Posted by Bobby on Wed 6th July 2011 | 0 comments
How would you like to build up a network of contacts to help you through your professional career? Introducing yourself to strangers can be a daunting task, so we’ve put together some tips to help you meet like-minded professionals and shake up your career in publishing:
1) Ask for help and advice
People really like giving advice and sharing their story. Just ask. It’s a great way to get the conversations started, plus you can learn so much this way.
2) Try to attend events on your own
It’s a comfort to show up with a group of colleagues to events, as you know you won’t be left with no one to talk to. However, more often that not, the best way to meet new people is to show up alone. Scary? Yes. Effective? Yes.
3) Swap details then and there
Soon after you start talking to someone new, ask for their business card, phone number, email address or Twitter name. It will mean you don’t forget later on in the conversation and will ensure you can keep in touch.
4) Be enthusiastic about what you do
Even if you feel that you’re underpaid or overlooked for jobs you’re capable of, don’t say it. Everyone likes to keep in touch with enthusiastic new contacts. No one wants to hear your problems.
5) Offer your services
Rather than trying to gain something from every conversation. How about offering some help? Find out how you can help that person, offer to do it and follow it up. It might be writing a blog post, spreading the word about an event or reviewing a new product. The more you can give, the more you’ll be remembered.
We organise bi-monthly events, for people to be able to meet in a non-intimidating environment. We want to steer away from industry cliques and encourage all aspiring publishing professionals to join in with the conversation.
Please join us on Thursday 25th August in Edinburgh or London for our next event. Sign up at http://bookmachine.co.uk for updates, follow us on twitter @book_machine or like us on Facebook http://.facebook.com/bookmachine
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