Today, I have another guest post form the lovely Kristine for you. She has looked into the murky world of networking for some tips for us to consider in our quest for making contacts in the publishing/authorly world. Although these tips fit for any kind of networking requirements I imagine. Take a look. :) What do you think? Fun Ways To Network In today's business world, who you know can make a significant difference in your career. But networking isn't just about getting on the major social networks like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook; it’s also about having fun doing things you love and meeting people there who can be great connections for you in your industry. There are lots of interesting ways to network while still having a little fun. Volunteering One of the best ways to meet people with similar interests in your area is to volunteer for causes you care about. For example, a teacher may decide to start helping out at an after-school program for kids who need tutoring assistance. Someone who cares about environmental issues may decide to help with a clean-up project at a local stream or lake. While you're there, you're likely to work alongside new people who can end up being great business connections as well as volunteer partners. Community Gaming Playing Games The activities you do in your free time can always be opportunities for networking, and playing games in social settings is no exception. The important part is to keep your eyes and ears open as you play, focusing not only on the game but also on the people you're playing with. Whether you're at a local poker night or playing free online games, you never know when you'll be able to connect with someone in your field who can help you out. Social Media Many people still dismiss sites like Facebook and Twitter as little more than entertainment, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious that social media can benefit businesses. Consequently, social media can benefit you and your networking efforts, as well. In between checking your mother's Facebook status and playing FarmVille, take a few minutes to expand your professional network. Attending Events You'll always share a connection with people who attended the same college or university as you, and attending events associated with your alma mater is a great way to meet some of these people. They're typically quite willing to help you out, and at the very least you'll be able to reminisce about your time on campus as a student and compare notes about what the school was like during the years you were there. Blogging Nearly everyone has a blog these days. It's a great way to connect with other netizens who share your passion. Take some time to write your own blog, and read other people's blogs as well. As you start commenting on blogs or writing posts in response to theirs, you can become part of a greater community and develop trust and connections with the people who frequent the same blogs as you. These methods aren't necessarily replacements for more traditional networking techniques, but they can supplement your other methods. If you're always aware of who's around you and how you may be able to help each other out, you'll be much more likely to make networking connections in unexpected places. You never know when you'll run into the person who can propel you into the position you've always dreamed of. Kristine loves to write poetry and is currently trying her hand at a novella.

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