As much as you can put yourself in the right place at the right time to network, like love, it'll happen when you least expect it.
Yesterday I got a Craigslist rideshare down to Los Angeles to pick up the Sand Mobile. After short introductions with the last passenger (four of us total), I nodded off to try and catch up on some sleep. Hours later I awoke and started telling them about Sand and the tour. I’m not sure why I started to tell them that I needed to get more non bookstore speaking arrangements, but I did. What do you know, the girl going up to visit her boyfriend also turned out to be the marketing woman for APEX. Asian Professionals Exchange. She said that they are often looking for speakers and she thought I’d be a good candidate. Not only would she bring it up at her next board meeting, but she also would help me check in on their national chapters for the rest of my stops.
I had a press release, review sheet, and business card to take the next step. It pays to be prepared.
Next I asked her what she thought of Audrey, the new Asian Women’s Magazine, another media outlet I’d love to get a byline or review in. Guess what? She knew the publisher. It’s all around us people. Don’t be afraid to talk about your writing and your work. You never know where you’ll make the next connection.
it sould also be said that…if you fall asleep, be sure to wake up at some point. glad to hear about that connection, jen.