Monday, June 11, 2012

Ouch Monday: Networking Tips

Summer is a busy time for conferences and a time for you to get out there and network like you have never networked before! But what do you do if you are like me and get nervous around other writer types especially those who you admire? Don’t fret today I’m going to share some tips that I picked up from my own networking experience at a recent SCBWI Canada West conference. 

1.     Make a goal. Set a number of people you are going to introduce yourself to. Even if you set that number at 2 you will feel great once you reach that goal and are likely to surpass it.
2.     Practice your pitch before you go that way when someone asks, and they will ask, what you are working on you will be prepared. This could also be a perfect way to see if your pitch is good and give you a chance to perfect it before pitching it to editors.
3.     To ease into networking see if there is anyone you know going to the conference. This could be someone you met online. I met up with a girl that I took online class with.
4.     Stick around at lunchtime and hangout with other conferences goers. I made the mistake of leaving at lunch, in which many of the writers got a chance to really talk to everyone including the editors.
5.     Introduce yourself to the person sitting beside you. Also if you can arrive early so that you have time to network.
6.     Bring business cards that have a picture of you on it. It’s easier to remember someone when you have face to go with his or her name. You may even try including the pitch to your latest work on the card or the cover of your book if you are already published.

What are your networking tips? 
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If you liked this post please let others know. Join me next Monday for another Ouch topic.  On Friday stop by to enjoy a poem by me and an illustrations by Bill. Until then dare to write the impossible.
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Remember you can always connect with me on Facebook and Twitter. 
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5 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to using these at the SCBWI conference in August. Thanks Rena.

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    1. I hope you have a blast at the conference!

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  2. Good tips, Rena - especially not leaving at lunch. Lots of things can happen during "down time," I would imagine. :)

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    1. Thanks. I was kicking myself for leaving at lunch but now I know for next time.

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  3. Great tips! It helps to know that most people there are also nervous. (Writer don't tend to be social butterflies.) By reaching out, you're probably putting someone else at ease.

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