Networking with potential clients is an excellent way to position yourself for new business. Getting to know other people - people who are decision-makers themselves or who know decision-makers - is much more fun and more effective than sending out impersonal letters of introduction, blindly pitching new editors, or making cold calls.

Interested in magazine assignments? Introduce yourself to editors and assistant editors at the publications you'd like to write for. Have an idea for a book? Track down acquisition editors at publishing houses that buy that type of book. Or if corporate writing is your goal, you'll want to mingle with corporations, small businesses, non-profits, government agencies, universities, and other ventures in need of brochures, articles, web copy, and the like.

But just as important as becoming known to your target clientele is networking with colleagues - fellow writers and authors - who are doing what you'd like to do. Through them, you can be introduced to editors, referred to potential clients, and get the inside track on upcoming publishing and editing projects.

Although some writers have a tendency to view fellow writers as competitors, they are actually your ticket to more lucrative work. Thanks to my writer friends and colleagues, in the last two years alone, I've written for BusinessWeek, co-authored a real estate book, earned thousands of dollars writing for Black Enterprise, and am currently ghostwriting two books. All because of friendly writers who referred the work my way.

Fellow writers can be an invaluable source of leads and work, once you get to know them, and they you. Some of the best places to connect with other writers include:

Online. Discussion forums at writer websites, such as FreelanceSuccess.com and ASJA.org, allow you to ask questions of others and to share your expertise. Chatting electronically is a great way to dip your toe in the networking waters and introduce yourself.

Professional Associations. Joining local writing groups, such as Florida Writers, the League of Utah Writers, or Alaska Writers, is one way to get to know others like you, with whom you can share information. Or go national and become involved in organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association, National Writers Union, or Authors Guild, among others. Author John Kremer has an excellent list of local and national groups at http://www.bookmarket.com/writers.htm.

Events. Nothing beats face-to-face meetings for establishing and solidifying connections with clients and new contacts. The time and money invested in attending a decent-sized conference or industry meeting will be well worth it for the new friends and colleagues you'll meet.

In print. Writers are also readers, and they notice bylines. Having your work appear in print - whether in a high profile magazine, a national daily, or a professional association newsletter - will catch the eye of your colleagues and start to build familiarity.

Volunteering. Another way to build relationships that can lead to alliances and friendships is to volunteer to assist with a writer organization or conference. Offer your assistance in organizing and holding the event. You'll boost your visibility and earn the respect and appreciation of your colleagues.

Email. Although many of us shy away from new business cold calling, sending off a friendly introductory email asking for a specific piece of information or advice is rarely fruitless if you are not entirely unknown. That is, if the email recipient knows who you are. We writers are a helpful bunch when we are not on deadline, so simply asking for help may yield some useful tips.

Keep in mind that effective networking is a two-way street and that offering help or assistance before you ask for something in return is likely going to be met with better results. Share information about a new market you just found, a receptive editor you just met, or a great resource you just stumbled on, and when you're in dire need of the spelling of a new editor's name, you'll be much more likely to receive it.

There is plenty of work available, so sharing what you know will help you tap into the larger network of writers who can move your career along and fatten your wallet.