Guest Blog featuring Reena Jacobs

How Many Points Ya Got?

Reena Jacobs

Everyone (okay, maybe not everyone, but you know what I mean) talks about the importance of social networking in today’s market. Without having any statistical data whatsoever, I’m going to go with, yeah. I think social networking is important. How it helps book sales, I have no idea. What I will say is the indie world of writing is a lot less lonely with my fellow authors by my side.

If you do a quick search, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of information about the different types of social media and how to use those networking tools to generate sales. We’re not doing that today. :) Today, we’re going to learn about being a good internet buddy. Whether you’re a writer, reader, blogger, entrepreneur, or whatever, there’s more to social networking than picking out folks to use.

That’s right. In a roundabout way, I just called some of you folks users. If you want to be that person, go for it. For others, read further, because I’m offering suggestions on making real connections today. It all revolves round keeping tabs, or rather not keeping tabs.

Here’s the thing. No one owes you anything. Naught. Zilch. Zippo. When you offer help, specials, or goodies to others, do it because you want… out of the goodness of your own heart. Don’t expect anything in return. There is no scoreboard. And if you’re keeping one, I guarantee your opponents’ tab likely leans more in their favor. I’m telling you, don’t play that game. Rather, let giving be enough.

So you’re racking up karma points or something for later, right? Nope. So what’s the catch? There is no catch. What I’m saying is be a decent person. If someone asks for help, and you’re willing and able to aid them, go for it. Notice the italics. You don’t have to bend over backward to help everyone. If you want to help, then do it… no pressure. Just don’t expect anyone to return any favors. This isn’t a loan system.

What if you need help too? You’re in the same position as everyone else. Simply ask. Some folks may be willing and able to lend a hand, others may not. That’s the way the world works.

I’ve been known to turn down a request here or there. For the sake of me, yes to everything just doesn’t work. :) Yes today. No tomorrow. There have been times I’ve looked at my calendar and thought, if I add one more thing to my to-do list, I’ll shut down completely.

People are free to pick and choose their projects same as you. Still, I will say from experience, there are a lot… and I mean a lot!!! of wonderful people out there. Check out my Authors Helping Authors section sometime. Great authors offering free advice to whomever will listen—their time, their energy. You’ll find instances of folks sharing all over the webosphere, and people welcoming you into the fold with open arms. All you have to do is learn how to hug them back.

So take a different stance other than who’s done what for whom, and when that special someone comes to your rescue, be grateful… show your appreciation. That person just went out of their way for you. Because remember, they don’t owe you a thing.

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Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, and Smashwords.

Reena Jacobs - Author of Lots of Words
www.reenajacobs.com
www.reenajacobs.com/blog
http://twitter.com/ReenaJacobs

They formed a bond so strong, death couldn't keep them apart.
Shadow Cat (The Striped Ones)



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