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A Word About Networking
by Kim Ripley

Networking could be one of the singularly most powerful words in a freelance writer’s vocabulary. It is essential to a freelancer’s survival. It takes considerable time and effort to build up and maintain a successful networking circuit, but the fruits of your labor will be multiplied vastly.

What is networking?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, networking is “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions”.

How does this apply to writers? It can apply to writers in a number of different ways. Look at the following example:

Joe Freelance Writer attends a writing conference on the spur of the moment. Totally unprepared, he shows up and recognizes the name on a lady’s nametag to be that of a professional writer he admires greatly.

Had Joe Freelance Writer prepared wisely for this conference, he could have introduced himself, and handed Miss Famous Writer one of his business cards. They might have chatted for a few minutes about the weather or perhaps the conference, and when the talk got around to Joe Freelance Writer’s upcoming book, he could have said, “Oh, here. Have one of these handy laminated bookmarks I had printed to promote my new book.”

Joe Freelance Writer wasn’t prepared. And he felt so unprofessional about not having a business card or anything at all to offer Miss Famous Writer except for his sweaty limp handshake, that he slithered to the back of the room, and gave up the chance to meet anyone at all.

Of course this is probably a bit of an exaggeration, but you undoubtedly get the point.

Networking is a necessity. Creating a list of those with whom we network is an excellent way to create opportunities. Maintaining the list and watching it grow means your networking skills have been successful.

Successful networking for a freelance writer doesn’t always mean networking with other writers or editors. People in the public relations field, educators, government officials, business owners, and entrepreneurs—all are excellent examples of those with whom networking might prove profitable.

Here is a list of other networking possibilities. Based on this list, add some of your own.

* Medical professionals: Health articles are big now, and anyone with access to new information in the health and medical field can greatly enhance your career.
Investors: Money articles are everywhere. Investments, mutual funds, stock options—these are all great topics. People never tire of reading about money, or looking for ways to earn it, gamble it, or spend it.

* Real Estate Agents: Real estate is a huge market right now. After all, people are always going to need places to live. And what better place is there for garnering the latest market info?

* Restaurant and Nightclub Owners: I know, you’re probably saying, “Huh?” But think about it for just a minute. If you visit a big city or even a suburban haven, where do you go? Where does everyone else go? Anybody who’s anybody gets to know the owners of the best restaurants and bars in town. It not only helps keep them abreast of who might be in town, it also can’t hurt to get in good with the guy or gal who can get you the best seat in the house on Saturday night!

Copyright 2003 Kim Ripley. All Rights Reserved.

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