7 Golden Rules for “Getting Noticed” Networking

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Today, you will read the first guest post of this blog! Its written by none other than super writing coach - Daphne Gray-Grant.

I first met Daphne in an online membership website and was amazed by her networking skills. She manages to persuade several “influential” A-listers to re-publish her articles on their newsletters and blogs consistently. So I asked Daphne if she would like to share her tricks with my readers.

She obliged - and here is her article…

7 Golden Rules for “Getting Noticed” Networking
- by Daphne Gray-Grant

Ita_Ts been said that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Thata_Ts also a good metaphor for earning referrals and links to your blog or newsletter.
To receive attention, you have to be prepared to make a noise. But herea_Ts the deal. It needs to be a nice, polite noise. This is not the time to act like a carnival barker or a used-car salesperson.

Without resorting to tactics or hype, Ia_Tve had excellent results promoting my weekly newsletter about writing faster, better. Starting from zero, I reached more than two thousand subscribers in just over a year. And along the way, I developed a number of theories about what works.

Here, then, are my seven golden rules for a_?getting noticeda_? networking:

1. Look for newsletter writers or website owners that publish articles in your specialty.
Then (politely) ask if they would be interested in having you write something for them. I am turned down by about 20% of the people I approach. But guess what a_” 80% go for it! This fits with Woody Allena_Ts comment: a_?Eighty percent of success is showing up.a_? If approaching strangers makes you hyperventilate, start by asking people you know already (through an online forum, perhaps) so you can develop some confidence.

2. Provide valuable, informative material with a content-to-sales ratio of 450 to 0.
Eschew the hype. When I write, I never sell anything except my newsletter. (Hardly a sale, because ita_Ts free!) Even then, I only mention it at the end of the article, in italic type, as Ia_Tve done with this article. I try to write content that sells itself by positioning me as an expert in the field of writing, editing and coaching. The articles I produce always provide true value to the people who publish them.

3. Ask the a_?righta_? people.
I strive to form a_?strategic alliancesa_? with non-competitors in similar lines of work. In my case that means printers, graphic designers, time management experts and copy editors. Thata_Ts because they all have clients who are potentially interested in what I have to say and their customers will appreciate receiving my information (which, in turn, makes them look good.). If youa_Tre a wedding planner, talk to florists. If you produce orthopedic shoes, seek out podiatrists and physiotherapists. Ita_Ts common sense, really.

4. Dona_Tt be a prima donna.
I started my writing life in the newspaper business, so Ia_Tm accustomed to the a_?red pencil.a_? Likewise, you, too, should be prepared to rewrite or have the publisher edit your copy to meet his or her requirements. I have one strategic alliance that asked me to rewrite the same piece about four times. I did it without complaint.

5. Be scrupulously honest and ethical.
I never engage in a_?exchanginga_? promotional mentions just for the publicity. If another party approaches me for a a_?tradea_? Ia_Tm very wary. I need to see for myself that their site, newsletter or blog is something Ia_Tm sincerely prepared to endorse. Ita_Ts never worth compromising your own integrity.

6. Give more than you get.
I have a potential strategic alliance that has not yet come to fruition because a_” my intuition tells me — this person thinks Ia_Tm a competitor. (Instead, I am convinced we have complementary businesses.) I love everything he does and have promoted him relentlessly because I am genuinely impressed by him. He has never reciprocated. And Ia_Tm okay with that.

7. Be patient a_” take the long view.
I have another potential strategic alliance whom Ia_Tve been wooing for more than a year. I havena_Tt figured out the obstacle yet a_” but I just keep (politely) chipping away at him. Ia_Tve phoned him and sent him emails with lots of suggestions for articles. He is invariably responsive but vague. But like the waves that gradually turn rock into sand, Ia_Tm sure I will wear him down. Eventually.
In two words, my approach is polite persistence. If you adopt the same mantra, you, too, will get results.

One-Line Bio: A former daily newspaper editor, Daphne Gray-Grant is writing and editing coach who helps people writer better, faster. Each week she produces a free weekly newsletter that can be read in less than three minutes. Sign up at www.publicationcoach.com

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Posted by Ankesh Kothari under Traffic on 29 May 2007

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