Product Description

In many ways, success at networking is the uncommon application of common knowledge. Most people understand that networking is important to their success - they just lack a step-by-step process to get the results they want. Almost no one really implements a comprehensive methodology that will build a business through networking. Thus, the need to network is 'common knowledge', and the development of the methodology required to be successful at it is the 'uncommon application'. By reading this book, you will experience the true essence and meaning of networking. "The 29% Solution" gives you the answers to two conflicting questions that a business owner or salesperson faces every day: How can I tend to my existing clients while at the same time network for new business? and, should I place higher value on my current clients or on new clients?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #178386 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 286 pages

Customer Reviews

A savvy guide on how to network
How can you develop new clients and new business? The four most time-tested techniques are "cold calls, advertising, public relations and networking." Cold calls are more enjoyable than sticking yourself with red-hot needles - but not much. Advertising costs big bucks. Public relations can backfire if you don't know exactly what you are doing. That leaves networking. Networking is not demeaning like cold calls. In fact, it can be fun. It doesn't cost an arm and leg like advertising. And you won't inadvertently end up in some crusading reporter's crosshairs. Ivan R. Misner and Michelle R. Donovan's book teaches you the best networking techniques. They explain, "It's not net-sit or net-eat. It's net-work." You must "work the networking process." getAbstract thinks this savvy book does a good job of showing you how.

Networking Primer and Journal with a Mangled Premise

Six degrees of separation: You've probably heard of that concept . . . that you can connect with anyone else through six contacts. The authors deconstruct that observation to point out that fewer than half the people (somewhere around 29 percent) can do that well, hence the title.

But do you really care if it takes three contacts or thirteen . . . as long as your message gets through? Probably not.

More important than getting through to others through mutual contacts is the ability to get help when you need it: That's the real value of being well networked.

So you can skip over the premise discussion. It just seems like a gimmick to help attract attention to the book.

Start with page 7 and the diagnostic questions to test how well you perform in creating, building, and sustaining a network. From there, perform one of the 52 assignments per week for a year. If you keep up on the prior lessons, you should become much better connected after a year.

This book is primarily designed for those who aren't very good at networking and haven't been introduced to the basics. So if you are new to the idea of getting acquainted with more people, this book is a good choice.

But if you have read at least two reasonably good networking books, you probably won't add that much value here . . . unless you find that a weekly lesson helps you maintain the discipline.

If you ignore the sketchy premise, this is a five-star book.

How many new connections did you make today that you will keep alive in ten years?