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Rules of the Road for Networking
Networking Defined
More than just handing a business card to someone, networking is about making
connections and establishing relationships. For social or business reasons, networking
should be a two-way street made for information, ideas, and trust.
Your networking efforts will most likely be more business related if you are hoping to
promote your book. Mutually beneficial relationships need to be established with other
business people, and would-be customers (in your case, potential readers!). The
individuals in these relationships, if networked with properly, will become walking,
talking advertisements for you and your work.
Network Properly
Communication is the key to a successful relationship. The most important skill for
communication as well as effective business networking is listening. In order to have a
beneficial relationship for all parties, you must focus on how you can help the person you
are listening to rather than on how he or she can help you. In a healthy networking
situation, the other party will do the same for you. It is important to remember that
networking is about being genuine while building trust and seeing how you can help
others.
With every new person, you should show a willingness to learn more about them and a
readiness to help. This style of networking is applicable to every form of networking,
whether in social or business situations. It can also be used wherever the contact takes
place; face-to-face or online.
Online networking is increasingly becoming the number one way to network. However,
it pays to network in person. Meeting new people face-to-face keeps your
communicating skills sharp. Practice makes perfect so it is important to have friendly
conversations with every possible connection. This will leave a lasting impression on
your network. Even if no relationship develops with a contact, you will be remembered
as a nice person if asked about at some point in the future.
Fuel Your Network
There are many ways to pull into the fast lane on the road to building a successful
network. Joining organizations you are interested in or volunteering are great ways to
network with people who have similar interests as you do. It is also a great way to stay
visible and give back to groups that have helped you. If you are hoping to promote your
book, author signings and book fairs are a great way to network. You will meet people
who are interested in similar things and who may also want to network.

AuthorHouse has the tools you need to rev up your networking endeavors. Our book
signing opportunities help you meet potential readers and our Marketing Kit gives you
the important pieces you need to leave a lasting impression.
To learn more about how AuthorHouse can publish your work, visit
http://www.authorhouse.com
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