Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
(I originally addressed this idea on the Christian Communicators blog, but now realize this is a great concept to share with writers, too!)
Okay, let’s be honest here. How many times have you cringed at the word, networking? When I first started writing and speaking, I struggled with the whole concept of promotion and marketing and…yes, networking.
After all, this writing/ministry thing was supposed to be all about Him, not me. I just wanted to write and speak words that would ultimately point others to the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus Christ. I didn’t want to talk about me.
My goodness, humility is enough of a struggle, and now they’re telling me I’ve got to advertise? Good grief!
But then somewhere along the way, a wise person told me that Jesus believed in networking. That just couldn’t be true! What about Jesus’ words in Matthew telling us to be humble, like Him? What about the whole “last shall be first” thing? What about Philippians 2 where Paul says:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
And now they’re telling me I need to network?
Wise Person then pointed out that when Jesus selected His disciples and sent them out, He was telling them to network. When He declared what we now know as The Great Commission, He was telling His followers spread out, to make other followers, and teach them to network. When Paul and Barnabas and others traveled on their missionary journeys, they brought letters of recommendation from those in leadership…and they wrote letters for others. That was networking.
With Al Gansky at Blue Ridge 2010
Attending writers conferences, reading and posting on others’ blogs, promoting others’ work and helping them succeed, taking classes, and yes, writing for free are all forms of networking in the writing world. As I look back on my years as a writer, I can see that most of the friendships and connections that have positively influenced by business and ministry have come about through networking.
But don’t be deceived. Networking is NOT using others and making connections for the sole purpose of advancing your own agenda. It’s sad to say, that happens a lot.
So what about you? Are you connecting with others in order to spread the Name of Christ? Are you seeking like-minded leaders who could give letters of recommendation for your work? Are you recommending others yourself? Are you helping others succeed?
If so, then you’re networking. And done right, networking is a good thing.
I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
(Handshake photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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