My Networking Process

I’m at a weird place. You see, I’m done with ALL major revisions!

I’m stuck between revision-land and the release date of my book (EFFORTLESS WITH YOU releases in twenty days!!!). When I’m not freaking out, I’m trying to reign in control and network.

Networking. Ugh. Can we talk about that?

Honestly, I find networking challenging.  I never want to assume I have a connection with someone or pretend something is there when it’s not. I don’t have the guts to ask someone for favor just because I’ve read their tweets or worship their writing. Even people I do interact with frequently, I just never want to assume, ya know?

You see, when I network, it’s because I want to connect. I want to know a person and maybe make a real friend. Not just be part of a web.

Now, I’m not saying the web of networking is bad. It’s not at all. I’m just much slower to move through it because of who I am. I can’t pass people up or look at them as a way to get from point A to point B. I like to chat; find out their favorite ice cream, what they order from Chipotle or Noodles and Co, and how many times they’ve read Harry Potter. I really love knowing people. So networking is slow for me. I’m okay with that though, as I’m getting to know some AMAZING people along the way.

So what does networking mean to you? Any advice? What’s your best approach?