On Wednesday, March 23, best selling author, master networker and Networlding CEO Melissa G. Wilson presented “Author Networking: Why & How to Master It.”
Webinar attendees learned:
- Why a partner network is important for authors
- Seven steps for creating a power of 10 circle with 10x return
- Tips to master building your network
To watch the webinar replay, click here.
Questions from the Webinar: As you know the webinar was packed full of information and we couldn’t get to all the questions. Here are the answers to those questions as penned by Melissa herself:
How would you suggest reaching out to top podcasters to promote a business book?
I would use a line such as “Quick Question” which has proven to work well for me sending to a cold connection. Then I would say something you have noted that you admire about the person that’s authentic.
You then want to ask if they would be open to taking a look at a chapter of your book as it’s much better than trying to send the entire book to a busy person. Say something like, “I know you’re very busy, but if you would be able just to take a look at my first chapter, and, if you like it, consider mentioning to your readers to consider doing the same, I would greatly appreciate it. ”
Also, I would have a chapter of your book that you offer for free somewhere and that way you could add that fact and say, “I also offer this chapter free on my site for anyone who wants to check out the book. Here is the link for their convenience _____.”
Then, last but not least, say something like, “Finally, thank you for taking the time, again, John (or Jill or whomever). If for any reason you are too busy, or this isn’t something you are comfortable doing, please disregard my request.”
All the best,
Your name here
What do you think of Blab as an alternative to a podcast?
I just heard a podcast about Blab by two top podcasters from Blogger. The bottom line is that they think it’s still too early to count on it working well but it has great potential. For me, I would hold off for a bit until a more polished version comes out.
I have 2 online yahoo authors’ loops. One has 2700 members, one fewer. (A lot never participate.) Can you suggest a way to leverage these groups to start a small core group. If I post an offer, many might join, but they won’t necessarily be contributors.
Try providing a challenge of some kind with a prize of getting to co-lead a webinar or something of that kind with you. Have them submit something that won’t take them too long but will show their talent level currently. Tell them you will pick two winners a month. These people, the ones who have talent, you will recognize and then connect with them and build your core group from there.
How can I network more effectively online?
Start by looking for people in book groups who are most active. Find one or two you really admire and start by publicly sharing what you like about what they are saying. Praise goes a long way online. Then reach out to them once you have seen them and commented and they have commented back. The goal is to be known as someone they would want to get to know. But reach out to people who are not way at the top but right underneath–possible a rung or two below. This way they are more apt to want to connect with you.
I did mention on the show then that if you can create something–a webinar, a podcast, a blog post, etc., where you can showcase them, you are honoring them by promoting them, and you have created trust and the opportunity to request something from them. Just keep that “something” you want from them small and doable, and you will have a good “win-win” relationship started and apt to grow over time where you can give more as you grow and they can give m ore as they grow. Guy Kawasaki talks about this in his book “Enchantment.” It’s the realization that even if you feel you are a nobody now, the nobodies are the new somebodies.
How do I sustain these relationships?
As I said in the above answer, if you start small you can grow into asking for more over time–maybe twice a year or so and that can go a long way if you have ten people you are targeting and slowly (but surely) building quality relationships with them. Also, note, though, to find connections-influencers for your network who are very good introducers. This way, you not only get connected to them, but you will also have them introducing you to a whole new wave of great connections. This is where starting with these quality connections pays off in the long run.
Also, note that people who like to introduce you to others, if they are “discerning” and focused on quality introductions, will do just what they like to do and do well–continuously introduce you.
Are there certain things that you can do to continuously improve on the network you have? In other words, how do I take it to the next level?
See the above. If you keep looking for the people with the right characteristics that good networkers have, you WILL find that you will continuously be taking your network to the “next level” of effectiveness.
I already have a very large network – is it okay to connect with people as I need to?
It’s not about trying to connect with everyone in your network. It’s about connecting with the 10 or so who are the most networked like you and love to make introductions to other high-quality introducers. Last summer I had my interns interviewing loads of people during their business lunch hours in Chicago to find people who were good at networking and who liked making introductions. They didn’t find a lot of people who had that talent. Find and focus on those who do and that will help you focus on what you love to do most around book authoring and still keep your network working smoothly.
Blog Post: 3 Reasons Why Networking is a Top Marketing Strategy for Authors
by Melissa G. Wilson
I’ve worked with hundreds of authors over the last six years as a ghostwriter, book coach and marketer. As is so often stated in the world of publishing, “It all starts with a great book.” I don’t disagree with this statement, but would add, “It all ends with a great network.” Why? Here are three reasons:
- Sometimes we forget that readers are people. Focusing on that can make all the difference in your success.
- Creating the right network can lead you to more success than the wrong network or, even worse, no network at all.
- A well developed network creates a community of loyal fans who are advocates and can help you leverage your writing into a full-time career.
Once you understand “why” a great network is important, you’ll need to know “how” to network successfully.
During my Bublish “Lunch & Learn” webinar, “Author Networking: Why and How to Master It,” I’ll share all my secrets and show you how I built a powerful, dynamic network that resulted in five best-selling books. Then, I’ll show you show you can do the same thing. The best news is that the strategies I’ll be sharing are low or no cost and can begin at any time.
I hope you’ll join me and listen to my webinar! As my way of saying thanks for attending, everyone who registers will receive two of my eBooks for FREE, 101 Ways to Better Networking and Lead Me to Success in Publishing.
Listen to the webinar replay.
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