Reciprocal Writing Relationships

Image from: http://theteachingbox.today.com

I recently had cause to seek the services of a domain registration/hosting provider. I was getting ready to go through one of the big boys and then I remembered that someone with whom I’ve interacted owned a hosting service. After I made certain it would meet my needs, I signed right up. I signed up for two specific reasons:  I like this person a lot.  Very personable and friendly. The second reason was the great price.

It got me thinking. We write all the time on our blogs about the importance of community and the relationships that are built through blogging. We spend a lot of time going to other blogs about writing and we leave thoughtful comments. Folks come to our blogs and do the same. It’s comforting to see our writing friends come by for a quick chat, it gives us warm fuzzies and all that.

Is this where the relationship ends? When it comes to needing something, do you seek out your community members first or do you just go straight for the big guns and give them your business? For myself, I’d like to say that I always go through my community but that really isn’t the case. Sometimes I get in a mode and my one-track mind starts barreling down the track. Recently I’ve learned to put the brakes on that kind of behavior.

I would like to think that if someone in my community needed something, and they recognized that I may be able to provide that service then they would contact me first. If they were to go elsewhere without giving me first right of refusal I’m not going to get my undergarments wrapped in a knot, but just the same it would be nice to have a chance at the work.

This is where you need to get a bit proactive. When was the last time you let your community know that you were available and would like to help them? Making the assumption that they would automatically consider your services is a bit arrogant and makes you miss out on some great opportunities.

Here are some ways to make your community aware:

• Write a post about the specific kinds of things that are your specialty. Cite previous work and don’t hold back.  Let folks know that you value them as a community and that you are available to help them. Sometimes folks forget that.  They are so engrossed in being a good community member they forget that you do have services to offer.
• Make a blatant, “services offered” side-bar widget or some similar device to remind folks of what you can do for them.
• Include a sticky statement at the bottom of all your posts, reminding your readers of the services you offer.

The lesson I learned this week is valuable. I was able to get the service I needed by patronizing a member of my community. I feel good about it and I’ll just bet that when they need some kind of service in my line of work, they will consider contacting me first.

What kinds of reciprocal relationship success stories do you have to share?

Posted by:  George