Can you believe it’s almost Halloween already. The next GLVWG WriteStuff Conference™ is just five months away on March 22 – 24, 2019.
GLVWG author and blogger, Idelle Kursman, recently wrote an article for introvert writers who struggle to connect at conferences. A timely subject from someone who knows, Idelle offers advice on “Networking for Authors“, and how to step out of the comfort zone with editors, agents, speakers, and other writers.
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Most writers are introverts. Networking can be particularly difficult for them. But they can still network successfully to find jobs and to market their writing. Dana Kaye, the owner of Kaye Publicity (https://kayepublicity.com), recently released the helpful video “Networking for Introverts.” This video is helpful not only to writers but also for anyone who is introverted and could use some help. Kaye explained the fundamental difference between introverts and extroverts: while both enjoy socializing, introverts find doing too much drains their energy. They require time alone in order to recharge. Extroverts, on the other hand, are the opposite: they feel drained when they spend too much time alone and renew their energy by socializing. Kaye offers practical suggestions for introverts while they are networking in a room full of people: If you find a person to chat with in a crowd:
- Introduce yourself
- Wait for their introduction
- Shake hands with eye contact
- Ask a question and listen to the answer.
Let the other person talk! (People love talking about themselves and the pressure is off of you to be charming and engaging.)
If you go to a group of people talking:
- Apologize for interrupting.
- Introduce yourself with eye contact.
- Listen to their responses and introductions.
- If they resume the conversation, listen and respond. If they don’t, ask questions and start another conversation.
- Ask meaningful questions.
- Listen!
As mentioned earlier, too much socializing can drain an introvert’s energy, so here is how to make a GRACEFUL EXIT when you meet someone new:
- Shake hands, make eye contact, and say “It was nice to meet you.”
- Swap business cards and provide a reason to follow up.
- If needed, make an excuse such as you must make a phone call or use the restroom. Then leave the room temporarily so they see you are credible and not just want to get away from them.
Don’t forget to mingle! You’re there to make connections. At the same time, take breaks so you can recharge. Before you know it, you’ll be making connections!
Idelle Kursman was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and her Master’s from William Paterson University. She has a loved one with autism and after watching the movie Taken five years ago, she felt compelled to write a novel about human trafficking. Since she loves thrillers, especially if it is a book she cannot put down, she sought to give readers this experience in her debut novel. At the same time, Idelle seeks to raise awareness for autism and the international human trafficking crisis. She lives with her family in New Jersey.
You can fine Idelle on her website: https://idellekursman.com/, and social media links.
linkedin.com/in/idelle-kursman
Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group 