What have you shared with a colleague, friend or acquaintance, lately? When you read that an editor is looking for good mysteries, do you immediately let members of the mystery branch of your writers’ group know? If you see a chest of drawers at the curb with a FREE sign on it, do you call your neighbor who has been looking for one? If your hairdresser tells you that her mother has to find a home for her elderly cat, do you let her know about your friend who would like to adopt a senior cat companion?
This is called networking and it is something most of us do, when it is convenient. Sometimes successful networking—I mean the kind that can truly benefit another person (or two other persons)—can require more energy and time than you want to devote. And that’s a shame when the end result might be important to someone.
This morning, I received an email from a director at a local college. She is looking for someone to participate in a mentor activity during career night. She has a student who is interested in creative writing. I immediately thought of two writers I know—one a young and highly enthusiastic, talented writer who works with children in her own writing program. The other one is a bestselling novelist with several novels to her credit. I contacted the novelist (I would have contacted both of them except that the young author is attending school out of state). I received a response from the novelist within minutes (before 5:30 a.m.—I guess she is up early working on her latest book manuscript). She said she would be delighted to mentor the young girl.
Networking isn’t always this successful, this quickly and not everyone you network with will let you know if they will follow through or how the activity or bit of information served them or others. Despite the fact that some networking attempts fall flat, networking is still a great way to help others and to receive help, resources, leads and so forth.
Communication is a vital part of networking. Before we can network in a meaningful way, we must communicate. We need to communicate to others what we are seeking and we must listen to what others require or desire.
This week, why don’t you try your hand at networking. If you hear or read about something that another person might want to know, call or email them. It will feel good when they respond with a great big thank you. If you need something, start spreading the word. You might be surprised at how quickly your wish is fulfilled.