WorkshopsSanta, I Want a Two Book ContractBy Sarah Massey, WIW Member Writers are notorious introverts, working on the fringe of a business world based on networking and marketing. We're creative types, who work alone, in our home offices, with stacks of paper on the floor. We dream of writing the next New York Times bestseller; but deep down, we know our book isn't going to sell itself. We need to make contacts in the publishing world, get the word out about our book and make the time to do it, on top of writing. Networking, marketing and time management are the tools needed to fulfill our writing dreams. At the Dec. 15 "Santa, I Want a Two Book Contract" Workshop, in the new WIW offices in downtown Washington, D.C., three marketing, networking and time management gurus laid out strategies for success in 2006. The first step is establishing what you want and identifying who will help you achieve your goals. Then, organize your time and get out there to meet the people who can make it happen. According to Susan Kurdziolek , president and CEO of Turn Key Office Solutions, writers will be more efficient when they separate business and personal spaces. Dedicate a space in your home, a desk, a computer and a separate filing system solely for business. If you're the type of writer who is easily distracted and will do anything before sitting down to write, this is the tip for you. Construct and lay-out your time. Identify your peak productivity time and block it off on your daily calendar. During this time, don't answer e-mails or the phone or chat with colleagues. You can leave an outgoing message on your machine that says, "Thanks for calling. Please leave a message, and I will call you back after 4 p.m." Yes, you can do that and people will respect it. "Break up your files into general reference, active, and archival and file regularly," said Kurdziolek. "Your floor is not a filing system." Sort and purge old files so you're not over-run with paper. Kurdziolek's last tip was the one she emphasized most: "Back-up your computer files weekly." When jumping into the world of networking, try to be a bit of an actor said Sam Schwartz , executive director of BNI Northern Virginia and national director BNI Israel. That's right; pretend that you're the host of the networking event you're attending. When you play the role of host, you listen, try to make others comfortable and you make introductions. Find networking events through the Internet and associations, research who will be there, and set your goals for meeting strangers. Prepare and practice before attending networking events. Identify who it is you would like to meet and practice saying, "I would love an introduction to (insert needed contact)." When asked, "What do you do?" you should be prepared to answer with a 60-second introduction, a 30-second introduction and a 10-second introduction. Get ready to help others. "You have a lot to offer," said Schwartz. "Networking is building relationships." Of course, you are trying to sell your product or services, but people want to feel that they know you or that they are benefiting before they give you a reference. When you have successfully introduced yourself and devised mutual benefit in the relationship, schedule a follow-up right then. Don't wait, said Schwartz. "You will play phone tag back and forth and then forget why you wanted to schedule a meeting in the first place." Weinstein's top tip for new writers and freelancers was, "Call someone who knows the business and get a half hour of their time." Drum up your bravery to make the call, ask for their help and make sure to do your homework so you're not wasting their time. Weinstein said you'd be happily surprised at people's willingness to help. ### Sarah Massey is a writer and media consultant who "places progressives in the press." Sarah is writing a memoir about surviving the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. See: www.sarahmassey.com .
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