I have recorded 50 teleseminars. It is time for you to start doing teleseminars too!
Please listen to this podcast about teleseminars…
Rick
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PS: Reminder- You can sign up for Mega Book Conference and get the early bird rate until
Mindnight on Feb 1
Here is the link again
A “Rick Tip”
Turning Contacts into Partners Â
from NETWORKING MAGIC by Rick Frishman & Jill Lublin
http://www.networking-magic.com
Turning Contacts into Partners
After you’ve made an interesting new contact that you would like to know better…how do you capitalize on that contact and make that person a member of your network? The answer is by following up. Most adults find it hard to follow up. Some are shy, are afraid to be a nuisance, or appear to be groveling. They see networking as selling and although all of us sell something, they don’t want to be perceived as salespersons. Following up promptly isn’t just good business, it’s smart business. The big surprise is that following up can be fun and it can produce rewards beyond your expectations.
Create a System: First of all, you really must save business cards, contact information and other contact literature. Treat them like receipts you might need for an IRS audit. Then buy or create a system to prioritize and file contact information.
Learning to Prioritize: Ideally, it’s best to enter contact information in your files as close to the initial meeting as possible. Then communicate with your contact within two or three days to follow up. If you have collected a bunch of business cards, prioritize them to determine whom you want to call first. Move first to communicate with:
1. Those you promised to call or e-mail.
2. Contacts who could be important to you.
Making Your Move: Send a handwritten note or an e-mail including where you met, and a reference that will make the connection closer and more personal. Attach articles, cartoons or information that might interest your contact. Make sure what you send is relevant; otherwise you’ll be sending irritating spam.
Always Say “Thanks”: Whenever someone introduces you, recommends you, endorses you, speaks well of you, or helps you in any way, quickly and clearly express your gratitude.
People remember your gratitude; it makes them feel happy that they helped you. The best way is by writing a handwritten note. Phone calls can also be effective and personal. E-mail is les personal than notes and phone calls, but is quick. Remember, the method you choose is secondary to saying thank you promptly.
TIPS FROM THE TOP
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The Agenting Process Explained - Part 1
Every literary agent and agency operates somewhat differently; they may have a different emphasis, style or approach, but all follow a basically similar pattern. Some agencies may specialize in building and managing their clients’ careers, while others concentrate on making individual books into giant, blockbuster hits. However, when it comes to selling books, agencies take similar paths.
Contacting An Agent: Most writers initially contact agents via e-mail. Agents like e-mail inquiries because they’re easy to answer. Responding by e-mail saves them time, which is critical because most of the queries they receive are about books that the agents don’t handle or are not interested in handling. A declining number of holdouts prefer to receive query letters sent via postal mail, but they’re in the minority. So check each agent’s Web site to see if it states how the agent prefers to be queried. Potential clients can also initially contact agents at conferences and other events. For information on writers’ conferences, see Writer’s Digest (www.writersdigest.com) and ShawGuides (http://writing.shawguides.com).
Many agents won’t accept unsolicited telephone queries, and if you call, their screeners generally won’t put you through. So, again, before you contact agents, check their Web sites to see how they wish to be approached. If, however, you do get through, most agents will ask you to submit something in writing: a query letter, a book proposal or your entire manuscript, if it’s written. Agents want written submissions so they can get a sense of the writers’ ability to express themselves clearly. Written submissions also let agents see how well writers are organized and their skill in presenting themselves and their ideas. Agents get a lot of their new clients through referrals from their existing clients and their publishing contacts.
Think Like an Agent: So you’re looking for an agent. Where are you going to find one? First of all, ask yourself this simple question: Where do agents go? To be more specific: What conferences do they attend? Where do they speak? What organizations do they belong to? Although we certainly aren’t suggesting that you follow them around, we do want you to start thinking like agents think. If you do, it will improve your chances of being at the right place at the right time. Research the literary and publishing scene in your local area. See if, when, and where any writers’ associations, publishers’ groups, and literary clubs meet. Are any nearby bookstores, libraries or cafes conducting interesting programs or hosting book signings? Are local colleges or universities offering lecture series featuring writers, agents, and/or publishers? Since many writers teach, investigate whether any well-known authors are teaching courses that you could attend in your area, even if it’s just to sit in. Go where book people congregate and make contacts.
An excerpt from the National Bestseller Author 101: Bestelling Secrets from Top Agents by Rick Frishman and Robyn Freedman Spizman http://www.author101.com
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