The Rising Tide of Networking

It’s easy to view writing as a solitary endeavor, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Success as an author comes from networking. (I say just one week after warning you about building social momentum.)

You need fans if you want to sell lots of books. And you can’t have fans if no-one knows who you are. Getting fans takes networking. Networking is all about adding value.

We’ve all heard inspiring stories about self made people and overnight successes. But most overnight successes worked for years and sometimes decades before anyone even glanced at them. And every self-made success story has a list of mentors and team members a mile long. So if you want to achieve anything, surround yourself with people pursuing similar goals and help them. And if possible, find a mentor.

When I was in school, I always studied with the smartest people. They made my study methods more effective and I was a better student because of it.

As a writer, having friends who are better than you is necessary to being successful. They can push you to be better and can advise you when things don’t work.

The more value you can give your network (your friends), the more people will want to be part of it. The larger your network is, the more people you’ll have invested in your success.

A rising tide lifts all boats. When you make others successful, you bring in the tide and your boat rises with it.

Everyone appreciates a team player and everyone needs a cheerleader. Being a cheerleader will make you memorable and like-able.

Find ways to add value to others and (with a lot of work) you’ll be successful.

In other news:

I spent the last week on a Caribbean cruise, networking with other authors and taking writing classes. #WXR22

On a personal note:

My son loved the stairs, the view and the spotlight.