky.

What do you think? Do you like to network? Are you a good schmoozer? Or is it one of those tasks you absolutely dread? Do you think freelance writers can benefit from the above approach?

Let us know in the comments below!

photo by pixelstar/stock.xchng

Labels: networking, networking for writers, Pam Houghton

6 comments:

Alyssa Ast said...: I think it's a great idea. Kinda like a "pay it forward" type of thing also. But I don't think I could fully give up networking.; April 17, 2010 11:26 AM
Pam Houghton said...: I guess I still see it as networking, but with a twist that's easier to follow.; April 17, 2010 11:34 AM
Alyssa Ast said...: Oh I agree. It's a great way to network and give back at the same time. Works for me.; April 17, 2010 11:35 AM
Rebecca said...: Great idea! I've taken myself out of the networking game for various reasons. One reason is I got tired of going to the same old, same old type of events: eat and drink without any results except less money in my checking account.

Most people are still in the mindset of asking "what do you do?" We're so conditioned to ask that question we don't get to know people. How about asking "Where are you from? or What are your hobbies?" Get to know people before you ask for business. This is why I'm regrouping and revamping my networking strategies.; April 17, 2010 5:04 PM
Pam Houghton said...: That sounds wise, Rebecca! I think if people sense you are genuinely interested in them, they'll impart more information to you. Plus it's just plain fun to get to know people.; April 17, 2010 6:00 PM
Laya's Blog said...: A refreshing approach to the heavy self-promotion we see on most social networking sites.; April 18, 2010 5:39 AM