Can You Hear Me Now?

Networking. Quick – what just came to mind when you read that word? Standing with a cocktail in one hand and a business card in the other? Calling people indiscriminately and trying to convince them you’re the writer for them? Pushing to get the job even if it means pushing too far? Time to rethink that.

Too many people say “I can’t network!” when they really mean, “I don’t know what to do first”. Let’s look at networking as something completely different – meeting people.

You’ve met people, haven’t you? I’d bet you’ve met some pretty nice people over the years. Some not so nice, but the majority – I’m thinking you’ve done pretty well for yourself. So why not meet a few more?

Start with the people you work with and for now. You’ve been friendly with an editor, right? You’ve probably chatted up someone in town who owns a business. And you have writers and editors in your circle. Those people, along with your family and friends, are your network.

So are you going to approach those people with your brochure, your sales pitch and your intent on closing a sale? Of course not. You’re going to treat them like family and friends because hey, they are. That’s exactly the attitude you need when you approach strangers, including those who could funnel a lot of business your way. Think of them as one more friend, one more acquaintance, one more interesting person to know. Ask questions of them, take an interest in who they are as people, not as what they could do for you.

Three years ago, I attended a hospitality suite held by a national company. I knew two people in the room, but I was eager to meet a few more. I put my hand out to one man, and he and his colleagues turned out to be a blast to hang out with. At the time, I was glad for someone to talk with, and we shared war stories of the industry and just enjoyed meeting one another. Years later, the one man – president of his company – contacted me telling me he had work that I might be perfect for.

That’s how to network like you mean it. Approach every person like they are a new friend, not a new conquest. It’s much less work, it’s not painful for anyone, and you make friends along the way. Who cares if they can help you? In the end, you’ve enhanced your life just a little by knowing them.