Comments on: This Writer is Attempting to Step Away from the Keyboard

By: 50/50 Post: Beyond Searching Couch Cushions—How Are You Finding Real, Rent-Paying Work? « a.k.a writer

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:01:39 +0000

[...] crutches, I’ll be adding more networking events to my schedule. I tried it earlier, but this time this writer will step away from the typewriter (okay, the [...]

By: In Your Face: The Importance of In-Person Connections « a.k.a writer

In Your Face: The Importance of In-Person Connections « a.k.a writer — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:13:05 +0000

[...] is developing more local connections and clients, which I first wrote about when I announced with This Writer is Attempting to Step Away from the Keyboard. Only two sprained ankles (one of which was also fractured) promptly sidelined me. Still intent on [...]

By: Attire Makes the Writer « a.k.a writer

Attire Makes the Writer « a.k.a writer — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:10:21 +0000

[...] So I don’t think I need to wear a suit to do my best work. Of course, I do dress appropriately for events, though I still focus on expressing me. It makes me more comfortable—and helps ease networking nerves. [...]

By: Floyd

Floyd — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:08:22 +0000

I must stay away from your page. Everytime I visit, I read your writing, click a few links, click a few more, and next thing I know, I’ve spent two hours reading various blogs, articles and what-nots.

Thanks, keep it up.

By: JP Le Grand

JP Le Grand — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:05:04 +0000

I’m in a slightly remote area, so I couldn’t do much “in-the-flesh” networking, even if I wanted to. (I found my main client 9 years ago through POT personal marketing.) My life as a freelance single dad is pretty full and I don’t really care for more social interaction. Right now, I find social networking totally fascinating, and for the moment I’m less into business development than into sharing ideas and getting a better idea of what’s out there, “in the grand beyond”, in terms of opinions. Of course, I sometimes get more than I bargained for….

By: Jesaka Long

Jesaka Long — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:56:57 +0000

Hi Niamh ~ You have a great point. It wouldn’t be good for someone to actually think you’re interviewing them!

Hi Laura ~ I do agree that the relations that start face-to-face are deeper. That’s one reason so many of my clients are in Seattle. That’s where I personally met many of them! Now I just have to do the same in Denver – I’m going to try online and in-person networking. Thanks so much for your comment!

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:45:01 +0000

Hi Jesaka!

I think networking in person IS a lot harder than networking online for the simple reason (not withstanding social anxieties) that you can’t reach quite as many people in person as you can online. Even in a good meeting you may only be able to network with a handful of people.

On the other hand, I’ve found that many of the relationships that started with face-to-face networking have been deeper and lasted longer.

By: niamh

niamh — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:42:57 +0000

Networking can be scary – but like Steph I just keep asking questions. Finding the balance between inserting bits about your business with letting other people talk is crucial!

By: Jesaka Long

Jesaka Long — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:07:11 +0000

You have a gift with perspective, Steph! And humor. Thank you for the laugh and the spot-on tips. I’m thinking about writing “pretend you’re interviewing” on a card and slipping it in my wallet as a reminder. Though, knowing my luck, I’d go to get a business card and that reminder would fall out on the floor! In all seriousness, thank you for sharing your own experience with networking. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.

By: Steph Auteri

Steph Auteri — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:51:55 +0000

Oh Jesaka…let’s just say that my social anxiety is so bad, my shrink’s suggested both booze and pot.

On top of the Xanax I’m already taking.

If it wasn’t for wine+meds (I’m not the smoking type), I’d probably end up in a corner at every networking event, quietly sobbing into my empty glass, having a succession of panic attacks. Sometimes — even with the wine+meds — I still have the panic attacks.

So, of course, I much prefer remaining safely in front of my computer, taking over the world one tweet at a time.

My suggestions?

Xanax and copious amounts of wine.

Also:

Keep reminding yourself that 1) You’re awesome, and 2) The other people in attendance are probably just as nervous as you, and would probably hug you with relief if you started up a conversation with them.

Oh! And:

Conversation will become much easier if you pretend you’re interviewing people for a story. Just keep asking them about themselves! They’ll love it!