The Fabulist Flash

Issue 123

with Photography by Gregory A. Kompes

Oregon Sea

In This Issue:

1. This Week
2. The Route To Unadvertised Jobs
3. Effective Networking For Writers
4. The Power of Being Visible
5. About The Fabulist Flash

1. This Week

We never know where the next job or great idea will come from. That's why networking is important. It can happen anywhere, at any time. Sometimes, we may not even realize we're doing it. Sometimes, we may not know we'll be doing it, but it happens.

A local Las Vegas publisher discovered that a representative from Fidlar Doubleday, a quality, offset printer in Michigan, would be in Las Vegas this week. The publisher asked the representative if she'd be interested in speaking to a group of Las Vegas writers. She said yes so a room was booked and invitations were extended via phone and email. There are several writers' groups in Las Vegas, each with their own goals, styles and memberships.

About 30 people showed up for the presentation and all the area groups were represented. While many of us know each other, Vegas is still a pretty small town in many respects, we don't all see each other on a regular basis. Well, the rep never showed. Turns out she wasn't going to be in town in January, but in February. Oops, off by a month. This could have turned ugly, but everyone had a great time making connections. We all took advantage of nearly two hours of mingling and networking. Reminder, always carry business cards!

My point of sharing this story isn't to embarrass my publisher friend or the rep from FD. Instead it illustrates how any situation can unexpectedly turn into a great networking opportunity. We just never know who we'll meet when.

In this week's issue, we have three articles on networking. Two of these are written from a business perspective, but the advice works for writers and freelancers attending conferences, chamber of commerce luncheons, or any other events where likeminded people gather. The 18Q will return next week.

Hope you're writing up a storm!

Gregory

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Gregory A. Kompes (www.kompes.com) is a writer, manuscript consultant and author of the bestseller 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live, The Endorsement Quest, The Everyday Gay Activist, Turning Your Writing Hobby into a Writing Career and Should You Write an eBook?

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2. The Route To Unadvertised Jobs

Networking - The Route To Unadvertised Jobs
by Robin Nicholson

Networking, or Informational Interviewing is one of the most valuable strategies for gathering information and establishing contacts. It can enable you to: Gain a firsthand impression of a particular employer or industry; get practical ideas and insider advice about how to enter that field; get contacts with other people in your area of interest; develop and maintain friendly relationships with your contacts; enlarge the list of people who can alert you to job opportunities.

"Networking" entered everyday business language in the mid 1990's, and acquired a degree of mystique that it didn't deserve. It is widely recognised now as an essential in business life and in progressing a career. To see how people understand the importance of networking, notice how many dedicated groups and networking clubs that have sprung up.

In this article we take away that mystique and explain why you should network as a key part of any career search. And how you should do it. Let's get to the "Why" first. Think about hiring from the employer's point of view for a moment. It is quite costly in time and in money, and it is risky and uncertain. The costs will come through in fees to professional recruiters or headhunters if the organisation choses to outsource the work. If they do it in-house, the cost come in the time of the people who have to write and place ads, deal with responses, arrange interviews, write to candidates, and so on.

So what would employers prefer in an ideal world? Just what you and I would prefer. Someone we know, or who is recommended to us by someone we trust. That way they come with a sponsor who knows how they work and what they can do. And that counts for a lot. That's why a lot of companies pay bounties to staff who introduce new staff members (provided they join and prove capable.) There's no real mystique to networking. Nor is there any special difficulty. Let's take a look at: what it is, what it isn't, and how to do it.

What is Networking? First off, it is not pushing yourself onto people who don't want to talk to you. It is not like 'cold call' selling or telemarketing. Networking in the job search context, is simply talking to people you know, and to people they know, to get useful information and advice. Hopefully (as is the case so often) it will in time, uncover an opportunity that the rest of Joe Public does not yet know about.

It's a process through which you build up your contacts. And it is reciprocal, not a one-way street. You have to give to receive. But the great part about it is that other people are pleased to enlarge their network too and by speaking with them, you have joined it. At some point in the future, assuming you stay in touch, you may well be in a position to help them with some information.

Here's a real example of how networking works. Naturally, we have changed the names of those involved. Susan wanted to improve the amount of time she spends with her kids by leaving her hectic finance job and getting into school teaching. Through asking around the people she knows, she found a piano teacher who takes individual pupils and teaches at her home. They chat and it turns out the piano teacher has a friend whose daughter teaches school. Susan and the daughter get together on the phone a few times. (in person would be better, but they live too far apart).

Susan finds out about what is involved, where to get the training, the upsides and the downsides to the job and so on. A year or two later, Susan is more than willing to advise someone else about "mature entry" into teaching....or for that matter, about her previous job in financial services.

Anybody can network effectively. You don't have to be an especially out-going person. The key skills are: listening; asking open questions without making it an interrogation; and most important of all - taking a genuine interest in the other person. Never treat the other person just as a doorway to a "more useful" contact. We'd all resent being treated like that. Here are the main principles of networking: Most people you know will help you if they can. Most people are happy to give information, opinion and advice. Everybody knows somebody. We all know that one day we may be glad of a returned favor. Most of us like to consider we are knowledgeable about certain things and enjoy showing that expertise. Most people will be willing to suggest others to talk to, provided they found talking to you was an ok experience and didn't take up too much of their time or put them in an awkward spot.

Getting started - Make a list of everyone you know and start with people you know quite well. That way you get practice with friends before you try the process with strangers. Explain you are NOT coming to them because you think they know of a job for you (that makes them feel put on the spot) – but you would value their thoughts and advice on ………(your plans or whatever.) For some, you may be in touch for specific information. "John told me you have been in the pharmaceutical industry for some years….I wonder if I may pick your brains…….".

It is good to have something to kick off the conversation. For instance: " I am thinking about doing (---) what do you think of the idea?". You can ask for an opinion on the marketability of your skills. Be careful not to give the impression this is code for "know of any jobs?". You must build some rapport, it must not turn into an interrogation or an episode of a quiz show. Give something to the other person. Now or later. We are not talking about commercially sensitive or confidential information here. But something of use to them. Maybe "Here's an interesting article you may not have seen..." Ask for other contacts. Obviously not early in the meeting. But you can ask if "there is anyone else you know who might not mind giving me twenty minutes". Do thank people who gave you their time. At the time, and with a note later. Keep them informed when you make your career move. Express gratitude for their help "which greatly contributed to…." .

A few things NOT to do with your networking contacts:

Take up too much of their time; interpreting polite interest as "please talk more";

Ask for a job - unnecessary and puts people in an awkward spot;

Overtly only wanting their contacts, not their views or ideas;

All about "me" and what I want.

It is never too late to develop a network, and it is a big mistake to let one decay when that new job comes along. Developing and maintaining good contacts does take some time and effort, but you can expect to see increasing returns from doing it.

About the Author
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Robin Nicholson has worked in business for over 25 years and for ten of them has been a business and career coach. He has worked in the IT and banking sectors and in leading consulting firms. He is the author of "How to Succeed at Any Interview" which is available for immediate downIoad at the website http://www.allaboutinterviews.com, an invaluable guide to finding that perfect job.

3. Effective Networking For Writers

Effective Networking For Writers
by Sophfronia Scott

'Tis the season for conferences and seminars! Many of my friends have all been conference-hopping in recent weeks and we've been discussing how fruitful these gatherings can be when you can make great and lasting contacts. But how do you come away with something more substantial than a stack of business cards? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1.) Speak Up! The Magic of Telling

"Isolation is a dream killer," says life coach Barbara Sher. One of the women in my mastermind group reminded me of that today. She recently attended an event where, for the first time, she came out of her shell and started telling people what she did. She was met with great enthusiasm and people asking her for samples and wanting to refer her to others. All because she spoke up. Now that doesn't mean you go up to someone and talk non-stop! It does mean that you go into a conversation with a clear description of who you are and what you do or write.

2.) Be a Productive Networker

Your networking will not be productive if you are handing out business cards indiscriminately or asking someone who isn't the right person to read your work. Or maybe you're listening only partially to someone and then writing them off if they don't seem to have what you want. Productive networking is about building long-term relationships. Why long-term? Because it's highly unlikely that you or your contact have what the other wants at that very moment. The idea is to keep in touch until you do. In the meantime, you want to offer value or be of service so that the other person feels it'll be worthwhile to stay in touch with you.

3.) Engage in Two-Way Conversations

When the other person is talking, listen up! Who is the person and what do they need? They've come to the event for their own reasons. What are they? Can you assist? Get a clear understanding of what the person does and respect it! For instance, don't push a science fiction novel on an agent who only handles non-fiction. Tell the other person what you're up to, but don't babble. Think attraction: be engaging, not desperate!

4.) Maintain the Connection

Ask for permission to stay in touch--don't just add the person to your email list. Decide how you'll stay in touch. Occasional emails? A monthly newsletter? In "Making a Literary Life", author Carolyn See suggests writing notes to a different contact daily. Try to attend events where your most important contacts are involved, even if it means taking a trip. It's just one more thing that helps them take you seriously.

5.) When the Time Comes, Be Specific!

Use your contact only when they can help you the most. "Ask early, ask often" doesn't apply here. Know exactly what you want from the person. Tell him or her, in detail, how they can help you. Make it easy for them! If you have developed the relationship well, the person will be more than happy to lend a hand. And when they've done so, be gracious--write thank you notes!

One Last Note: Be patient. Building a network takes consistent, persistent effort. If you truly believe in what you're doing, and it shows in your work, others will believe in you as well.

About the Author
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Author and Writing Coach Sophfronia Scott is "The Book Sistah" TM. Get her FREE REPORT, "The 5 Big Mistakes Most Writers Make When Trying to Get Published" and her FREE online writing and book publishing tips at http://www.TheBookSistah.com

4. The Power of Being Visible

Networking: The Power of Being Visible
by Martha Lanier

There are numerous ways of marketing, but one of the most exciting and most rewarding is through networking. Whenever attending an event, imagine meeting at least one person who has the potential of generating an abundance of extraordinary business for you.

With this in mind, enter the room with a mission to meet or receive a business card from everyone there in an attempt to locate this one person. Here are eleven techniques to make this opportunity less challenging and more rewarding.

1. Determine exactly where you will network to reap the biggest benefit for your time and money. There is nothing worse than networking to a group of people who are not a match for your product or services. To determine where to find your target market, it is necessary to define in detail your ideal customer. Once you have done this, it will be easier for you to determine where to find them.

2. Dress professionally for the event. If you are in doubt as to the most suitable attire for the location or the event, simply contact the host and ask. A good option is to dress conservatively and if undecided, dress "up" rather than "down". Logo shirts may or may not be suitable depending on the event.

3. Arrive at the location early and "walk" the room. Take ownership mentally of your surroundings then place yourself close to the registration table so you will have an opportunity to meet and shake hands with everyone who enters. It is far easier to greet people as they arrive than to single someone out or join a group already involved in a conversation.

4. Prepare your own name badge in advance and be wearing it when you arrive. Print your name in a large font that is easy to read and then slip into one of the plastic holders that either attaches with a pin or clip. If your budget allows, you can have one engraved. Always keep this with you so you can use it at other events as well.

5. Use the stick-on nametag to write something catchy or humorous and then place it just below your personally made badge. This actually draws attention as people pass by and their curiosity often will generate a great conversation.

6. Eat either before going or after you leave. Remember your purpose is to meet people and develop business relationships, NOT satisfy your hunger. There is nothing worse than trying to balance a plate of food, eat without spilling it and always be wondering if you have food lodged between your teeth. You will always need one hand free for handshakes and receiving and passing business cards.

7. Whether you are uncomfortable initiating a conversation or not, break the ice by asking the people you meet at least five questions about themselves or their business that you would also like for them to ask you. Remember, they begin to like us when our interest is about them. This is the smart start for building strong professional relationships.

8. When approaching others, it is easier to walk up to a group of three or more people and gradually enter in the conversation. When you walk up to only two people, you risk interrupting a conversation already in progress.

9. Ask permission to give someone your business card before automatically giving it and assuming they want it. This gives more value to your card when they agree to accept it. Ask for their card before they have an opportunity to give it to you. A tip is to keep your business cards (and a slick pen to write notes) in your right pocket and the cards you receive in your left pocket. This way you will be less likely to pass out someone else's card thinking it is yours.

10. Make brief comments on the back side of the business cards you collect. Others are generally impressed that you are taking notes. This will also jog your memory when you follow-up with them. Make it a point to always learn something unique about them or their business. Always write on the front of the card the date (including the year) and the type or location of the event.

11. Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up. After the event is over, read through all of the cards you have collected and determine which ones (or maybe all) warrant your time in following up. At the very least send an email, post card or handwritten short note thanking them for sharing their time with you and your desire to remain in contact with them in the future. For the leads with the most potential for future business, call the following day to schedule follow-up meetings.

About the Author
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Martha Lanier, President of IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. helps ordinary believers become extraordinary achievers. Her programs focus on personal empowerment which results in increased productivity both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at 770-886-6033 (Atlanta, GA), email at martha@marthalanier.com or visit her website at http://www.marthalanier.com. Copyright 2005, 2006 IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication whole or in part must include this entire attribution.

5. About The Fabulist Flash

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