I coached a writing group last week of seven folks spread out in range of writing styles and ambition. During the class, several folks asked me about how I went about becoming a writer and how I’ve managed to stay a writer all these years.
I realized it’s too hard to summarize, so this week I brought them a printed out copy of this article that Michael Masterson penned last year in regard to me and networking. I’ve got to say that this article actually was the one that actually helped one of my parents and one of my in-laws finally understand what i’ve been doing all these years of "interviewing CEOs in my pajamas, in my office." :>) And what a great and humbling honor to be written up by someone I so highly respect.
So I’m putting a link to "How to Get Willie Nelson in Your Rolodex" here and if you want to read it – caution…it’s all about me, but it might provide some good nuggets about networking, persistence and maintaining your vision.
The other thing I can say is that for me the key has always been no matter what, to be authentic in how I network and reach out to folks.
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You forgot to mention that interviewing rich and famous people is fun. The conversation takes on a new flavor.
When I was working as a rookie journalist, I covered Cliint Eastwood when he was mayor of Carmel. Those interviews transitioned into a real friendship and we began going out to clubs and hearing jazz.
Many times I felt like Zelig; I was present in people’s life through the interview process. Jimmy Stewart, Mickey Rooney, Harold Washington (first black mayor of Chicago), John Phillips of the Mamas and Poppas.
That said, one of the reasons that these folks spoke with me time and time again was because I didn’t misuse their friendship.
My suggestion to those pursuing “star” interviews is this: treat them as you would any other interviewee — with respect.
That is, unless you work for the National Inquirer — then all bets are off.