Giving Write Back, Part 2

Yesterday we talked about some of the writing styles we could practice in order to give back to our network. Of course, the four I mentioned were only the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few more, several of which can help make stronger connections with specific individuals in addition to making more general contact with the wider audience.

• Philosophical: This is your chance to talk about the theory of what you do. This is more than just the raw definitions and facts. This is what you believe the underlying meanings and motivations are. It’s your chance to project forward in order to see where we might be going. It’s helping people get a deeper understanding of the big picture.
• Responsive: Those of us who focus our writing on a particular topic often read material from other authors who write about similar things. One great option is to use your venue to comment or respond to content elsewhere. Let the original author know that you have done so and you might even have the beginnings of a valuable relationship.
• Interview: A little closer to the person involved. This is an article about them and what they believe. If you have a regular item like this, you can quickly develop a series of connections with the movers and shakers in your particular field of interest. Almost no one minds seeing something complimentary written about them. You may even get to the point where people are contacting you hoping for an interview.
• Guest Author: With this style, you don’t even have to write anything. You provide a venue for other authors to address your network. Not only are you giving your network a wider exposure to thought leaders in the field, but you also get a chance to establish relationships with those leaders.