What’s the best way to land a job? By networking.

Often getting a job is all about who you know and who knows you. That’s why LinkedIn is so popular. It lets professionals Network online and expand their connections.

Good marketers also network. Most good opportunities come from making a connection with someone who has connections that will help you.

Networking for book marketing is simply making connections with others to find new opportunities to grow your audience and sell more books.

I am sure you have heard of the Six Degrees of Separation. This idea is that all people are six (or fewer) social connections away from each other. Meaning that you are six introductions away from any other person on the planet.

According to this belief, it follows that with Networking you will be able to find any opportunity you are looking for. You just need to ask.

• Do you want to speak in schools? Ask the people you know if they have contacts at local schools who you could talk to.
• Do you want to speak at conferences? Ask the people in your life to introduce you to the women’s or men’s leader at their church.
• Do you want to do an author event at a library? Ask authors you know who they have contacted to do an event.
• Do you want more book reviews? Ask your social circle if they know anyone who would be interested in reading your book in exchange for a review.
• Do you want to partner with a nonprofit? Ask your current network if they know of any nonprofits doing the kind of work you want to partner with.

Many people are averse to asking. Meaning that they feel like they are imposing on others if they ask.

Jesus said, “Ask and you shall receive.” Of course, Jesus was speaking of asking God.  Yet the principal is true for asking others for things we desire. If we don’t ask, we won’t receive.

There is no shame in asking. For the most part, people want to help others—and that includes helping you.

You probably have a larger network of people to ask than you realize. Your network includes:

• Family
• Friends
• Neighbors
• Church community
• Colleagues and coworkers
• Followers on social media
• Members of the groups and associations you participate in

Lean on these people. They are your support system. Use them to expand your circle of connections, then enjoy the new opportunities that open up for you to expand your marketing reach.

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Photo courtesy of Geralt.