Networking - A-Z Challenge, Starting & Sustaining A Writing Career

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Networking - a word that writers who hope to be published learn soon after starting their journey. At first, it sounds like a daunting process. That's until we start getting our feet wet.

I remember not having a clue what I was doing when I first started blogging. Although it became obvious what I wasn't doing after a while, it did take time for me to get a handle on things. 


For instance, one of my early mistakes was to visit people's blogs and leave without saying anything. That had to do with a combination of shyness and just not knowing what to say, but I'm a quick learner and I read a lot so I caught up quickly.

Over time, making new connections has become second nature and I don't think about interacting with other writers as networking anymore, although in many instances I begin relationships with other people because writing is the only common interest.

The biggest benefit I've found through being among other writers is that the journey has been a lot less lonely because writers are such a helpful bunch. I've never put out a call for help and walked away empty-handed and there hasn't been a time when at least a few other writers couldn't identify what I was going through.

I continue to make valuable contacts and learn so much on this journey that it's now second nature to reach out to both readers and writers.

What 's the most valuable thing you've learned through networking with other writers?


To be successful, you have to be able to relate to people; they have to be satisfied with your personality to be able to do business with you and to build a relationship with mutual trust.                    

                                                              -  George Ross

Networking is marketing. Marketing yourself, marketing your uniqueness, marketing what you stand for.              

                                                              - Christine Comaford-Lynch
 

The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.
                                                             - Keith Ferrazzi

22 comments:

  1. You are absolutely right about this.. :(Y)


    "writers is that the journey has been a lot less lonely because writers are such a helpful bunch. I've never put out a call for help and walked away empty-handed and there hasn't been a time when at least a few other writers couldn't identify what I was going through."

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  2. Generosity is key; and most times that's got nothing to do with money.

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  3. I've learned that other writers are very supportive!

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  4. I love networking with other writers, and I'm not even published yet. I feel like connecting through blogging is such a helpful start and will continue to be helpful in the future.

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  5. Networking is one of the best parts of the journey. I've met so many people I wouldn't have come across otherwise. Thanks for commenting. See you on the A-Z Trail!

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  6. I've learned that you can make true friends without ever meeting them face to face. Social media is a drag if you don't use it to make friends.

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  7. Great post! Such an awesome blogging community!

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  8. Nice post J.L. What I've gained from networking with other writers is endless. I don't know where to begin except to say, I learned I wasn't alone.

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  9. Networking is tough. It can be fun, and it can be work.

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  10. I started my blog in September 2010 and never realized the community of writers that are out there until I started the A to Z challenge this year. I'm still working on figuring out what to say in comments, but I'm learning!

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  11. When I decided to take my writing seriously, I joined a Facebook writers group. I learned so much from talking to fellow writers, soaking up their experiences, and now i have knowledge that I can pass on to newbies. Blogging is a newer thing for me. I'm doing A to Z to make some connections and train myself to visit and comment regularly. It's a struggle, but I'm doing OK.

    TD Harvey
    A to Z participant
    http://www.tdharveyauthor.com

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  12. When I decided to take my writing seriously, I joined a Facebook writers group. I learned so much from talking to fellow writers, soaking up their experiences, and now i have knowledge that I can pass on to newbies. Blogging is a newer thing for me. I'm doing A to Z to make some connections and train myself to visit and comment regularly. It's a struggle, but I'm doing OK.

    TD Harvey
    A to Z participant
    http://www.tdharveyauthor.com

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  13. Joy your post is so true and thoughtfully written. I think of networking in a myriad of ways there is the used car salesman type networking that is insincere, there's the headhunter type who is your best friend until he doesn't need you, then there is the team player type who realizes there is today but there is also tomorrow.
    I am still saddened by writers who want to "take advantage of the help" but have no plan for reciprocation.
    Thanks for all you do to help writers succeed :)

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  14. It takes a while to be confident enough to chime in on blogs. Then once you're familiar with the blogger and the readers, it's fun. I remember doing what you did. Read and leave.

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  15. The friendships I've made through networking with other writers often keeps me from getting too negative. There's usually always someone to offer encouraging words. I just need to ask for them sometimes.

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  16. I agree it's a slow process learning the art of social blogging. I just started a few months ago and I am sure that I am still stepping on people's toes without realizing it. Thing is, I want to be successful and I want to meet new people :) That's what I love about this event.

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  17. I agree it's a slow process learning the art of social blogging. I just started a few months ago and I am sure that I am still stepping on people's toes without realizing it. Thing is, I want to be successful and I want to meet new people :) That's what I love about this event.

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  18. Like most of us, I've been figuring it out (or making it up) as I go along. But the thing I love most is that I have made some real friends through those networks, and we support each other in so many ways.

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  19. Sometimes I lose myself in the social part and don't do as much writing as I should. Still working out the habits, I guess!

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  20. This was a very interesting read! I just recently started being more social and reaching out to other writers and bloggers. For a while I did what you did, I would read posts but didn't comment or like or share. It's been so much more fun to leave comments and interact with the writers of blogs that I really enjoy.

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  21. nicely written..

    You could read my work at : https://secretivewriter.wordpress.com/2015/04/17/o-for-optimism-obstacles-atozchallenge/

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  22. I've learned it doesn't have to be a monumental thing. I share other people's posts on my Twitter to help them. :) I hardly get on Twitter otherwise. lol

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