I’ll admit it, I’m what you might call an extroverted introvert. On most days, I’m perfectly content staying at home, typing away at my desk, and working through projects in my own space. That’s my comfort zone. I don’t spend the day lounging around in pajamas (that never makes me feel productive), but I’m very much a homebody.
At the same time, I have a semi-adventurous streak. I love to travel, explore new places, and connect with the ones I’ve only read about in books or heard about from friends. I’ll even talk myself into putting on tennis shoes for a walk, especially if it means taking in fresh scenery. But here’s the thing. No matter how much I enjoy my quiet work-from-home life, I know that being a self-employed writer requires more than typing away behind a laptop. It requires stepping out and being seen. And that means networking.
Why Writers Need to Network
If you’re a writer, whether that’s as a copywriter, content writer, or author, you may think that your work should speak for itself. You put words on the page, send off the draft, and let your portfolio carry your reputation. That’s true to a point, but the reality is people work with people they know. And if your face, your name, or even your personality never make it outside the digital space, you’re missing out on opportunities.
Networking isn’t about becoming the most outgoing person in the room. It’s about building connections that let others remember you beyond your email address or profile photo. For me, that has meant getting involved in my local business community. I’ve joined my Chamber of Commerce, connected with a female-based networking group through the Glass Ceiling Foundation, and attended expos and speed networking events. Every one of those experiences put me in touch with people who might not have otherwise come across my writing services.
What surprised me is how much these small interactions pay off over time. You’re not just passing out a business card. You’re planting seeds. Some grow into referrals, some into collaborations, and some into friendships that bring opportunities you never expected.
The Extroverted Introvert’s Balance
Now, let’s be clear. I’m still an introvert at heart. After a day of networking, I’m more than ready to head home, recharge, and retreat into myself. That’s the balance that makes networking doable for people like me. You don’t have to be “on” all the time. You just need to be present when it counts.
It helps to remember that networking isn’t about forcing connections. It’s about showing up as yourself. For writers, especially, authenticity is part of your brand. The way you speak, the way you carry yourself, and the way you listen all matter as much as the words you put on a page.
Why Credibility Happens Beyond the Laptop
You can be the best writer in the world, but if nobody in your local or professional circles knows you, you’re leaving opportunity on the table. Networking builds credibility because it creates recognition. When people see your name attached to quality work and also remember shaking your hand at an event or hearing your perspective in a group conversation, it strengthens the trust factor.
And credibility doesn’t only matter for getting new clients. It helps with collaborations, speaking opportunities, and yes, even selling your books if you’re an author. Think of networking as connecting the dots. Your skills, your services, and your personality come together into one picture that people can remember.
Tips for Writers Who Want to Build a Name
If you’re new to networking or unsure where to begin, here are a few simple steps to help you get started:
- Start with one event: Pick a single event each month (or even each quarter) to attend. It might be a Chamber luncheon, a library author talk, or a professional group meeting.
- Bring a short introduction: Have a simple way to introduce yourself that covers what you do without overexplaining. Something like, “I’m a freelance copywriter who helps small businesses with websites and blogs.”
- Listen more than you talk: Networking isn’t about delivering a pitch. Ask people about their work, their goals, and their challenges. Writers learn by listening.
- Follow up quickly: After meeting someone, send a short email or LinkedIn request while the interaction is still fresh. A small follow-up helps them remember you.
- Look beyond business groups: Networking doesn’t only happen at professional events. Volunteer organizations, community groups, and even book clubs can be natural ways to meet new people.
- Be consistent: Networking isn’t a one-time effort. Show up regularly, even if it’s just a few times a year. Repeated presence makes you recognizable.
- Know your limits: If you’re an introvert, pace yourself. Choose events that align with your goals and leave space for downtime afterward.
Writer Networking Matters
Networking doesn’t come naturally to every writer, and that’s okay. You don’t need to transform into a social butterfly to make it work for you. You just need to step outside your comfort zone often enough to let people connect your name and your face with the skills you bring to the table.
At the end of the day, credibility is built on both the words you write and the relationships you form. As much as we might love staying behind our laptops, the truth is opportunities often come when you’re willing to get out there and let others know who you are.