The more the market falls, the more you need to network.

As the economy continues to offer pause to even the most prosperous artists, it is important to note that hiding under the covers is not the answer.

With every negative announcement comes one less chance that clients will be looking for you. So, you need to go out there and find them. Networking is becoming more important every day.

Yes, online networking is part of the solution, but, getting out of the office, studio or house is still a powerful way to go. Face- to- face relationships are much more powerful. A good handshake and smile can open doors not even imagined.

Look for events in your community happening this week. Many are free or low cost. It will be worth your time to attend if you engage and listen to the other attendees.

I really mean it when I say engage. Standing along the wall waiting for the guy who hands everyone in the room a business card at the speed of light is a waste of your time. That’s as valuable as sitting at your computer waiting for the next spam e-mail to pop up.

Get involved. Participate. Don’t wait for business to come to you.

Question: Where have you found the most success networking?

Rosh

Do you send out email blasts to stay in touch with your clients? I do to my Roundtable Promotions and Publicity universe. Here’s my one rule – always make your email worth reading.

Don’t let it read like Little Jack Horner … remember his memory hook … “My what a good boy am I!” Sure you need to promote your goods and services. But say something more then “Look at me!” Talk about something that interests them: Have a piece of information to use. Give them an idea. Affirm them as part of a select group. What ever you do, MAKE IT WORTHWHILE TO OPEN IT!

I understand I am an invited guest. I never want to be lumped with the ads for OEM software, foreign money brokering, Hoodia and Performance Patches and Pills (You know exactly what I mean!)

Just don’t add people just add them – send them an email asking them if you can. Always give them the option to opt-in or out. (BTW .. If you don’t get our emails and would like to, feel free to opt-in at www.roundtablepandp.com/signup.) I still am flattered and delighted when I’ve met someone for the first time and they say to me in a positive tone, “Oh, I get your email …”

If it takes more then 375 words to make a specific point – you need an editor! Many people tell me they tune out reading something long or self serving in an email. My test is this – if my email goes longer then two standard pages printed out, trim the fat! I get one regular email that prints out at eleven pages – that’s way too long.

I also get emails and calls from people when my monthly event newsletter doesn’t appear in their in box on the first Tuesday of the month. This is the response you want – People come to expect it. And, they offer suggestions – many I’ve used.

I honor and respect my audience. My goal: always make what I do worth reading!

– Dean L.