This Writer is Attempting to Step Away from the Keyboard

February 3, 2010 — copywriters, networking, prompts, writer stereotypes, Writing

This blog post is brought to you by the writing prompt just like in the movies.

I don’t usually use writing prompts, but I signed up to receive them daily this month, just to see if it fueled writing ideas. Apparently, it has. When I read today’s prompt, I couldn’t help but think about the stereotype of writers.

In movies, writers are often portrayed as rebellious, hard drinking, reclusive, obsessive, eccentric and even mad. The copywriters in films tend to be fast-talking, sales-oriented and quick with the pitch. Although copywriting pays my bills—and I enjoy it—I find myself relating more to the stereotype of the writer.

When I was in my early teens, I was at a dinner with extended family to celebrate the birthday of my grandmother’s sister “Aunt G.” I loved Aunt G’s humor and envied her ability to talk a thousand miles a minute. As she read the birthday card I’d written just for her, she called down the table in her thick Cajun accent.

“Girl,” she said. “You might be quiet, but put a pen in your hand, and you’re mighty.”

Or it was something like that.

I do love interacting with people, but I find that I tend to be quiet in a group of people. While I admire people who see a group of 50 and are energized by the thought of meeting every single one of them, I scour the crowd for someone who looks interesting—and approachable.

Which means I’ll learn that person’s story and make a good connection, but that’s probably the only connection I’ll make. Of course, one person can make a difference: they could connect you to a new client, offer a key piece of advice or become a great friend. But, if I attend one networking event each month, that’s not going to get me very far!

Last month, I revised my bio and portfolio, sharing the progress and results with you. This month, I’m researching different local networking groups and opportunities. And I’m going to going attend them, which means you’ll be reading my experiences and the tips I learn along the way. Since the majority of my copywriting clients are in Seattle or on the West Coast, I’ve just started to learn more about the local Denver business community.

This writer is going to try to channel that outgoing, social copywriter. You know, just like in the movies.

Your turn. Do you find it’s harder to network in-person than online? Do you have any networking tips to share with your fellow writers and readers? What’s your favorite way to connect with new people? Please share in the comment below.