Writing is not only a skill, but also a tool for building your personal brand. Whether you are looking for new opportunities, collaborations, or connections, you need to showcase your writing expertise when networking. Here are some ways to do that.
One of the best ways to demonstrate your writing expertise is to have a portfolio of your work. A portfolio is a collection of samples that showcase your style, voice, and value as a writer. You can create a portfolio on your own website, blog, or platform, or use a service like Medium, LinkedIn, or Contently. Make sure your portfolio is updated, relevant, and easy to access. Include a variety of formats, topics, and audiences, and highlight your achievements and feedback.
Short arresting stories or premises that are told in all of 2 sentences, or engaging one liners. If possible, let it end in a question or have an open ending. This not only gives room for quick assimilation for those who don’t like to assimilate a lot at once, it allows them answer—thus sparking conversation.
I have also noticed that people generally have a bad reading culture. To engage more, it’s best to go direct to the point and keep it short
You can start with crafting engaging emails. When reaching out to new contacts or responding to inquiries, ensure your emails are clear, concise, and well-structured. Avoid typos and grammatical errors. Besides, participate in discussions sometimes. Engage in online forums, discussion groups, or social media conversations related to your industry. Share your insights and knowledge. You can also write blog posts or articles on the topics you are expert. By adding hashtags, you can attract people to your posts from across the globe. Stay updated with the latest writing trends, grammar rules, and style guides. Effective communication is not just a skill, it is a habit you need to practice every day.
One thing I have found helpful is your portfolio should be able to arrest the attention of your audience or people. You can achieve this by including works with visuals that have high picture quality. Also, you can share stories that suit the interests of your audience.
A common thread to networking, relationships, and writing: storytelling. It is coded in our DNA. Storytelling is also becoming a lost art. Our brains crave stories and yet we fail to deliver them consistently. A portfolio is a great idea. Use your voice to tell a story. Your actual voice, your written voice, and the narrative used to create your LinkedIn profile will all build the story of who are you and ensure you will be remembered.
Another way to demonstrate your writing expertise is to share your insights on topics related to your niche, industry, or interests. You can do this by writing articles, blog posts, newsletters, or social media posts that provide value, information, or opinions. You can also comment on other people's posts, articles, or podcasts, and engage in meaningful conversations. Sharing your insights can help you establish your authority, credibility, and personality as a writer.
"Hey I'm Luke and I help people find new clients on LinkedIn". The first thing they'll do? Check my LinkedIn. Boom. Proof is right there on my profile that I know my stuff. Show, don't just tell!
Scheduled posts are your friend. You can load up a month worth of content over the course of a few inspiration-filled evenings. LinkedIn and other social media platforms will post it for you automatically, at the time you choose. This is a huge advantage. Also, whenever you feel the urge to talk about something in your niche, write it down. You should have a backlog of ideas and half-thought-through writing pieces that you can pull from and iterate on. These will eventually evolve in to your best essays, articles, posts, papers, and books.
In my experience, writing has to be associated with a visual component for better engagement. Visually engaging data presentations and short-form content such as carousels can get the message across concisely, capturing attention more efficiently. Writing skills can be guaged from such short-form content.
Nobody lights a candle and put it under a bushel is an age long cliche. This is what s/he says or wrote is betrer than this is what I think he is thinking of writing( Do not allow people to continue to make assumptions about you) Nobody knows your level of knowledge until you write or speak out. Interesting some how we know a lot than we think people will value. Until you starting writing it will be difficult for you yo cut a niche or develop on what is. Start building your profile with one content, article a day.
Smart Commenting on this platform is also a way to demonstrate writing skills. Indeed, when you contribute to the discussion in a thoughtful post, it gives people a glimpse of your writing skills, specially if you convey the message clearly. Smart Commenting on Linkedin is a neglected technique to grow your audience and your visibility. I do that a lot on my own posts. Smar Commenting is also adapting to the person you are answering. In a one to one communication, so never copy paste a past comment.
A third way to demonstrate your writing expertise is to offer your services to others who need them. You can do this by volunteering, freelancing, or collaborating on projects that require writing skills. You can also pitch your ideas, proposals, or solutions to potential clients, partners, or employers. Offering your services can help you showcase your writing skills in action, build your reputation, and expand your network.
Give and you shall receive. Especially when you’re just starting out, give unconditionally. Don’t expect anything in return. Do it because it’s the right thing to do. After all, think about how much game people have given to you for free. Honor them. Repay humanity. You will soon be rewarded with more than you could have ever dreamt of if you simply give with your whole heart and mind. Fill the cup back up. Edit people’s writing for them. Send them ideas for the copy on their website. Make them sample LinkedIn posts that they could use. Over time, this will make you astonishingly successful.
When you are trying to dip your toes into a new type of writing, I think the best way to get started is to volunteer or freelance to build new skills. Not only does this help you determine if you enjoy or are good at a specific area of writing, but it also helps you grow as a writer and networker. I think it's most important to find topics that you have a lot to say about, then find what styles of writing work best for you -- social media, blogs, newsletters, etc.
Volunteering is a tested and trusted hack to get into the broadcast industry. However you must ensure you learn all that you can, nothing is off limits, do the work though it may be thankless for the duration until you become a master at it. Then you will be able to charge for the hands-on knowledge you have gotten.
An example I have seen that builds trust in the brand over time, is starting early. Volunteering to write an article in a school magazine about a subject area that you consistently stick to over time actually makes people credible, and a leader in that space
Although it is time and energy consuming, offering services for free may end up in being appreciated as a professional. A lot of people will be able to appreciate your job and ask you to work for them in smaller or bigger projects. What matters is to get started...
A fourth way to demonstrate your writing expertise is to seek feedback from others who can help you improve, learn, or grow as a writer. You can do this by joining online or offline communities, groups, or forums where you can exchange ideas, tips, or resources with other writers. You can also ask for feedback from mentors, peers, or experts who can give you constructive criticism, advice, or praise. Seeking feedback can help you demonstrate your willingness to learn, adapt, and evolve as a writer.
There’s a saying in the Silicon Valley tech circles relevant to anyone creating anything. Ask for feedback, receive money. Ask for money, receive feedback. While you may not be seeking money, you are surely seeking something by putting your writing out in to the world. Asking for feedback tells others you are flexible and eager to learn. It shows you value improvement. People will give you what you want if they see this in you.
It doesn't hurt to be specific in your request for feedback. Help your reviewers give useful feedback. Instead of a generic "Can you give this a look?", ask focused questions like "Is the main argument clear?" or "Does the dialogue feel natural?"
One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given for creative work - writing in this instance - was "don't be precious." When requesting feedback, it can be tempting to seek it from sources who will validate opinions and styles you already subscribe to, but gaining the perspective of those outside of your field of interest and chosen style can be beneficial, albeit occasionally difficult to implement. Don't be afraid to view your own work through unfamiliar lenses.
When I was selected to Ankur Warikoo, the best part was that I got connected to 30 like minded writers across the globe. They engaged on my content and gave me a lot of constructive feedback. Being part of a community is the best place to seek feedback. Support other writers similarly and you have an engine that generates genuine feedback.
Getting feedback is the best way to make sure your target audience reads the best you have to give. There is always room for editing, and editing is very important when making an impression is so important. Seek help from writing professionals at colleges and universities if they are willing and able to do so. Experts in the field can also be good to connect with.
A fifth way to demonstrate your writing expertise is to teach others what you know, what you do, or what you love about writing. You can do this by creating courses, workshops, webinars, or podcasts that share your knowledge, skills, or experience as a writer. You can also mentor, coach, or tutor others who want to learn or improve their writing skills. Teaching others can help you demonstrate your passion, generosity, and leadership as a writer.
It may seem counterintuitive, but giving is the best way to receive. Sharing information and expertise with others helps in building up the community and developing genuine connections. A little generosity goes a long way, and this can ensure you're always in the loop. In turn, opportunities are likely to find you rather than having to seek them out.
Some ways to get started: - Find people who are two step behind you in their journey. - Setup a call with them to coach them. - See what they are struggling with. - Teach them on how you’ll solve those problem if you were in their shoes. - as part of this coaching, you will develop a community of people who were educated by you. The best part a friendship will be forged :)
In my experience, putting complex concepts into simple words helps learning tremendously. To be able to teach a concept to students of various levels is a skill of its own. Only a well learned and understood concept can be taught well. Teaching can be used as a tool to check your own learning.
Giving back enhances your credibility, showcases your commitment to the craft, and positions you as a thought leader in the writing community. Moreover, teaching compels you to continuously hone your skills, ensuring you remain at the cutting edge of your profession while nurturing a new generation of writers.
I especially like this aspect as a writer. What's the use of keeping it all to yourself. Giving back is key and fulfilling because you get to impact others and keep learning.
A sixth way to demonstrate your writing expertise is to keep learning new things, new trends, new tools, or new techniques that can enhance your writing skills. You can do this by reading books, articles, blogs, or newsletters that cover topics related to writing. You can also attend events, conferences, or seminars that offer opportunities to learn from other writers. You can also enroll in courses, programs, or certifications that can boost your writing credentials. Keeping learning can help you demonstrate your curiosity, creativity, and professionalism as a writer.
Courses are great but real life is great content and experiencing it actively is as valuable- even moreso than any course. Writers block is inevitable if all we are doing is consuming everyone else's experience and not living out interesting things in our lives. The best content comes forth when you're an active participant in the classroom called life.
Life’s whole purpose is to learn. Never stop learning. Learning may not be linear. But zoomed out, the learning and knowledge you acquire should always be trending upwards. This is how you maintain a strong personal brand. It’s easier to bet on you when you are a learning machine.
The more you write, the easier and more natural it will become. Developing a daily writing habit is important. Consistency is key - writing a little bit every day is better than writing a lot sporadically. Make it a regular habit. Aside from any writing you may do for your job, try to set aside time to write a little every day on a personal level to develop the habit of practicing your skills. Even a short journal entry or email to a friend can help improve your writing skills and maintain the ones you already have.
Today with Chat GPT and co, people start neglecting more and more the power of reading. Reading great authors and great newspapers help to improve your writing skills. Also, learn about rhetoric and poetry to improve your skills. ChatGPT and co are just assistants that will learn from you. So you need to coach them.
As great as courses are, nothing is as effective as doing your own, disciplined research to deepen your understanding of what you need to know to do your work well. For those who can't afford to do courses just yet - some of the best resources are free. Google things, expose yourself to the industry's style and tone, and do what you have to do.
It's important to "appear" professional as well. If you're freelancing, you might find that certain clients don't respect your boundaries vis-à-vis working hours. I've had clients call at midnight for work! When you're starting out, you're tempted to take those calls and entertain these things, because you want to impress your client. However, I think that demonstrating professional boundaries also helps to demonstrate your expertise as a writer. Now that I've been writing for years, I make it a point to let clients know when I am available to chat, and I stick to my schedule. I find that this helps to create the persona of an expert - because you act like your time is important... and, it is!
It is also important to craft personalized introductions while one is connecting with any professionals that not only highlights your expertise but also your individuality and professionalism. This creates valueable connections for a long-term period.
The most important thing while networking is connecting to someone on a personal level, when you are a good writer, you know how to use your skills to connect with them without feeling like a mechanical talk in this AI world. That is the best way to use writing skills with human emotions.
Twitter (X), Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, and so many other social media platforms pump out millions of words per day that mean almost nothing to most people who don't know you. Write to impress people. No one wants to read the heavily abbreviated, non-punctuated stuff you use to post or text or chat. Most people over 40 can't even figure out what you're saying when you abbreviate! Write to an audience and let that audience be Everyone! Spell words correctly, make sure your sentences aren't too long, don't repeat something over and over and ov... you get the idea, and above all... Be Nice!
This one's about email: don't forget your manners. You wouldn't leave an in-person conversation without saying goodbye. Likewise, you should remember to close your email properly. The same can be said for having a proper greeting and subject line. Email is still a conversation, just a digital one. But that's no excuse for forgetting about basic politeness and cordiality! It also goes a long way to send a quick "thank you" reply when someone sends you an email, but too many people often forget this. You wouldn't ignore someone's actions if they were in person, so why would you do this with emails? Acknowledgment and manners are key, in daily life and also in writing.