A Masterclass in Advanced Networking

Sponsored by: https://satw.org/

Presented By: Wendy Toth
https://www.powersuiting.com/

Hosted By: Lavanya Sunkara
https://nature-traveler.com/

Sign up for Wendy's monthly motivational newsletter! https://tinyletter.com/PowerSuiting

Relationships sustain us and our businesses, but building them and maintaining them can be daunting.

Remember that "Networking" is no big secret. It's just about making friends.


We'll break it down into two main areas: Mindset + Tactics.

Great Resource: Susan Shapiro's classes and events
https://www.susanshapiro.net/events.html

You already do a TON of networking on behalf of the publications, destinations, and companies you represent. It's just a matter of transferring that mindset to you as an individual.

We scoured our own networks to gather only the best, most current, and most EFFECTIVE networking tactics for authentic people.

Even if you think your mindset is just fine, "thankyouverymuch," we have found that at least one of these four areas, when given a tune-up, helps you land more work!

Most writers are amazing communicators and naturally curious, but often also introverted and we tend to have some powerful subconscious feelings about networking.

So how can we work through this blocker to attract advocates and steady work?

One of Wendy's favorite blog posts of all time is "Taming the Mammoth: Why You Should Stop Caring What Other People Think" from Wait, But Why. The author calls our subconscious minds The Social Survivial Mammoth.

In 50,000 BC being accepted by a small tribe meant food and protection. Now, it means humans have an over-the-top obsession with social approval and a paralyzing fear of being disliked.

For me networking is terrifying.

Until you question the Mammoth.

In this day and age, and in the world of journalism especially, networking is way better than the "send pitches and pray" method. And way more likely to get you that food and shelter your Mammoth is looking for.

Great Resource:
Wait But Why's Post on the Social Survival Mammoth
https://waitbutwhy.com/2014/06/taming-mammoth-let-peoples-opinions-run-life...

You have already created a way to "safely" put yourself out there. Anyone in writing, PR, or research already has a socially acceptable excuse to ask all sorts of questions of perfect strangers!

Think of networking as stretching that safety net to cover a wider swath of subjects.

The background interview is a rapid-learning hack that journalists have been using forever.

The rest of society has barely caught on to this.

If you're good at asking questions and listening carefully, you have a superpower. Most people are not naturally talented or practiced at this. Especially the listening.

Having a safe framework from which to reach out to someone you'd never otherwise try to talk to - is a powerful thing.

In career development, the background interview goes by the name informational interview and it works like a secret password.

Make a list of everyone you'd like to get to know. Think a little more broadly. Who do you admire? Who are you jealous of?!

You can find them anywhere that centers around your industry.

Great Resource: The SATW Convention
https://satw.org/2021-convention-milwaukee/

When you send an email request, follow a basic template.
Start with who you are and a compliment. Do your research. Find something they recently wrote or accomplished and mention it.

Ask if you can speak to them about how they got where they are for 15 minutes at the most.

Don't leave this open-ended. Suggest two or three specific times and offer to set everything up.

Always say thanks for your consideration.

Everyone loves talking about themselves. Everyone (remember the Mammoth).

Research them.
List out your questions ahead of time.
Resist making this about you.
Have faith that your subject WILL ask about you.
Interest and respect are answered with interest and respect.
This is how you win an advocate.

Make follow-ups into a repeatable system. Yes it is weird. Would you rather be weird or have more work than you can handle?

DO something they suggested. Read a book they mentioned. Look into a company. Reach out to someone they told you about. And CLOSE THE LOOP. Let them know you did it and what happened. No one does this. You are in the 90% of performers if you do this.

Now that your mind is set. How, specifically, can you make networking a regular part of your working life without letting it take over?

We've gathered our own favorite tactics as well as those of some of our most successful friends.

Ask your editors how they are. 98% of them are stressed out and happy to have some genuine concern coming their way!

Most editors are still writers too (usually in a non-competitive vertical). Check their social media to see what they've been working on and compliment them!

Remind your PR contacts that you're available. Ask what they need. Make a spreadsheet and reach out quarterly.

LinkedIn is the most effective social platform for networking. Everyone is there for professional reasons so there is no "warm-up" period needed.

Buy a $30/mo subscription or set your own profile viewing options to private while you are researching.

Keep an eye on full-time job postings at the publications you are targeting. If there is an opening it means the team is understaffed and may need your help.

Great Resource: How to use private LinkedIn browsing settings for free https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/49410/browsing-profiles-in-pr...

Offer up your expertise to help other writers and travelers.

Thanks to Katherine Parker Magyar for this example. Use Tinyletter or Mailchimp to send a more formal newsletter to your list of PR reps, editors, and industry contacts.

Great Resource:
Katherine's Site
katherineparkermagyar.com

Include a fun image from your travels.

Add a friendly intro.

Let them know what upcoming topics you are working on!

Let them know where you've appeared as an expert!

Feature your clips.

Check the HARO daily updates as a source. Lots of websites and podcasts need travel and lifestyle experts every week.

Great Resource: HARO's Sources Page https://www.helpareporter.com/sources/

Start your own Q&A series on your website. This is a great excuse to interview people you look up to, provide your own network with great content, and get your piece shared out by your interviewee. It creates a wonderful, positive ripple effect.

Great Resource:
Diana Kelly Levey's Site
https://www.dianakelly.com

Her Interview with Lavanya:
https://www.dianakelly.com/how-i-became-successful-as-a-freelance-travel-wr...

Great Resource:
Yvonne Divita's Book Coaching Website
https://www.nurturingbigideas.com

Her "Smart Conversation" with Trish Shallenberger
https://www.nurturingbigideas.com/2021/03/a-soldiers-hands-conversation-wit...

This is that extra memorable cherry on top and it feels GOOD to show real appreciation this way. It doesn't have to be anything major. Check out:

https://sugarwish.com/
https://insomniacookies.com/

...there are other non-dessert options too :-)