Networking for Writers

Most people freeze when they want to reach out to someone influential. Here’s the 5-step formula I’ve used to connect with the CEO of Scribe, the co-founder of Leland, the content team at Notion, and even creators I admire 👇 1. Follow first. Connect later. Don’t just hit “connect.” Follow them, spend a few weeks learning from their content and activity. Be a quiet observer. 2. Find your entry point. Look for a personal connection - a post you loved, a campaign you admired, a shared background, a comment thread you can join. 3. Create context. Once you find something specific, DM them with a message that shows: → You’ve done your homework → Why this moment made you want to connect → What you admire or learned from them 4. Make the ask polite + specific. Don’t write paragraphs. Respect their time. Example: “Would love to ask you 1 question about your work at [company] – totally okay if now’s not a good time!” 5. Nurture the connection. Even if they don’t reply, keep engaging with their content. Most of my opportunities came weeks after my first message. This method helped me land internships, collaborations, interviews, and lifelong mentors. Try this 5-step system and tell me what worked. #linkedin #network #tips

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

Your #PersonalBrand is not just having a profile on LinkedIn or a refined elevator pitch ready to go 👀 Here are some things you may want to consider as you grow your personal brand ⬇️ ✅ Thematic elements are important If you want to be recognized and remembered, add a few thematic elements to your branding materials to stand out. I like pinks, purples, and yellows, but your color choices might be different. Use your LinkedIn banner to display a custom image with your signature style. I've had many people tell me my logo and branding stand out (thank goodness, because that's what I'm always going for!). ✅ Value has to be visible Adding information to your LinkedIn profile is one thing, but making sure it tells your unique story is another. If you're not taking advantage of the Featured section or sharing unique content, you're missing out on valuable opportunities to be discovered. Create your own website (Google Sites is a great place to start!) and maintain it. Most of my inquiries come from my website (thank you, SEO). ✅ What do you want to be known for? Think about this question every time you post something, participate in an event, answer an inquiry, and get some visibility. What are you sharing? How are you showing up? What do you want people to know about you? Do you want to be helpful and offer a service? Do you want to be a mentor? Be intentional about how you're being evaluated in person and online. ✅ Don't overlook outreach Sending messages, submitting proposals for conferences and workshops, and sharing your ideas widely, are necessary for building your brand. There's a balance between waiting for people to find you and doing some searching yourself. Over time, I've had to reach out less to be seen, but I value the power of could outreach, connection requests, etc.

Introvert-friendly networking tip: Start your event connections before the event begins. If walking into a room full of strangers makes your stomach flip, here’s a quiet strategy that can make in-person events feel less intimidating, and more intentional: 💡 Connect on LinkedIn before the event. Look up the event page, RSVP list, or hashtag. Identify a few people, maybe a speaker, a fellow guest, or someone you admire. Then send a short, friendly note like: 👉 “Hi [Name], I saw you’re also attending [Event Name] this week. I’d love to connect here and hopefully say hello in person!” I’ve used this approach myself, attending events alone and still managing to create real conversations, on my terms. Why it works: - You walk in with familiar faces instead of total strangers. - You have a built-in conversation starter (no forced small talk). - You control the pace of connection—before, during, and after the event. 💜 And here’s a bonus: If you don’t get to meet them in person, you still have the connection to follow up later with a kind note or reflection on the event. You don’t have to “work the room” to network well. You just have to be intentional. And that’s where introverts shine. Have we met? 👋 Hi, I’m Ana, a career coach and strategist for introverts. If you are a professional who wants to improve your LinkedIn presence and become visible to recruiters without spending hours job searching, then follow along! #NetworkingTips #introverts

As an introvert, the thought of large professional gatherings can be overwhelming. However, you know that networking is crucial for career growth and professional success. One strategy that has worked for me is leveraging online platforms to build meaningful connections. Sites like LinkedIn allow for thoughtful engagement without the immediate pressure of in-person events, making it easier for introverts to connect and engage. By creating and sharing content, you can attract connections naturally. Platforms like Medium, YouTube, GitHub, and X also offer great opportunities to expand your reach and showcase your expertise. Start by joining online communities related to your field and contributing valuable insights. This approach not only helps you build your network but also positions you as a thought leader in your industry. Online networking allows you to take your time crafting messages and engaging in conversations at your own pace. It breaks down the barriers to the hardest part of networking: meeting a large volume of people. For introverts, this method is more manageable and comfortable, opening doors to new opportunities and meaningful relationships. Do you consider yourself an introvert? If so, how have you thought about effectively networking? #Networking #Introvert #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

Aimless networking won’t get you an interview: If you’re reaching out to people with: ❌ “Hey, are you hiring?” ❌ “Can you refer me for a role?” ❌ “I need a job—can we chat?” Then, you’re doing it wrong. Networking isn’t about ASKING for a job. It’s about BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS that create opportunities. Here’s how to have networking conversations that actually lead to job interviews: 1️⃣ Start with Genuine Interest and Intention of Building the Relationship After some research on the connections, reach out with curiosity, not desperation. Example: “I admire your career path in [industry]. What are some challenges you’re seeing within this space?” 2️⃣ Focus on Their Experience People enjoy sharing their journey. Ask thoughtful questions: ✔ What expertise have you developed in this role? ✔ What are the 2 biggest challenges you’re working on now? ✔ What skills have been most valuable for finding workable solutions? 3️⃣ Share Your Value—Naturally Instead of asking for a job, share what you’ve been working on (or had success in) that is relatable. Example: “I’ve been leading [specific projects] and applying my expertise in [industry]. Sometimes that experience can be a solution to X (one of the challenges they mentioned). 4️⃣ End with a Soft Ask and offer to be a resource for them. Don’t force a referral—invite guidance. Example: “Based on what I’ve shared, who else in your network would be appropriate to be introduced to?” 5️⃣ Follow Up & Stay Visible Keep the relationship alive—send a thank-you note along with a resource for them. Engage with their content, and if you met with a person they referred,  update them on your progress. The best networking is an exchange. It’s strategic and relational. Networking can be challenging if you view it one way.  Make it mutual. Let me know in the comments if you agree that both parties need to benefit from networking conversations and how you prepare to make that happen.

One of my favorite pieces of advice to give to early career professionals about how to maximize networking opportunities at a conference: Stand up and ask a question during a session early on in the program. You get to introduce yourself to the entire audience in one fell swoop by stating your name and company before asking your question. And ideally you ask a thoughtful and memorable question on the topic you most want to talk to people about. Now you’ve teed yourself up for the most fruitful conversations possible throughout the rest of the event. You might have to remind people “I’m so-and-so, the person who asked the question about XYZ during the session on ABC” but then you can continue on to ask what they think about the topic. It’s a great conversation starter aligned with your business objectives for the conference.

The biggest mistake you're making in building your brand is hiding your story. One of the most critical steps to building your brand and the one many people get wrong - is taking complete and total ownership of your story. One of the first steps I have my clients take when they develop their brand is to write their story. When they share it with me, they are vulnerable and yet, often hide the most compelling parts of their stories from others. It’s tempting to hide parts of your story out of fear or shame, but the truth is, when we embrace every part of who we are, we unlock a sense of unshakeable confidence. Owning your story doesn’t mean sharing every detail or airing your dirty laundry. You don't have to share your darkest secrets to own your story. It’s about achieving 100% self-acceptance. When you do that, no one can use your story to shame you. Your self-acceptance is what will allow you to show up authentically, connect deeply, and build a brand that resonates with others. Storytelling creates a connection. People want to work with, do business with, and give opportunities to those they know, like, and trust. And by the way, it's not your achievements that make you relatable and likablele, it's your vulnerability. Here are a few tips for owning your story: ✅ Write It Down - Spend time reflecting and writing your story. Think about your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Putting it on paper helps you process and identify the parts that matter most. ✅ Know Your Why - Consider why you’re sharing your story. Is it to inspire others, build trust, or show your expertise? Knowing your purpose will guide how you tell it. ✅ Identify Key Themes - What are the most important parts of your story that align with your personal brand? Focus on key elements and ensure they reflect the values you want to convey. ✅ Practice Telling It - Practice sharing your story in different contexts. The way you share with a potential client may differ from how you’d share at a networking event. Tailor it to your audience but always keep it real! ✅ Embrace Vulnerability Without Oversharing - You don’t need to disclose everything. Share enough to connect and build trust, but maintain boundaries that protect your comfort and privacy. The Latina LinkedIn Incubator I have been facilitating for the last 4 months has been working on sharing their stories and WOW, witnessing transformation in progress is powerful! When you fully own your story, you’re no longer just telling it - you’re living it with pride and purpose. Your story is waiting to inspire others. Will you own it?

I used to think cold-querying managers was a waste of time. Now? I've seen it work enough that I actively recommend it—especially if you don't have industry connections. Here's my formula for emails that actually get responses. 🧵⤵️ If you read my thread on "How To Get A Manager," you know there are multiple paths. Cold emailing is just one strategy—and often a last resort, especially for writers without industry connections. But, contrary to popular belief, it CAN work. First, a key reality check: Save cold emailing for when your work is truly ready. A manager is a professional who makes money by supporting working writers. Sending scripts that are merely "solid" or "show promise" risks burning bridges before your career even starts. Before reaching out to managers, you need at least 2-3 INCREDIBLY strong samples—complete features or original pilots that showcase your unique voice and are ready to sell. Now for finding managers to cold email: Social media is your friend. Platforms like Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn can connect you with managers. Many post about what they're looking for. You can also find potential managers on IMDbPro. You might start by looking up films in your genre from the last few years. Find their writers, then look up those writers' managers. Then repeat with upcoming projects. The cold email itself should be SHORT. Five or six sentences maximum. It's about making a quick, memorable impression that leads to a read, and respecting their time. Your email should include: 1. Why you're someone they'd want to work with (contest wins, fellowship placements, unique background) 2. A brief mention that you're seeking representation  3. Why you're reaching out to them, specifically (demonstrate you’re not sending a form letter to a list) Then, close with:  4. ONE killer logline for your strongest sample 5. A simple ask if they'd like to read it Don't send multiple loglines. Have other scripts ready if they're interested, but save those for after they respond. And don’t attach your script—wait to be asked for it. Do your research and spell the manager's name correctly. This seems obvious, but you'd be shocked how many queries fail this basic test. If you're a diverse writer, mention that. Many managers are actively looking to diversify their rosters and need your voice. Be patient. It can take 3-4 weeks before you get a response, if at all. And don't take silence personally—managers receive hundreds of queries. This is a numbers game, and persistence matters. Track your outreach. Create a simple spreadsheet with manager names, companies, email addresses, date contacted, and response (if any). This helps you follow up appropriately and avoid sending duplicate emails. If you get a rejection, be gracious. Thank them for their time and ask if they'd be open to reading future work. Sometimes "no" just means "not this script" or "not right now." Don't get discouraged if your first attempts don't connect.