Earlier this month author Robison Wells (Variant) wrote a great post about marketing that also touched on networking. He said it was a rant, and it was, but I think it was a good rant. Rob's day job for many years was marketing, and he has a lot of good information in the post, so I highly recommend that you go read the whole thing. But I want to share this from the post:"So, let’s try to hammer one thing into our heads. If get nothing else from this blog, get this:
When you see the term “social networking”, ignore the word “networking” and focus on the word “social“. Some people act like Facebook and Twitter and blogging are a chore, and if you have that attitude, then you’ll always hate social networking. But I don’t see it that way. I log into Twitter the first thing every morning to see what my FRIENDS are talking about, and so I can join the conversation. And a lot of these friends are people who I’ve never met in real life. Some are fellow authors. Some are readers. Some are just fun people who I’ve met and built a relationship with.
Yes, that took time, and in those early days when I had few Twitter followers, it wasn’t as much fun. But it’s definitely worth the investment. Now, I feel like I always have someone to talk to, or someone to hear a joke from, or someone who has something insightful to share. It’s like hanging out with your friends all the time.
It’s not a friggin’ chore. It’s a delight. It’s SOCIAL.
And if you don’t like Twitter, then blog. Build your SOCIAL network there, and interact with your commenters. Or on Facebook. Or on YouTube, or Google Plus, or Friendster, or whatever-the-heck else. It doesn’t matter which platforms you chose. Just chose something, and have a good time. Be social. Be fun. Be interesting.
You’re a writer, for crying out loud. If you can’t be fun or interesting for ten minutes a day then maybe you’re in the wrong business."
How do you feel about social networking and how it relates to marketing your books? Is it just a huge burden or are you having fun?
Ignore the word “networking” and focus on the word “social“
ReplyDeleteBest advice ever!
I enjoy social networking, but I can understand why lots of writers wouldn't like it. Writing is, for many, an isolated labour of love, and many spend more time trying to "build an author platform" to the detriment of their own writing time/quality. I wouldn't say a writer is in the wrong business if they don't like to socialise, though.
ReplyDelete"If you can't be fun or interesting for ten minutes a day maybe you're in the wrong business."
ReplyDeleteI love this line, because writers have to be able to entertain their readers. Blogging is a great place to develop those skills because of the instant feedback from friends.
I bless the day I starting blogging.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Facebook I despise, but I agree, there is something to blogging that makes it all worth while, as long as you don't treat it like a chore.
ReplyDeleteThis is so important to me just now. I devoured your post and I agree with you - it's all about being sociable. I then went over to Robison's post. Oh boy, how right he is! With all this **?%# marketing I'm having to do, I really don't have time to write. Which is wrong, isn't it? Marketing and writing both take time and effort. *sigh* no wonder I'm tired LOL
ReplyDeleteAwesome advice! I sure hope I can be interesting for at least 10 min a day :)
ReplyDeleteBlogging, FB-ing and tweeting are the only ways I get to talk to people older than 5. So I love it! LOL.
ReplyDeleteGah... I LOVE social networking... Twitter, Blogging, all of it. I have to force myself to stay away...
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm reading VARIANT right now! How funny! I'm only a couple chapters in, but gosh, it's verrrry intriguing right now ;)
I am having a blast with my blog. It is less than a month old, but generally I have more ideas for articles than I have time.
ReplyDeleteThe A to Z challenge has been a bit of a chore. I don't like to HAVE to write a post every day. And some days I like to write two or three... whatever is on my mind.
But blogging is a great way to share personal experiences though words, images, and videos.
I've been useing twitter a bit to promote my blog, but I've tried out Facebook and hated it.
Are you kidding? I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't having fun!
ReplyDeleteLove it! In my last job, I did all the social media for a lady, and I learned something... it's can't all be about business or people will get sick of you. You have to make it personal too ... and fun! :) This is great Donna. Glad you shared.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely having fun with blogging. I don't have much of an inclination to join Facebook or Twitter so I avoid those two, but I love posting and commenting. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
I'm definitely enjoying Social Networking, and find that each network has a knack for reaching different audiences.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that, Donna! I agree. To me, it's fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI love social networking but I have to put strict limits on myself or else I will be at the party ALL day long ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm still at the point where social networking is fun because I'm not promoting anything. But it is time consuming--which is probably why I don't have anything to promote. lol
ReplyDeleteI don't see it so much as networking although I really like that word, but yes, social and for someone who never saw herself as a social creature, well that's pretty good!
ReplyDeleteMy publisher is making me attend classes on social networking, branding, and understanding book reviews and sites like Amazon and Twitter. It is SO much work. I never knew I'd have to do all this networking stuff on a daily basis. It is neverending!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that was a serious call-out. Maybe I should just stay a reader. I don't tweet and I hate what Facebook has become...does that make me a bad person or a good cynic?
ReplyDeleteGood point. I enjoy social networking, but find it difficult sometimes. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI tend to have way more fun that any type of successful marketing.
ReplyDelete