I subscribe to #BYDN (Build Your Own Dream Network) just because it has an interesting slant on networking and is broader in its scope than other newsletters. Some of the emails I receive are so-so, but some have great ideas. This last one titled, When Told To Get Out And Network, What Do You Do? The author, Hoey, went to successful networkers and ask them that question. The answers are perfect for writers who are trying show who they are and what they write.
While there were several great responses, these two were perfect for me. It makes networking an easy A when I’m learning and discovering, and if I’m uncomfortable in my surroundings, I can barely talk, let alone schmooze.
- Approach everything as if you were a student, and adopt a learners mentality. Be curious about your surroundings, who you’re in the room with and what interests you about the topic being discussed. You’ll naturally think of things to ask others in the room, which is a great way to begin a conversation with anyone. AND, seek first to understand others before attempting to tell someone all about yourself and what you need. When networking is approached from a learner’s perspective, there is nothing to be nervous about, as your curiosity and genuine interest will naturally draw others to you. – Adrienne Garland, Founder of She Leads Media
- Do it in environments in which you are comfortable. If you aren’t a golfer, don’t head out for 18 holes. If you love to cook, host a dinner party for friends with plus ones you don’t know yet. – Jill Van Beke, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Launch Tennessee @jvanbeke
Do you enjoy networking? Have any special or favorite ways to handle it?
I’ve featured L.X.. Cain this month with her book Bloodwalker. There are a few more days to ask for an eBook or AudioBook. Just add your YES, Please chose me! to the comments below or shoot me an email via the Email Connect that went out before Thanksgiving.
I wish I were still in France, but I have my memories of a beautiful experience. After we left the Canal Du Midi, we drove south to a farmhouse.
The owner is an Aussie who bought a 16th-century barn that was in shambles. It’s not in shambles anymore. What a perfect spot for a base camp. From here we hiked or drove to medieval castles and to see the ancient cave drawings. I’m still processing all that I saw.
 The Gite |
 A Dinner at the Gite |
 Lescaux |
 de Guam, Even Better Cave Art and Real |
Hi Lee – as the others say … great advice and how often do we blunder in – I was aware at the beginning of blogging I made plenty of mistakes and have tried not to replicate them …
Networking – sometimes it’s easy, other times not so much and I disappear down that rabbit hole – it’s joining in … and slowly being accepted into the group – as one helps, not hinders in whatever one is doing …
Love the photos of France – lots to appreciate and learn from – cheers Hilary
Those are good tips! I’d like to try doing something like that. A themed dinner part for a book release, could be fun!
I do enjoy networking, and I’ve met some fabulous people both online and at conferences. Besides being great resources, they’ve become firends.
I keep up this blog because I have a lot of people I enjoy. If that ever stops then I’ll stop doing this. Hi Donna! Great to see you.
I’ve been very lax and disinterested in networking in the past couple of years. You gotta get out and do it for one thing or at least spend a lot of time online. I’m a bit lazy these days.
It would be nice to go to other countries if I could easily afford to do so. For me though I’m content on staying in the U.S.A. I could happily spend the rest of my days roaming this great country and seeing all the great things it has to offer.
Lee
Tossing It Out
I’m getting a tad lazy myself on that networking front. Maybe I’m just getting older and want to spend more time doing only things I truly love. I love to blog because I connect with people I find interesting.
I’ve always loved to travel (US included), and I’ve been very lucky to have a husband in the airline business. Most of the time I get some very good deals on flights, although it’s getting harder these days.
Great to read the comment from the other Lee!
I love seeing the photo of your trip! I suck at networking. 🙂 I’m one of those that gets tongue-tied and tired to blend into the wallpaper. I am slowly getting better though.
Me, too. I once wrote a scene at a cocktail party (AKA networking opportunity) and used myself as an example of “failed guest.” It was so easy. I’m the one who drops the Rumaki down the front of my dress and has not much to say after hello.
Cave art fascinates me. Looks like your trip to France was amazing. I want to go back to France too. 🙂 I have much more I need to explore there!
I like to network when I have my co-author with me- it is a little more stressful doing it on my own. But- I certainly feel better doing it when I am in comfortable situations. 🙂
You are so lucky to have someone at your side during the presentations and signings. You guys are a great team.
The cave drawing looks fascinating! It looks like you’ve seen some really interesting things.
Every trip I take out of my own small place here teaches me amazing things.
I wish I felt more comfortable networking – it takes practice, I need to keep at it!
Don’t we all? I’d love to be better.
Great tips. Marketing and networking are things that I’m really insecure about these days. Even with my blog.
You’ve always done a great job of marketing and networking. I enjoy your guests and all you do for authors.
France looks amazing. So glad you had a wonderful time.
Good info on networking.
Wishing many sales to L.X.
Such a great idea for networking. I don’t. I suppose I should.
If you’re online, I guess you’re networking.
Those are great suggestions. It’s true, innit, that networking in a topic you like is so much easier.
Ergo, techie person networks about techie stuff. And so well. 🙂
Networking is hard for me. I’m so shy being around people. I do learn something new everyday, so there are always new things to try.
Your visit to France sounds so exciting. Caves are interesting. The only one I’ve visited is Carlsbad in New Mexico. When they turn the lights out it is dark.
Have a great week.
Carlsbad is one huge cave. None I visited on this trip are this big. Also they’re very different. Dark is one feature all caves share. I’ll post about the cave bear markings one of these times. Very interesting and all about dark caves.
I dislike networking, so this advice is great. Appreciate you sharing it, Lee. Love the photos. Glad you had a nice time! 🙂
I like networking in person. It’s so much more fun and exciting, but I can’t get around the world more than I do already, so this is the next best thing.
That gite looks lovely. A perfect spot to while away quite a few hours.
Networking? Fortunately I don’t need to. My introvert (and growing even more so) self finds gatherings of strangers confronting.
Yet you entered and won WEP! I was impressed and so you’ve networked and done it very well. 🙂
I was gobsmacked. And even replies to Yolanda’s email when she had told me, asking if she had sent it to the right place.
Natural talent will out! You may now be in serious trouble, Sue. You may have to write more. 🙂
I’d love to see that cave art in person someday. I’ve had a passionate love of prehistory since second grade, about thirty years now.
That networking advice is very good. A lot of people make mistakes when trying to network, like immediately going into a sales pitch or not attempting to read the other people to see which strategy would work best.
I’d suggest you see some of the smaller caves, then see Lescaux’s reproductions. They each are fascinating.
I agree with you on the networking, but we all need to learn and sometimes it’s by experience.
Great photos! Especially love the one of the Lascaux. Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time in France!
Thanks, Heather. As an artist I’m sure you’d be thrilled seeing this cave art.
Great way to be indeed. Learning is always best, as you can’t go wrong. Except when you get stuck with ones that are all me me me. Then you turn and flee!
Yes, indeed. Totally agree.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
That’s great advice from J. Kelly Hoey. Successful people in any field got there by doing more listening than talking. If you approach a networking opportunity as a humble student eager to learn, you will get people to like you and want to help you.
You had a wonderful adventure in France. It is easy to understand why you are still processing memories of the farmhouse holiday home that was your base camp and the amazing sights you saw including medieval castles and ancient cave drawings. I would love to explore those places!
Have a wonderful week, dear friend C-Lee!
Thanks, Shady. I did enjoy this trip a lot. I’ve been to France before, but haven’t had the luxury of exploring so much of the country. I like Kelly Hoey’s approach to networking. She’s so concise and yet informative.