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Networking is an oft-touted tool. Why? Because it works—even when you don’t realize you’re using it. Until this past summer, I never
understood the true nature of networking. It carried a negative connotation for me, as though I was using a friend or acquaintance for
my benefit, but at his/her cost.
In 2005, life was getting in the way of my priorities: to focus my time on my family and achieve my dream of being a published author.
So I quit my job, moved, and decided to start my own business as a proofreader, editor, and writer. I had done all three in my previous
job as a copywriter for a non-profit organization’s in-house ad department, and felt confident I could do it as a freelancer.
I began my career as a writer by establishing a writer’s website in April 2006. In my excitement, I shared my website with friends and
family. A writer friend, and former co-worker, knew of an immediate need for a proofreader in the periodicals department and e-mailed me
the details. I crafted a promotional letter (a.k.a. direct mail) targeted directly towards the company’s needs. Then I wrote my former
manager. I focused the pitch on a problem I knew existed within the department: Summer and Christmas vacations created a gap—a gap I
knew I could fill. I mailed both letters on the same day.
About two weeks later, I received a very polite “no thank you” via e-mail from the manager of the periodicals department. I was
disappointed, but rejection is a fact of life as a writer, so I told myself to get used to it.
A few weeks later, I made a personal visit to my old office while in town attending a conference. I told nearly everyone I spoke with
about my new business and handed everyone a business card. Since I hadn’t heard back from my former manager, I made a point of catching
him in-between his meetings to promote myself. It was a giant step outside my comfort zone, and I returned home elated about the seeds I
had planted.
It didn’t occur to me until several months later that the technique I had just accomplished was networking.
Less than four weeks later, I received a phone call from my writer friend telling me the proofreader in the department had resigned. I
was then asked if I could proofread for the company while they looked at hiring someone new. Additionally, my former supervisor called
and asked if I could do some writing/editing for a project he was working on. I earned approximately $1,500 in less than six weeks
working part-time. And that little jaunt helped establish an ongoing freelance relationship with both the proofreading department and
my former boss.
Pitching my business to my friends and former colleagues didn’t cost them a thing. It actually benefited them because they gained a
freelancer who already knew the ins and outs of their workflow and company. Don’t hesitate to speak up and let your network know what
you’re doing. They want to see you succeed, too.
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About The Author:
Deb Butterfield is the author of Help! My Husband Has Sexually Abused Our Daughter: A Devotional Guide for Mothers of Victims . Visit her at
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