Episode 264 - Building Your Brand through Networking with Dale L. Roberts
November 12, 2024
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Dale L. Roberts discusses BUILDING YOUR BRAND THROUGH NETWORKING, including BUILDING YOUR BRAND THROUGH NETWORKING, including how connecting with industry professionals, participating in community discussions, and utilizing online platforms can significantly impact an author's success. He emphasizes the need for a clear author brand and effective networking strategies, offering practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome and speaking confidently. Dale explains the value of mutual support within the indie author community and discusses his new book, NETWORKING FOR AUTHORS, which combines memoir elements with actionable strategies for both introverted and extroverted authors.
Dale L. Roberts is a self-publishing advocate, award-winning author, and renowned video creator. With over 50 publications, he has become an authority in self-publishing, leading him to create his own YouTube channel, Self-Publishing with Dale, regarded as one of the premier information resources in the indie publishing community.
Links
Guest's Links:
https://selfpublishingwithdale.com
https://www.youtube.com/selfpublishingwithdale
https://dalelinks.com/discord
https://www.facebook.com/selfpubwithdale
https://twitter.com/selfpubwithdale
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfpubwithdale
https://www.instagram.com/selfpubwithdale/
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
https://selfpublishingwithdale.com
https://www.youtube.com/selfpublishingwithdale
https://dalelinks.com/discord
https://www.facebook.com/selfpubwithdale
https://twitter.com/selfpubwithdale
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfpubwithdale
https://www.instagram.com/selfpubwithdale/
Matty's Links:
Affiliate links
Events
I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Dale! What strategies do you think new authors should use to market themselves if they don't yet have awards or best-selling books to showcase?
Please post your comments on YouTube--and I'd love it if you would subscribe while you're there!
Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with author and podcast host Dale L. Roberts about the power and importance of networking for authors. They delve into the nuances of building professional relationships and branding in the indie author world. This conversation provides valuable insights for authors looking to expand their reach and build a more supportive community around their work.
Understanding Networking for Authors
Networking is a critical aspect of any author’s career, especially in the indie publishing world. As Dale shares, a lot of his opportunities emerged from his connections and collaborative projects, highlighting the importance of being actively engaged with fellow authors and industry professionals. He emphasizes that networking doesn't require having a large platform initially, as relationships and opportunities can develop over time.
Developing Your Author Brand
A key point discussed is author branding. An author brand should clearly communicate who you are and what you represent. For instance, Dale suggests that knowing your value is essential, whether you are a young adult author or a self-publishing coach. Your unique qualities should be highlighted to create a lasting impression when networking.
Dale advises that authors work on being able to summarize their brand succinctly, mentioning that understanding your personal and professional strengths can significantly enhance your networking efforts. He encourages authors to have a clear pitch that can be altered depending on the audience, ensuring it reflects your journey as an author accurately.
Navigating Networking as an Introvert
Addressing the challenge for introverts, Dale shares that many authors, himself included, deal with feelings of imposter syndrome. He suggests viewing oneself from a third-person perspective to gain confidence in networking scenarios. This approach involves creating a persona that represents your professional identity and talents, potentially boosting your confidence even if the experience is initially uncomfortable.
Building Relationships Online
With numerous opportunities available online, Dale stresses the potential of virtual networking. He discusses how platforms like virtual conferences, online forums, and communities on Discord or social media can be powerful venues for making connections. Online interactions, he says, offer a veil of safety for those who might be uncomfortable in person, allowing authors to engage and build their network from the comfort of their own environment.
Dale shares an example from his own experience with Twitter, where despite initially using it primarily for link dumping, it led to valuable connections like meeting Kevin Tumlinson from Draft2Digital. This story underlines the unpredictability and vast potential of online networking.
The Reciprocation of Goodwill
The conversation also touches on the importance of reciprocating goodwill in professional relationships. Dale notes that while immediate reciprocity shouldn’t be expected, it’s essential to maintain a two-way interaction to nurture these relationships. He advises against continually giving to someone who doesn’t reciprocate and suggests focusing on those who appreciate and return the favor.
Conclusion
As this podcast episode illustrates, networking is indispensable for authors. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, whether you have awards to your name or are just starting, there’s always room to grow your network. Engaging with online communities, carefully crafting your personal brand, and understanding the mutual benefits of goodwill can create pathways to new opportunities. Dale highlights that networking not only broadens one's professional reach but also enriches personal growth and mutual support within the author community.
This episode equips listeners with pragmatic advice and encouragement to step out and connect with others in the writing and publishing industry, ensuring they aren’t isolated in their journey towards success.
Understanding Networking for Authors
Networking is a critical aspect of any author’s career, especially in the indie publishing world. As Dale shares, a lot of his opportunities emerged from his connections and collaborative projects, highlighting the importance of being actively engaged with fellow authors and industry professionals. He emphasizes that networking doesn't require having a large platform initially, as relationships and opportunities can develop over time.
Developing Your Author Brand
A key point discussed is author branding. An author brand should clearly communicate who you are and what you represent. For instance, Dale suggests that knowing your value is essential, whether you are a young adult author or a self-publishing coach. Your unique qualities should be highlighted to create a lasting impression when networking.
Dale advises that authors work on being able to summarize their brand succinctly, mentioning that understanding your personal and professional strengths can significantly enhance your networking efforts. He encourages authors to have a clear pitch that can be altered depending on the audience, ensuring it reflects your journey as an author accurately.
Navigating Networking as an Introvert
Addressing the challenge for introverts, Dale shares that many authors, himself included, deal with feelings of imposter syndrome. He suggests viewing oneself from a third-person perspective to gain confidence in networking scenarios. This approach involves creating a persona that represents your professional identity and talents, potentially boosting your confidence even if the experience is initially uncomfortable.
Building Relationships Online
With numerous opportunities available online, Dale stresses the potential of virtual networking. He discusses how platforms like virtual conferences, online forums, and communities on Discord or social media can be powerful venues for making connections. Online interactions, he says, offer a veil of safety for those who might be uncomfortable in person, allowing authors to engage and build their network from the comfort of their own environment.
Dale shares an example from his own experience with Twitter, where despite initially using it primarily for link dumping, it led to valuable connections like meeting Kevin Tumlinson from Draft2Digital. This story underlines the unpredictability and vast potential of online networking.
The Reciprocation of Goodwill
The conversation also touches on the importance of reciprocating goodwill in professional relationships. Dale notes that while immediate reciprocity shouldn’t be expected, it’s essential to maintain a two-way interaction to nurture these relationships. He advises against continually giving to someone who doesn’t reciprocate and suggests focusing on those who appreciate and return the favor.
Conclusion
As this podcast episode illustrates, networking is indispensable for authors. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, whether you have awards to your name or are just starting, there’s always room to grow your network. Engaging with online communities, carefully crafting your personal brand, and understanding the mutual benefits of goodwill can create pathways to new opportunities. Dale highlights that networking not only broadens one's professional reach but also enriches personal growth and mutual support within the author community.
This episode equips listeners with pragmatic advice and encouragement to step out and connect with others in the writing and publishing industry, ensuring they aren’t isolated in their journey towards success.
