The Web abounds with writers who ponder how to develop that proverbial network that’s supposed to represent their 1,000 true fans…those fans who are supposed to make serious growth possible. Those fans who want anything we have to offer, and tell others about it. It’s a 2007 concept developed by a man named Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired magazine. Some say it no longer applies with so much more social media available. Others say it matters more than ever. I’m in the latter category.

In case you are not familiar with the concept, read these articles.
https://elitecontentmarketer.com/1000-true-fans/
https://enlightenedowl.com/1000-true-fans/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlg3808gDic 
https://a16z.com/2020/02/06/100-true-fans/
https://selfpublishingadvice.org/true-fans-podcast/

But writers fail to build these fans. Either they are blind to the opportunities when they present themselves, or they profess they have no time. In either case, they set themselves up to fail. And when they need those fans the most, they fuss about not having them.

I know you have limited time. Every other person on the planet has limited time. The successful manage their time more efficiently. So it’s on you, my friend. That is, assuming you seriously want to be a writer.

So . . . to earn those true-blue 1,000 fans, you need to:

1) Return emails to anyone with the slightest interest in your work, without exception. Regardless of what you think of them, regardless of how serious you think they are about their writing, regardless of how quirky, angry, bubble-headed, or tacky they are. You are not in this business to judge. You are in this business to write, and in this effort, you have no right to be selective about who likes your work. In other words, enjoy anyone who likes reading and writing. We’re all different. There is no right or wrong.

2) At conferences, collect those business cards. In Zoom conferences, ask for everyone’s contact information. Afterwards, reach out and rejuvenate that connection. Be gracious.

3) Be generous in your Facebook and Twitter connections and friends.

4) Be bold in your profiles on any online resource (Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Google, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, etc.). Liberal means being upfront about what type of writer you are. Show others you mean business in this writing business.

5) Reach out. Whether you have a newsletter or keep a blog, communicate. If you don’t have time for your fans, why should they have time for you?

6) Smile. Enjoy others company. Appreciate people.

Sounds like work, doesn’t it. But it’s the most rewarding work, outside of writing your stories, that you can accomplish. Assuming you want to put WRITER on your tax return under PROFESSION.
27307100 © Neil Lockhart | Dreamstime.com