Benefits of Networking for Writers

Cultivating Cash Through Business Organizations and More

Aug 24, 2008

In considering the life of a writer, some come away with an image that isn't entirely inviting or exciting.

Imagine for a moment: A scholarly older gentleman, huddled in his corner office. His desk sits next to a window not insulated enough to protect him from the cold winter air seeping in from outside but the lighting is best for tapping away on his run-down typewriter. Wire-rimmed glasses hang from his nose; a faded and stretched brown sweater drapes his shoulders. Day in and day out, he enters the musty, paper-filled room to work on his next masterpiece.

While most would shutter at the thought of leading this type of life, others relish the solitude a writer’s life brings. Being a professional writer doesn’t condemn one from society. Networking can offer a writer an escape from that solitude; a chance to mingle with like-minded, driven individuals. And it can provide an opportunity to cultivate cash from additional writing projects.

Freelance magazine writers understand the hunting mentality; we’re always hunting for the next opportunity. In networking, though, it’s all about farming: Planting seeds, cultivating and then harvesting. Getting started in networking is as simple as picking the one that’s right for you.

Pick Your Favorite

Women’s Business Organizations – Examples include: NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), NOWIB (National Organization of Women in Business), eWomen Network, A Woman’s Place, WBM (Women’s Business Network), and some specific to region. According to Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder of BNI and leading expert on networking organizations, “These groups are very diverse in their structure and makeup. The one thing they have in common is that they tend to be concerned with education and professional development as well as networking. Some are Casual-Contact Networks; some are strong-Contact Networks. The benefits of membership depend on the type of group you join.”

Community-Service Clubs – Examples include: Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, and Sertoma. Dr. Misner again: “Service clubs, in and of themselves, do not offer great opportunities to get immediate business, and if you attend with that in mind, the members will not embrace you with open arms. People join and attend with the primary goal of giving back to the community. Nevertheless, a byproduct of their long-term associations with one another, accrue business leads and other business benefits.”

Casual-Contact Networks – Examples Include: Chamber of Commerce. These types of groups usually meet monthly and are a terrific place to make initial contacts that will be valuable in other aspects of developing business.

Professional Associations – These “Knowledge Networks” come out of specific types of industries including banking, architecture, personnel, accounting or health. Dr. Misner points out that the primary purpose of a professional association is to exchange information and ideas.

Social/Business Organizations – Examples include: Book clubs, Jaycees and various singles/business clubs. These groups often combine social activities with business or networking.

Strong-Contact Networking – Such groups, including BNI, meet each week for the primary purpose of exchanging qualified referrals and are much more structured than Casual-Contact Networks. Dr. Misner believes Strong-Contact Networks will help you establish powerful long-term relationships that will prove invaluable. “Such organizations require a far greater commitment from their membership,” he says. “These groups provide highly focused opportunities for you and your associates to begin developing your word-of-mouth marketing campaigns and always restrict membership to one person per profession of specialty.”

Finding the right group with which to network is solely your decision and should be based on your professional goals. But be careful not to get too engrossed in the process. Networking, in and of itself, can become a full time job if you’re not careful.

Why Network?

Freelance writer and BNI member from the Minnesota area, Cynthia Lueck Sowden says it best when it comes to networking: “Businesses of all sizes need writing help. Often, they don’t realize it until you tell them about it. For many of them, it’s a great relief. A good copywriter can help them get the correct message out to the intended audience.”

Taking on a corporate project here and there is a great way to supplement your income in between magazine projects.

Types of Corporate Writing Opportunities

Networking still works outside of corporate writing because your connections can offer terrific story ideas or even act as an expert source for an article you’re completing.

The benefits of networking are numerous but the results will be determined in the effort you make. It can and does work but won’t provide an overnight success story. Plow your own fields and see what kind of cash crop you produce.

The copyright of the article Benefits of Networking for Writers in Writer Networks is owned by Theresia Whitfield. Permission to republish Benefits of Networking for Writers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.