If you?re a busy professional, networking is the fastest and most effective way to build your business or career. Networking is a skill you can?t afford to be without. But what?s the best way to do it? The Financial Times Guide to Business Networking is your definitive introduction to a joined-up networking strategy that really works. Joined-up networking is the most effective way to win more business, climb the career ladder or set up and grow your own business. In this book, professional networker Heather Townsend guides you through everything you need to know to get the most out of both face-to-face and online networking.
This is a great book with a lot of information which I felt was a like to a textbook. The main takeaways I got away from this:
- Those who host networking events, benefit the most from networking opportunities and receive the most the exposure. - Taking up more responsibility in a community can present more opportunities for networking, i.e. being a board member. - It is best to be the specialist in a field to be a proven contact in a network. This could be in the form of writing a blog or generating content in some way. - Always ensure that when connecting with someone that you provide referral opportunities to gain social capital. - Set goals for networking opportunities to ensure that there is a purpose for connecting with people. - Always spend allocated time per week maintaining and nurturing your network.
Overall, the text could have been more light hearted as at times it felt like a lot of information to take in all at once. But enjoyed the content I got out of this.
To sum it up, a S.M.A.R.T format of networking strategy. It's easy to see how one can treat people as objects when talking about relationships in a defined way. It's a practical use of social science... does that make it a social engineering handbook? A handy reference nonetheless.
While there is nothing much in this book for an experienced professional , it may serve as a good introduction to business networking for those who are beginning their career. Read more details about this book in my business website http://www.rgopinath.com/2013/10/22/b...