Networking | Sharon C. Williams-Author

11.7.15

This past weekend we had a local writers conference in town for two days. It was the third year, at the library and totally free. This was the first year I have not been asked to volunteer so I was able to move around the rooms and talk, network and connect with those who I don’t always get to see. To pick the best part would be hard for I loved all of it. I mean I got to hang out with similar minded people like myself who knew what a character arch was, who knew what it felt like to revise a story to death, who understood the dread of editing one’s work and other cool things we get to do as writers. The headliner was Larry Brooks who I am a groupie of.

Approaching him I said, “Mr. Brooks, would you sign my book for me please. I have read it three times already and it is one of my to go books when I write.”

He smile really bright and said, “You have made my day.” He made mine as well with his lecture and easy-going nature when you talked to him.

It got better. Without even trying I have a new client now. One of my contacts introduced me to a new writer and said I needed to meet her. A few minutes later we made plans to meet and for me to sign her up for my Author Platform program that I created. Another contact from my woman’s networking group knows the owner of a local book store and wants to introduce me to her in hopes of getting my books in that establishment. If that works that means I will have books in two stores in my area. And this all happened while mingling with others at the conference.

Writing conferences are so much fun. So much going on to where you don’t want it to end. But it comes with networking which is huge and contacts made can lead to so many different opportunities. All in the day and life of writers mingling with other writers.

I started a newsletter in January of this year. I have a nice small following. This is a small challenge monthly to come up with things to say, especially if there is hardly any news, if any at all. I break it up into four to five parts. The first part is just a hello to the gang. From there I go to what is new since I last sent an issue to what writing projecting I am working on. The last two sections are pretty simple. I place a picture of my book with links to where it can be purchased. The last part is dedicated to Jasper. Without him this journey would not have been started. A picture or video of his royal greeness fills this spot.

I mentioned the small following. It made me thing that all things come with a bit of time. When I started this blog, I had roughly ten members who wanted to read what I had to say. It has grown over the last few years steadily. My blog that is strictly for book reviews is picking up steam one member at a time.

The same can be said for my Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, G+ and my Pinterest sites. I think of this due to the many offers there are out there to help you increase membership across the social medium platforms available to us. Yes it would be really awesome if my followers would be through the roof. But there is a lot to say for going at it slowly but surely as the numbers go up. These are the members that might stay with you a bit longer than any mad dash membership drive we might want to sign up for.

The saying quality over quantity comes to mind. I appreciate the people here who come to read my post and those on my other platforms. For with you all, I am building a connection with people, you are not just a name on a list of people. I prefer it this way. Staying power has a lot to do with connections and how well they work for the two involved.

So while I will continually get the email saying how to increase followers, I will pass. One has to do what feels right for them and the way I am doing it works for me.

The Musings of A New Englander