How Networking Can "Net" You Lots of Sales
Do you know what an author's best friend is? A personal recommendation. Obviously this applies to someone liking your novels and recommending them to people, but I also mean it in the sense of people liking and "recommending" you. Remember, as an author you are really selling yourself in a lot of ways, so if people like you and feel like you're nice, funny, smart, or share interests, they're much more likely to buy your books or tell other people about you.
You should be doing everything you can to interact with fans online and in real life, but you should be just as proactive about meeting "potential fans," which means networking, networking, networking. You should always being prepared to schmooze with people in your daily life, but one of the best places to network is – surprise – networking events. Schmoozing at these kinds of get-togethers isn't a skill that comes naturally to most people, but there are ways to prepare and techniques you can use to make it easier.
1. Always be prepared.
Keep business cards with you at all times, and make sure that the information is clear and up-to-date. Even better, keep copies of your book on-hand, so you can make the sale right there! Come up with a list of things to talk to people about – both questions for them and a sort of sales pitch for yourself… without being too salesy. Regularly search for new events and opportunities in your area to meet people who can help you. Opportunities to network can present themselves anytime, anywhere, so you always need to have your game face on.
2. Make a Want-to-Meet Wish List.
Some of the best people for you to meet and befriend are other writers in your area. Most of the time, writers are thrilled to meet other writers, learn about what you're doing and what successes and failures you've had, and possibly even help you out. To find writers for your list, check out who's doing readings at local bookstores, read up on local blogs, and look into area book clubs and writers groups. Make a list of the people who seem like they'd be interested in your work – or even people whose work interests you. Nothing pleases a writer more than getting praise from another writer, and your compliments might even make them want to buy your work. Best case scenario, you'll sell a few books and make relationships with other writers who will be interested in a little tit-for-tat marketing. Worst case scenario, they might buy a book just to check out the competition. Either way, it's a win-win for you.
3. Give to receive.
The last tip sort of dovetails into this one, but when networking, you've got to be willing to help people out in order to get their help. It's all about reciprocation and mutual gain.
4. Go alone, and don't be shy
Taking someone with you to a networking event is a surefire way to avoid talking to people you don't already know. Going alone might seem scary, but without a friend to fall back on, you kind of have to talk to someone new. If you're still feeling shy because you don't know anyone, remember that that's the point of the event — to meet people – and own that feeling by trying out this line: "Hi, I don't know you." You'll be surprised how well it works.