By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

Yesterday DiAnn Mills told us about different ways to network. Today Debb Hackett tells us how to do it professionally.

I’ve been told I’m a natural networker, because I know a lot of people. I’ve been accused of being a name dropper for the same reason. The truth is, I cheat. I have a secret advantage. Twenty years of being a professional journalist means walking across a room to talk to a big name author, an editor with an intimidating reputation, or an agent whose name is uttered in hushed tones, doesn’t concern me. But that’s not my secret. My true advantage is much simpler—I’m British and that makes me unusual, and therefore, often memorable. I can’t give you all my accent, (although attempting one would make you stand out), but I can share the rest of the networking skills I’ve learned along the way. My tips all start with Ps or Rs because good networking is good PR!

Be professional

First of all, look the part. My mother always told me to dress for the job I wanted, not the one I have. So if you see me at a conference, I don’t look like an at-home-mom (which for me means casual without the smart). I’ll likely be in either a dress or dress pants and a decent shirt. Casual, but definitely with the smart attached. I will have practiced good hygiene and respected any conference guidelines about wearing perfume or not.

Be prepared

I will have business cards to hand out, decent ones, that I won’t have to forage for in the bottom of my purse, backpack, or pocket. I’ll be ready to talk about my work, if asked. I’ll have practiced my elevator pitch in front of a mirror, out loud. Yes. I really will. Before I was at the stage of needing an elevator pitch, I thought through a short overview of what I was writing, why I was at the conference–what I was hoping to gain. I find if people are clear about what they need, it’s much easier for others to provide it. 

Be relaxed

No one enjoys an awkward conversation. You don’t need to be a natural extrovert but being comfortable in your own skin is important at a conference. Spend some time in prayer or listening to worship music and get refocused on writing being your calling. That should take some of the pressure off. If it helps, jot down conversation points for particular people you’d like to run in to, and some general ones that’ll work in line for coffee or a meal. And don’t be afraid to head out for a breath of air if it all gets a little much. That’s normal.

Be relatable

A great way to make an impression is to find common ground. So do a little research about the people you want to speak with. Learn their latest release, or favorite team. Where they’re from. Find a point of connection. I try to do this for the people I’m praying I get to talk with. Most professional’s biographies are available on their websites, that’s a good place to start. Failing that, ask a mutual acquaintance. Publishing isn’t so big a world. You almost certainly know someone who knows someone. Note: don’t go overboard on this. Knowing an agent’s grandparent’s wedding anniversary is more likely to get you arrested for stalking than signed up. 

Be respectful

I’ve seen this not happening. I understand. People are excited, eager, a little hopped up on nervous energy. Adrenaline. Dangerous. But if I’m stood having a conversation with my dream editor, the last thing I want is someone to interrupt and let the editor know they can’t wait to speak to them when they’re done talking to me. Or if I’m sitting at dinner, again in conversation, I don’t enjoy when someone comes and deals a business card to everyone at the table, without introduction or invitation. Truth: I could write a whole blog on business card etiquette. The bottom line is this. Editors and agents know they’re shark bait at conferences. That doesn’t mean they have to be treated as such. Please remember, if your writing is strong enough, you’ll sign the agent and get a contract. I remember once, going to appointments and asking if the people across the desk would like to take a few moments for a potty break or to stretch their legs. Yes, it meant a shorter appointment, but a more comfortable one for the other person. Being considerate costs nothing and can leave a lasting impression. (Note: I didn’t make the offer to score points, but rather to be kind). 

Just remember, networking is a little thoughtfulness, some advanced planning and a lot of Biblical truth. Apply Luke 6:31: Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.