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How to Be a Power Connector: The 5+50+100 Rule for Turning Your Business Network into Profits
"Other people have the answers, deals, money, access, power, and influence you need to get what you want in this world. To achieve any goal, you need other people to help you do it." -- JUDY ROBINETT As anyone in business knows, strategic planning is critical to achieving long-term success. In How to Be a Power Connector , super-networker Judy Robinett argues that strategic relationship planning should be your top priority. When you combine your specific skills and talents with a clear, workable path for creating and managing your relationships, nothing will stop you from meeting your goals. With high-value connections, you'll tap into a dynamic "power grid" of influence guaranteed to accelerate your personal and professional success. Robinett uses her decades of experience connecting the world's highest achievers with one another to help you build high-value relationships. She reveals all the secrets of her trade, including proven ways to:
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 23, 2014
297 people are currently reading
4019 people want to read
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July 12, 2021
The book provides detail guideline to establish and nurture the relationships. Good book for salesman.
CONTENT SUMMARY
* Businesspeople need a clear, workable path to find, create, and manage
relationships with high-value connections that will accelerate their personal
and professional success
* The Five Mistakes Most Networkers Make
- They network in the wrong places for what they need
- They network at the wrong level far their goals.
- They have no way to assess the relative value of the connections they
make.
- They have no system for optimizing their networking efforts
- They fa i l to network in the best way to create high-value, long-term con nections.
* The 5+50+100 Power Circles
- Top 5. The 5 people closest to me. I connect with these people almost
daily. These are the people I would trust with my life.
- Key 50. The 50 important relationships that represent significant value
to my life and business. I tend these connections carefully, and I am
always looking for ways to add value to them.
- Vital 100. The 100 people I touch base with at least once a month. Both
the human touch and added value are critical to my keeping these
relationships fresh.
* The Characteristics of Great Strategic Relationships: authentic, trustworthy, respectful, caring, listening, engaged, patient, intelligent, sociable, connected
* What to Look for in Wide, Deep, and Robust Connections
- Get to Know People Who Don’t Agree with You
- Look for Geographical Diversity
- Look for Personal Diversity
- Look for Professional Diversity
- Look for Other Connectors and Players in Their Fields
* Eight Key Ecosystems Essential for Your Success
- Family and Friends
- Passions and Interests
- Career or Profession
- Government and Politics
- Finance
- Media
- Your industry
- Community
* The Mental Barriers to Power Connecting
- I'm shy => The fix: You don’t have to be an extrovert; you just have to engage
- I'm self-conscious => The fix: Be other focused
- Strangers equal danger => The fix: Every important contact you have was once a stranger. Strangers
equal opportunity
- Networking is manipulative => Hie fix: Don’t network. Connect.
- I have nothing to offer others => The fix: Create a victory log of your accomplishments, no matter how small.
- They won't like me => The fix: If you like others, they’re likely to reciprocate. But make respect a
requirement of any relationship
- I'll get rejected => The fix: Yell "Next"
* Remember, the right relationships, in the right ecosystems, created
and nurtured in the right way, will accelerate your success.
* Phase 1: Prepare to power connect
- Part 1: Know Who You Are, What You Have to Offer, and What You Need
+ Step 1: Step 1: Make a list of all of your professional and personal
accomplishments and associations, and the ecosystems they have
allowed you to enter.
+ Step 2: Step 2: To assess your value-add potential; make an inventory of
your skills, knowledge^ and strengths.
+ Step 3: Step 3: List your weaknesses and your deficiencies in skills
and knowledge. What do you need to improve personally and
professionally? What do you need to learn or add?
+ Step 4: What skills, knowledge, and strengths would you like to add
or develop for your personal and professional growth?
- Part 2: Develop and Implement Your 5+50+100 System
+ Step 5: Make a list of your current connections.
+ Step 6: From your current connections, choose your Top 5, Key 50, and Vital 100.
- Part 3: Design the Power Circles You Need for Greater Success
+ Step 7: Rate yourself and your current 5+50+100 in
terms of resources and influence.
+ Step 8 : List three to five of your professional goals for the next
three months, six months, and one year.
+ Step 9: What help do you need to accomplish these goals? What
people? Opportunities? Knowledge? Funding? What ecosystems
do you need to access?
+ Step 10: Whom do you need to add to your power circles to
accomplish your short- and long-term goals?
+ Step 11: Make a plan to reach out to new connections during
the next three to six months.
* Phase 2: Target, Connect; and Engage—Maximize Your Time with Every Connection
- Step 1: Target and Be Ready
+ Your share
+ Your Value-Add
+ Your Ask: Start small -> Make your ask specific -> Make your ask appropriate to the person, room, and ecosystem -> Build your ask around a story that expresses your passion -> Be willing to ask for help -> Whether or not people are able to fulfill your ask, express your gratitude for their time and ask them to keep you in mind
- Step 2: Meet and Immediately Connect
+ Your personal style speaks long before you open your mouth. Make what you say and how you look suitable.
+ Look approachable
+ Say hello
+ The first three minutes of a connection are vital for building rapport
+ Be fully present and listen
+ Ask great question:
- Step 3: Engage—Deepen the Connection and Set the Stage for More
+ Find something in common: a person, location, experience, or point of view.
+ Find out who they are—discover what is important to them professionally and, more important, personally.
+ If someone isn’t a good fit, smile and move on
+ Share and be real
+ Put yourself in other people’s shoes. What would they want and value? What help might they need?
+ Give or add value immediately
+ Mention your ask, but don't "sell" it
+ Create intrigue - lay the foundation for another meeting
+ Capture their data, and make a commitment to follow up quickly
+ Ask Three Golden Questions: 1. "How can I help you?" 2. "What ideas do you have for me?" 3. "Who else do you know that I should talk to?"
The more you offer, the more people you connect with, the more opportunities and relationships will come your way
* Phase 3: Reconnect, Assess and Activate, and Multiply Value
- Step 1: Reconnect Immediately
- Step 2: Assess the Connections and Activate Your System
- Step 3: Multiply Value and Deepen the Relationship
+ The four time frames for following up: once a day, once a week, once a month, once a quarter
+ The Value-Add system to build ongoing connection: add value appropriately, be proactive and ask how you can help, solve their problems, Do the little things that most people don't, always do what you say you will , give without expecting a return, add value multiple times before you make any request
* Phase 4: Connect Your Connections for Added Success
- Step 1: Map the Links Between Your Connections
- Step 2: Play 3-D Power Chess—Link People Within Your Power Circles
+ Mistake 1: Assuming an uninspiring initial e-mail or phone conversation
means that it’s not worthwhile to pursue the relationship.
+ Mistake 2: Keeping yourself in the “box” of your assumptions about a
potential resource
+ Mistake 3: Not trusting the person who is making the introduction.
+ Mistake 4: Not following through on an introduction
+ Mistake 5: Failing to keep critical players in the loop
- Step 3: Activate Power Triangles—You + Two = Success
+ Connect people across ecosystem
+ Connect people from different levels while always asking, “What’s in it
for them?”
+ Solve their problems. Better yet, anticipate their needs
+ Find value that benefits all parties
- Step 4: Power Connectors Do What It Takes to Make the Connection Work
POWER CONNECTING STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA & CONFERENCES
1. Crowd networking: How power connectors connect online
- LinkedIn
- Email
- Twitter
- Content Creation and Commentary
- Facebook
2. Using conferences and meetings for power connecting
- Choosing the right conferences
- Preparing to attend
- Making the most of your conference time
+ Arrive early
+ Don't spend much time with people you already know
+ Strike up conversations with strangers
+ Identify and meet the connectors
+ Go where people congregate
+ Before sessions, look around you - whom can you meet
+ Have a plan for connecting with speakers
+ Choose your moment carefully
+ Introduce yourself successfully
+ Help others out by making beneficial introductions on the spot
+ Get and give follow-up information whenever you end a conversation
- Follow up after the conference ends
- Spiraling up: accessing more exclusive groups
CONNECTED WOMEN: BUILDING SUCCESS ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME
- The truth about men and women
+ Men build alliances. Women develop networks of relationships
+ Men network up and down. Women tend to network more peer to peer
+ Men are rewarded for "taking charge". Women are rewarded for "taking care"
+ Men create teams. Women collaborate
+ men are rewarded for advocating for themselves. Women are rewarded for advocating for others
+ Men are sponsored. Women are mentored
+ Men trade favors. Women help
+ Men network with those who are like themselves. Women do too - but they're better at diversity
- Power connecting strategies for women
+ Strategically connect - up, down, and sideways.
+ Speak up. Ask for what you want, and stand up for yourself - nicely
+ Support other women
POWER CONNECTIONS ARE CONNECTIONS FIRST
- The Fundamentals of true power connections
+ Power connectors are true to themselves while bringing their best to every relationship
+ Power connectors genuinely care for and want to help others
+ Power connectors are open to, and actively seek out, relationships with strangers
+ Power connectors follow up and follow through
+ Power connectors focus relentlessly on adding value - first, last, and always
+ Power connectors understand the greatest value they can add is connecting people with one another
+ Power connectors ask appropriately, intelligently, and at the right time
+ Power connectors know the value they need may come from unexpected sources
+ Power connectors build trust over time
+ Power connectors believe that "to whom much is given, much is expected". They seek to uplift and help others
+ Power connectors know that who they become in the process of giving is more important than anything they may receive
+ Power connectors build communities of value
"Be completely honest. Always own up to a mistake if you've made one.
It's more important to be nice than to be right. Forget about your ego,
and look out for the feelings and welfare of your business associates and
clients. Go the “extra mile" and “toil upward through the night" when
necessary. Trust that if you put others first and do an honest job, you will
rise to the top somewhere along the way. Never criticize anyone. Never
burn bridges. People change—cut them some slack and be forgiving. But
if you encounter someone who is not worthy of your trust and respect,
politely and quietly disassociate yourself
In the end\ the most important thing will not be the titles you have held
or the money you have made but the kind of person you have become"
CONTENT SUMMARY
* Businesspeople need a clear, workable path to find, create, and manage
relationships with high-value connections that will accelerate their personal
and professional success
* The Five Mistakes Most Networkers Make
- They network in the wrong places for what they need
- They network at the wrong level far their goals.
- They have no way to assess the relative value of the connections they
make.
- They have no system for optimizing their networking efforts
- They fa i l to network in the best way to create high-value, long-term con nections.
* The 5+50+100 Power Circles
- Top 5. The 5 people closest to me. I connect with these people almost
daily. These are the people I would trust with my life.
- Key 50. The 50 important relationships that represent significant value
to my life and business. I tend these connections carefully, and I am
always looking for ways to add value to them.
- Vital 100. The 100 people I touch base with at least once a month. Both
the human touch and added value are critical to my keeping these
relationships fresh.
* The Characteristics of Great Strategic Relationships: authentic, trustworthy, respectful, caring, listening, engaged, patient, intelligent, sociable, connected
* What to Look for in Wide, Deep, and Robust Connections
- Get to Know People Who Don’t Agree with You
- Look for Geographical Diversity
- Look for Personal Diversity
- Look for Professional Diversity
- Look for Other Connectors and Players in Their Fields
* Eight Key Ecosystems Essential for Your Success
- Family and Friends
- Passions and Interests
- Career or Profession
- Government and Politics
- Finance
- Media
- Your industry
- Community
* The Mental Barriers to Power Connecting
- I'm shy => The fix: You don’t have to be an extrovert; you just have to engage
- I'm self-conscious => The fix: Be other focused
- Strangers equal danger => The fix: Every important contact you have was once a stranger. Strangers
equal opportunity
- Networking is manipulative => Hie fix: Don’t network. Connect.
- I have nothing to offer others => The fix: Create a victory log of your accomplishments, no matter how small.
- They won't like me => The fix: If you like others, they’re likely to reciprocate. But make respect a
requirement of any relationship
- I'll get rejected => The fix: Yell "Next"
* Remember, the right relationships, in the right ecosystems, created
and nurtured in the right way, will accelerate your success.
* Phase 1: Prepare to power connect
- Part 1: Know Who You Are, What You Have to Offer, and What You Need
+ Step 1: Step 1: Make a list of all of your professional and personal
accomplishments and associations, and the ecosystems they have
allowed you to enter.
+ Step 2: Step 2: To assess your value-add potential; make an inventory of
your skills, knowledge^ and strengths.
+ Step 3: Step 3: List your weaknesses and your deficiencies in skills
and knowledge. What do you need to improve personally and
professionally? What do you need to learn or add?
+ Step 4: What skills, knowledge, and strengths would you like to add
or develop for your personal and professional growth?
- Part 2: Develop and Implement Your 5+50+100 System
+ Step 5: Make a list of your current connections.
+ Step 6: From your current connections, choose your Top 5, Key 50, and Vital 100.
- Part 3: Design the Power Circles You Need for Greater Success
+ Step 7: Rate yourself and your current 5+50+100 in
terms of resources and influence.
+ Step 8 : List three to five of your professional goals for the next
three months, six months, and one year.
+ Step 9: What help do you need to accomplish these goals? What
people? Opportunities? Knowledge? Funding? What ecosystems
do you need to access?
+ Step 10: Whom do you need to add to your power circles to
accomplish your short- and long-term goals?
+ Step 11: Make a plan to reach out to new connections during
the next three to six months.
* Phase 2: Target, Connect; and Engage—Maximize Your Time with Every Connection
- Step 1: Target and Be Ready
+ Your share
+ Your Value-Add
+ Your Ask: Start small -> Make your ask specific -> Make your ask appropriate to the person, room, and ecosystem -> Build your ask around a story that expresses your passion -> Be willing to ask for help -> Whether or not people are able to fulfill your ask, express your gratitude for their time and ask them to keep you in mind
- Step 2: Meet and Immediately Connect
+ Your personal style speaks long before you open your mouth. Make what you say and how you look suitable.
+ Look approachable
+ Say hello
+ The first three minutes of a connection are vital for building rapport
+ Be fully present and listen
+ Ask great question:
- Step 3: Engage—Deepen the Connection and Set the Stage for More
+ Find something in common: a person, location, experience, or point of view.
+ Find out who they are—discover what is important to them professionally and, more important, personally.
+ If someone isn’t a good fit, smile and move on
+ Share and be real
+ Put yourself in other people’s shoes. What would they want and value? What help might they need?
+ Give or add value immediately
+ Mention your ask, but don't "sell" it
+ Create intrigue - lay the foundation for another meeting
+ Capture their data, and make a commitment to follow up quickly
+ Ask Three Golden Questions: 1. "How can I help you?" 2. "What ideas do you have for me?" 3. "Who else do you know that I should talk to?"
The more you offer, the more people you connect with, the more opportunities and relationships will come your way
* Phase 3: Reconnect, Assess and Activate, and Multiply Value
- Step 1: Reconnect Immediately
- Step 2: Assess the Connections and Activate Your System
- Step 3: Multiply Value and Deepen the Relationship
+ The four time frames for following up: once a day, once a week, once a month, once a quarter
+ The Value-Add system to build ongoing connection: add value appropriately, be proactive and ask how you can help, solve their problems, Do the little things that most people don't, always do what you say you will , give without expecting a return, add value multiple times before you make any request
* Phase 4: Connect Your Connections for Added Success
- Step 1: Map the Links Between Your Connections
- Step 2: Play 3-D Power Chess—Link People Within Your Power Circles
+ Mistake 1: Assuming an uninspiring initial e-mail or phone conversation
means that it’s not worthwhile to pursue the relationship.
+ Mistake 2: Keeping yourself in the “box” of your assumptions about a
potential resource
+ Mistake 3: Not trusting the person who is making the introduction.
+ Mistake 4: Not following through on an introduction
+ Mistake 5: Failing to keep critical players in the loop
- Step 3: Activate Power Triangles—You + Two = Success
+ Connect people across ecosystem
+ Connect people from different levels while always asking, “What’s in it
for them?”
+ Solve their problems. Better yet, anticipate their needs
+ Find value that benefits all parties
- Step 4: Power Connectors Do What It Takes to Make the Connection Work
POWER CONNECTING STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA & CONFERENCES
1. Crowd networking: How power connectors connect online
- Content Creation and Commentary
2. Using conferences and meetings for power connecting
- Choosing the right conferences
- Preparing to attend
- Making the most of your conference time
+ Arrive early
+ Don't spend much time with people you already know
+ Strike up conversations with strangers
+ Identify and meet the connectors
+ Go where people congregate
+ Before sessions, look around you - whom can you meet
+ Have a plan for connecting with speakers
+ Choose your moment carefully
+ Introduce yourself successfully
+ Help others out by making beneficial introductions on the spot
+ Get and give follow-up information whenever you end a conversation
- Follow up after the conference ends
- Spiraling up: accessing more exclusive groups
CONNECTED WOMEN: BUILDING SUCCESS ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME
- The truth about men and women
+ Men build alliances. Women develop networks of relationships
+ Men network up and down. Women tend to network more peer to peer
+ Men are rewarded for "taking charge". Women are rewarded for "taking care"
+ Men create teams. Women collaborate
+ men are rewarded for advocating for themselves. Women are rewarded for advocating for others
+ Men are sponsored. Women are mentored
+ Men trade favors. Women help
+ Men network with those who are like themselves. Women do too - but they're better at diversity
- Power connecting strategies for women
+ Strategically connect - up, down, and sideways.
+ Speak up. Ask for what you want, and stand up for yourself - nicely
+ Support other women
POWER CONNECTIONS ARE CONNECTIONS FIRST
- The Fundamentals of true power connections
+ Power connectors are true to themselves while bringing their best to every relationship
+ Power connectors genuinely care for and want to help others
+ Power connectors are open to, and actively seek out, relationships with strangers
+ Power connectors follow up and follow through
+ Power connectors focus relentlessly on adding value - first, last, and always
+ Power connectors understand the greatest value they can add is connecting people with one another
+ Power connectors ask appropriately, intelligently, and at the right time
+ Power connectors know the value they need may come from unexpected sources
+ Power connectors build trust over time
+ Power connectors believe that "to whom much is given, much is expected". They seek to uplift and help others
+ Power connectors know that who they become in the process of giving is more important than anything they may receive
+ Power connectors build communities of value
"Be completely honest. Always own up to a mistake if you've made one.
It's more important to be nice than to be right. Forget about your ego,
and look out for the feelings and welfare of your business associates and
clients. Go the “extra mile" and “toil upward through the night" when
necessary. Trust that if you put others first and do an honest job, you will
rise to the top somewhere along the way. Never criticize anyone. Never
burn bridges. People change—cut them some slack and be forgiving. But
if you encounter someone who is not worthy of your trust and respect,
politely and quietly disassociate yourself
In the end\ the most important thing will not be the titles you have held
or the money you have made but the kind of person you have become"
May 3, 2014
I never understood why anyone collected copious numbers of business cards from people. I know people who believe they are good connectors because they have drawers full off business cards, but that is like saying you are a rock star because you sing on Karaoke nights. Just because you have someone’s business card doesn’t mean that the person on that card will answer or return your phone call. It has never been about the numbers, but it has always been about the quality of your relationships.
“How To Be A Power Connector,” is a guide to build a “Quality Network,” and by that I mean a group of people who answer their phones when you call and ask you, “How can I help?” For over 20 years I have watched Judy connect with people at a level that is markedly different that the typical relationship. She gives you the roadmap to build your relationships, your career, your book of business, or your clientele. This is not another book on how to work a room. Honestly, you are in the wrong room. She explains how to get to the right people at the right time.
As an added bonus is the free app she is offering to help you get to the next level. Thanks to the generosity of Mike Muhney of VIPorbit, you now have the tool to organize your connections in a meaningful way. This pairing of Judy’s roadmap and VIPorbit is phenomenal. What a gift this is!!!
This is a must read for anyone who needs people…and nothing happens without people!!!
“How To Be A Power Connector,” is a guide to build a “Quality Network,” and by that I mean a group of people who answer their phones when you call and ask you, “How can I help?” For over 20 years I have watched Judy connect with people at a level that is markedly different that the typical relationship. She gives you the roadmap to build your relationships, your career, your book of business, or your clientele. This is not another book on how to work a room. Honestly, you are in the wrong room. She explains how to get to the right people at the right time.
As an added bonus is the free app she is offering to help you get to the next level. Thanks to the generosity of Mike Muhney of VIPorbit, you now have the tool to organize your connections in a meaningful way. This pairing of Judy’s roadmap and VIPorbit is phenomenal. What a gift this is!!!
This is a must read for anyone who needs people…and nothing happens without people!!!
April 27, 2021
Mới đọc thì cho cảm tưởng là kể chuyện, dễ đọc, đọc nhanh, nhưng không, đó chỉ là phần mở đầu, như một số thanh niên rì viu trên Tiki.
Những phần sau miêu tả chi tiết cách thức, hệ thống, bảng biểu đánh giá các mối quan hệ của mình.
Judy thực sự đã tư duy và logic hóa một thứ mà thường chúng ta chỉ làm bằng cảm tính hay trực giác của mình.
Sẽ phải nghiền ngẫm thêm nhiều.
Đọc lại lần 2: logic, dài, hay, k dễ đọc nhanh hehe
Những phần sau miêu tả chi tiết cách thức, hệ thống, bảng biểu đánh giá các mối quan hệ của mình.
Judy thực sự đã tư duy và logic hóa một thứ mà thường chúng ta chỉ làm bằng cảm tính hay trực giác của mình.
Sẽ phải nghiền ngẫm thêm nhiều.
Đọc lại lần 2: logic, dài, hay, k dễ đọc nhanh hehe
September 19, 2016
My dad always told me, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." As happens occasionally, my dad was right. How to Be a Power Connector helps you to be strategic about your network and Rolodex (they still don't have a better word for Rolodex...). Judy Robinett shares her 5+50+100 rule for making sure you know who the key people in your network are and are interacting the way you should be. I'm lucky to have a wide network of amazing people, and Judy's practical suggestions have helped me think strategically about them. Best of all, Judy is generous in spirit with her own network and encourages you to be too; if you're not authentic and open, don't bother. Highly recommended.
April 18, 2021
Does the author have a real job? I mean other than networking and writing and speaking about networking? She is apparently a venture capitalist, which I assume is not a job that requires somewhat regular office hours. I’m sure some of her advice would indeed grow your network- but where the hell would you find the time?
The premise is that you should have a Top 5 connections who are the people closest to you. You should connect with them almost daily. Then you have the Key 50, who you connect with weekly. Finally there are the Vital 100, who you connect with monthly- which comes to another 25 weekly. And in each connection you are supposed to add value to them. And you are supposed to research all of them to find out all about them personally as well as what they need in their businesses. She suggests you prepare charts and maps of your connections to see in which ecosystems you are missing connections and how your connections know each other.
Even during covid I don’t have time for this if I also want to do my job and add value to the people who are paying me to meet with them and promptly respond to their emails and calls. Unfortunately most of them would not qualify for my 5-50-100.
I admit I am a terrible networker- definitely not a Power Connector- all of whom are authentic, honest, respectful, passionate, sociable, intelligent..... Yep, she actually says this. I can’t even figure out who should be my top 50 - but I’m sure when I do, they won’t want me email articles to them on a weekly basis. They will all be busier than I am. But I will try to follow some of her suggestions-especially about expanding your network beyond your own industry. I’m going to have to start cyberstalking some politicians and reporters- maybe some medical types.
She seems rather impressed with all the billionaire (and millionaires) she is connected to. She mentions it multiple times. Does she really think she is adding much value to them with emailed articles, etc? Maybe in the VC world she can find businesses to invest in. The only value most of us average folks can add to billionaires is being really impressed by them. I wonder if Bill Gates or Elon Musk will accept my LinkedIn invitation.
The premise is that you should have a Top 5 connections who are the people closest to you. You should connect with them almost daily. Then you have the Key 50, who you connect with weekly. Finally there are the Vital 100, who you connect with monthly- which comes to another 25 weekly. And in each connection you are supposed to add value to them. And you are supposed to research all of them to find out all about them personally as well as what they need in their businesses. She suggests you prepare charts and maps of your connections to see in which ecosystems you are missing connections and how your connections know each other.
Even during covid I don’t have time for this if I also want to do my job and add value to the people who are paying me to meet with them and promptly respond to their emails and calls. Unfortunately most of them would not qualify for my 5-50-100.
I admit I am a terrible networker- definitely not a Power Connector- all of whom are authentic, honest, respectful, passionate, sociable, intelligent..... Yep, she actually says this. I can’t even figure out who should be my top 50 - but I’m sure when I do, they won’t want me email articles to them on a weekly basis. They will all be busier than I am. But I will try to follow some of her suggestions-especially about expanding your network beyond your own industry. I’m going to have to start cyberstalking some politicians and reporters- maybe some medical types.
She seems rather impressed with all the billionaire (and millionaires) she is connected to. She mentions it multiple times. Does she really think she is adding much value to them with emailed articles, etc? Maybe in the VC world she can find businesses to invest in. The only value most of us average folks can add to billionaires is being really impressed by them. I wonder if Bill Gates or Elon Musk will accept my LinkedIn invitation.
January 16, 2022
How to be a Power Connector's rate of four stars displays my indifferent recommendation for the book. Overall, the lessons are applicable and the guide is brilliant. I will recommend this strongly to individuals gradually losing connection with their circles - family, friends, and career. I will not recommend this to readers with no appetite for overwhelming business references in where this book was solely founded of.
The book's strengths are its extensive interpretation of the word networking, outweighing negative perceptions associated with it, superb and enticing planning method on how to be a power connector, and the realization that every individual has an underlying value beneficial for another, all it takes is a person passionate enough to connect people of same altitude. Its weakness is lack of relationship interpretations – family.
The book's strengths are its extensive interpretation of the word networking, outweighing negative perceptions associated with it, superb and enticing planning method on how to be a power connector, and the realization that every individual has an underlying value beneficial for another, all it takes is a person passionate enough to connect people of same altitude. Its weakness is lack of relationship interpretations – family.
June 13, 2017
Creo que puedo decir que me gustó el libro pero solo en los últimos capítulos no me pareció tan bueno o quizás tenía la visión sesgada porque justo salía de terminar otro libro de una feminista que contradecía muchos puntos de esta autora a pesar de que las 2 apoyaban la visión feminista
November 12, 2025
I don’t even know why I read this honestly. It had some good advice but mostly it felt like the author was just bragging the whole time. Also a lot of the advice is pretty unrealistic but I guess if you’re really about the grind then it’s not a bad book.
March 7, 2022
Buen libro que se podría haber escrito en la mitad de páginas.
April 9, 2017
TL;DR - an excellent book. Specific, practical, informative, and actionable.
Long version - about three months ago, I made a New Year's resolution to improve the quality of my relationships. As someone who struggles with casual conversations (I find them tedious) I tend to prioritize my job (which I love) over "meeting new people" and "staying in touch" with friends and family. Recognizing that there is such a thing as letting your work become a prison I began looking for a book that would help me improve.
Fast forward 3 months and I have had more "business dates" this quarter than most of last year. I am getting better at picking the "right" room and the "right" people to speak to. I am also getting better at sourcing deals. Furthermore, my conversations are better, my personal relationships are improving and my family is wondering if I had a personality change. Simply put - Judy's approach works.
That said, I am more exhausted than ever. Being social is tiring (at least for me) and Judy's methodology takes quite a lot of effort - which brings me to two major caveats:
1) time - the power equation seems designed for professional networkers with a lot of time on their hands. As an introvert with a very busy job, I am not sure I could manage speaking to my key-50 people every week. Let alone my vital-100 every month. I've dealt with this by shrinking the buckets and lengthening the time frames to top-3 once a week, key-30 every 2 weeks, vital-60 every 2 months. Just do whatever works for you.
2) aptitude - Judy's approach to networking is predicated on generosity and having a natural interest in people, i.e. the names of their children, their favorite sports team, their hopes and dreams - that sort of thing. Chances are, if you're anything like me, your interest in people will be selective at best. Judy has helped me recognize the value of this line of inquiry, but that doesn't mean it comes natural.
None of the above takes away from the power of this book.
We've all met people who are naturally interested in other people, the types that you meet at a networking event and who end up squeezing your life story out of you. If I were to make a bet, Judy is one of those people. This book provides the method behind their madness - and while I may never be a power connector, I have learned a lot.
Highly recommended.
Long version - about three months ago, I made a New Year's resolution to improve the quality of my relationships. As someone who struggles with casual conversations (I find them tedious) I tend to prioritize my job (which I love) over "meeting new people" and "staying in touch" with friends and family. Recognizing that there is such a thing as letting your work become a prison I began looking for a book that would help me improve.
Fast forward 3 months and I have had more "business dates" this quarter than most of last year. I am getting better at picking the "right" room and the "right" people to speak to. I am also getting better at sourcing deals. Furthermore, my conversations are better, my personal relationships are improving and my family is wondering if I had a personality change. Simply put - Judy's approach works.
That said, I am more exhausted than ever. Being social is tiring (at least for me) and Judy's methodology takes quite a lot of effort - which brings me to two major caveats:
1) time - the power equation seems designed for professional networkers with a lot of time on their hands. As an introvert with a very busy job, I am not sure I could manage speaking to my key-50 people every week. Let alone my vital-100 every month. I've dealt with this by shrinking the buckets and lengthening the time frames to top-3 once a week, key-30 every 2 weeks, vital-60 every 2 months. Just do whatever works for you.
2) aptitude - Judy's approach to networking is predicated on generosity and having a natural interest in people, i.e. the names of their children, their favorite sports team, their hopes and dreams - that sort of thing. Chances are, if you're anything like me, your interest in people will be selective at best. Judy has helped me recognize the value of this line of inquiry, but that doesn't mean it comes natural.
None of the above takes away from the power of this book.
We've all met people who are naturally interested in other people, the types that you meet at a networking event and who end up squeezing your life story out of you. If I were to make a bet, Judy is one of those people. This book provides the method behind their madness - and while I may never be a power connector, I have learned a lot.
Highly recommended.
June 20, 2020
I have to admit that after reading through the pages of this book that provide really valuable information, I completely changed the way I view people in general.
Personally, I have always been quite shy and nervous with people, obviously, after meeting them, I start to be more informal with them, but before reading this I did not want people to know that it existed, who am I? after all. I was afraid of having to ask people for favors because I thought they would hate me for that (and in my mind it always happened) but now I understand that it doesn't have to be that way, I don't have to avoid social contact, actually i need to do quite the opposite. It inspired me to confront my fear of social situations and encouraged me to go out and talk to people, after all, they have their own concerns and needs, and as this book says, you can be the person who provides the solution (or happen to know someone who could) to their problems and that could end up in actual own benefits.
I loved how this book made such an emphasis in human nature and how things actually happen in the real world with true examples.
Now I see people as they are, people. And believe it or not, this has made a tremendous change in my life. I am grateful to have read this and I am eager to read more books on this topic.
Personally, I have always been quite shy and nervous with people, obviously, after meeting them, I start to be more informal with them, but before reading this I did not want people to know that it existed, who am I? after all. I was afraid of having to ask people for favors because I thought they would hate me for that (and in my mind it always happened) but now I understand that it doesn't have to be that way, I don't have to avoid social contact, actually i need to do quite the opposite. It inspired me to confront my fear of social situations and encouraged me to go out and talk to people, after all, they have their own concerns and needs, and as this book says, you can be the person who provides the solution (or happen to know someone who could) to their problems and that could end up in actual own benefits.
I loved how this book made such an emphasis in human nature and how things actually happen in the real world with true examples.
Now I see people as they are, people. And believe it or not, this has made a tremendous change in my life. I am grateful to have read this and I am eager to read more books on this topic.
December 11, 2018
How can you make sure that you serve your network? How can you make sure you have someone in your circles to reach out when you need help? How do you network? Do you have mentors? Do you use strategies to maximize the potential of your professions/personal network for common good?
This book is transformational! I have been so overwhelmed by the number of connections in my network and how I just physically can't stay in touch with so many people. This book helps to identify your top 5, key 50 and vital 100 that mutually benefit both parties.
Your knowledge and your network are your best assets. And while the knowledge is one click away in our time (thanks, Google!), it takes a long time to develop and nourish your network.
Do the work from the book and become a true Power Connector! =)
This book is transformational! I have been so overwhelmed by the number of connections in my network and how I just physically can't stay in touch with so many people. This book helps to identify your top 5, key 50 and vital 100 that mutually benefit both parties.
Your knowledge and your network are your best assets. And while the knowledge is one click away in our time (thanks, Google!), it takes a long time to develop and nourish your network.
Do the work from the book and become a true Power Connector! =)
May 9, 2018
Decent read. I few good takeaways:
Introduce yourself to people everywhere around you in order to connect strategically.
Look to add value as quickly as possible and keep a systematic system to document.
Build trust by making emotional deposits into other people's accounts quickly and often.
POWER CONNECTOR MATH: Look for 15:1. That is 15 people that can get you to the contact you want or what you desire.
Grow 5 Incredibly Close circles and 50 power connectors.
Introduce yourself to people everywhere around you in order to connect strategically.
Look to add value as quickly as possible and keep a systematic system to document.
Build trust by making emotional deposits into other people's accounts quickly and often.
POWER CONNECTOR MATH: Look for 15:1. That is 15 people that can get you to the contact you want or what you desire.
Grow 5 Incredibly Close circles and 50 power connectors.
August 15, 2019
So this is my assessment of this book How to Be Power Connector by Judy Robinett according to my 6 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 4 stars
2. It prevails important - 3 stars
3. I agree with the read - 4 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non English native) - 4 stars
5. too long and boring story or every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
6. Learning opportunity - 5 stars
Total 3.83 stars.
1. Related to practice - 4 stars
2. It prevails important - 3 stars
3. I agree with the read - 4 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non English native) - 4 stars
5. too long and boring story or every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
6. Learning opportunity - 5 stars
Total 3.83 stars.
January 4, 2015
Great book for someone just starting a career! I've been an entrepreneur for a long time and I can say that this book made me proud of myself. I felt like I was doing a lot of what she teaches already but I also firmly feel that implementing her teachings can make a BIG BIG difference in your career.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
February 28, 2021
This is gold.
Judy Robinett taught Jeremy Andrus on how to grow an exponential network. Jeremy was the person who took Skullcandy from $0 to $300M in sales. Then took it public.
If you ever wondered how to get from knowing nobody to being able to get on the call with virtually anyone in the country, this book tells you in intricate detail ‘how’.
Judy Robinett taught Jeremy Andrus on how to grow an exponential network. Jeremy was the person who took Skullcandy from $0 to $300M in sales. Then took it public.
If you ever wondered how to get from knowing nobody to being able to get on the call with virtually anyone in the country, this book tells you in intricate detail ‘how’.
August 25, 2022
Read it twice! This book offers so many good tips and concepts that made me think deeper about how I interact with my connections. I will probably always refer to something in this book to help guide me through building strong partner relationships.
February 17, 2017
A must-read for introvert entrepreneurs like myself. Judy Robinett reveals her networking secrets in this inspiring and thorough read.
August 7, 2024
Judy Robinett is truly inspiring. Having grown up in rural Idaho and working as a social worker, she developed a remarkable system for networking that made her a power connector and allowed her to work near and with some of the most influential people in the world from political leaders, hollywood stars, business leaders and more. Here are my most important takeaways from the book:
"Your rent for being on earth is providing value to others."
-Tell people your big goal and follow up with these 3 Golden Questions:
-How can I help you?
-What ideas do you have for me?
-Who else do you know that you think I should talk to?
-If you are not succeeding, you are in the wrong room! Don't look for love in the wrong places. Define our goal and where people who can help you achieve this goal are hanging out and how to reach them. Ex/ volunteer at a charity, join a club/group, volunteer on a political campaign where billionaires are, to reach investors.
-For every tough problem, there is a match for a solution. Critical resources are attached to people.
-Measure the value of your connections by if they have a good head, heart and gut.
-People must know, like and trust you before sharing social capital with you.
-Have a people plan: precise, intelligent and strategic. Keep the rule of 2: give 2 favors before asking for 1.
-Only curate win-win introductions. What is the value of connecting each party?
-Engage in random acts of kindness.
-Have a System for networking: 5-50-100: 5 people who you trust with your life, 50 people you connect with on a weekly basis, 100 people you connect with on a monthly bases. Humans can only manage and maintain relationships with up to 150 people at a time. Assess who belongs in which slot and if they have a place of value in your life. Provide regular, value added contact through time.
-Don't stay with networking with people at your own level of business and accomplishments. Most people take this approach as it's most comfortable but it's very limiting. Network up to get to the right decision makers and people with influence.
-The strength of our relationships is what enables us to find whatever we could want of need. Nurturing those relationships is what turns us into better and more valuable people.
-Create a victory list to give you confidence in social interactions and knowledge of what you can offer others.
-Make a list of your professional and personal accomplishments and the people you know that helped you get these accomplishments to give you data on what you can offer others.
-Real power building is through interconnections between your network and other people's networks.
"Your rent for being on earth is providing value to others."
-Tell people your big goal and follow up with these 3 Golden Questions:
-How can I help you?
-What ideas do you have for me?
-Who else do you know that you think I should talk to?
-If you are not succeeding, you are in the wrong room! Don't look for love in the wrong places. Define our goal and where people who can help you achieve this goal are hanging out and how to reach them. Ex/ volunteer at a charity, join a club/group, volunteer on a political campaign where billionaires are, to reach investors.
-For every tough problem, there is a match for a solution. Critical resources are attached to people.
-Measure the value of your connections by if they have a good head, heart and gut.
-People must know, like and trust you before sharing social capital with you.
-Have a people plan: precise, intelligent and strategic. Keep the rule of 2: give 2 favors before asking for 1.
-Only curate win-win introductions. What is the value of connecting each party?
-Engage in random acts of kindness.
-Have a System for networking: 5-50-100: 5 people who you trust with your life, 50 people you connect with on a weekly basis, 100 people you connect with on a monthly bases. Humans can only manage and maintain relationships with up to 150 people at a time. Assess who belongs in which slot and if they have a place of value in your life. Provide regular, value added contact through time.
-Don't stay with networking with people at your own level of business and accomplishments. Most people take this approach as it's most comfortable but it's very limiting. Network up to get to the right decision makers and people with influence.
-The strength of our relationships is what enables us to find whatever we could want of need. Nurturing those relationships is what turns us into better and more valuable people.
-Create a victory list to give you confidence in social interactions and knowledge of what you can offer others.
-Make a list of your professional and personal accomplishments and the people you know that helped you get these accomplishments to give you data on what you can offer others.
-Real power building is through interconnections between your network and other people's networks.
September 23, 2021
Robinett has based her methods on solid research proving that social groups begin to break up when they become larger than 150 people, and that
50 members is the optimal size for group communication.
As such, she has developed what she calls the 5+50+100 method:
contact your Top 5 connections daily,
your Key 50 weekly, and
your Vital 100 monthly.
This is your power grid, and it will work wonders for your career.
Be Generous, Caring, Thoughtful, and Quickly Add Value.
The Six Secrets of a Great Ask.
1. Start Small – Commitment and Consistency – A Referral.
Advice – putting them in a position of Knowledge and Power.
If you were in my shoes, what would you do?
2. Make Your Ask Specific.
3. Make Your Ask Appropriate to the Person, Room and Ecosystem
4. Build Your Ask Around a Story That Expresses Your Passion.
People Buy With Emotion. And Justify With Logic.
Who Do You Know At the Local TV Station
That I Could Contact To Get Some Coverage?
Aim for the Heart, not the Wallet. – Peter Guber
Your Story is the Heart of Your ASK.
5. Be Willing to Ask for Help. Please Help Me Get This Done.
6. Express Your Gratitude for their Time, and Ask Them to Keep You In Mind.
Keep Me In Mind, Please.
Power Connectors learn the importance of Warmth, Caring, and Empathy, combined with Acuity, Competence and Trustworthiness.
Afterword – Top Ten Tips from the Titanium Rolodex
1. Start with the Three Golden Questions.
How Can I Help You?
What Ideas Do You Have For Me?
Who Else Do You Know That I Should Talk To?
2. If You’re Not Succeeding, You Are In the Wrong Room.
Most people get stuck Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.
3. For Every Tough Problem There Is a Match With a Solution.
Critical Resources Are Attached To People.
4. Measure the Value of Your Contacts, not Buy By Their Net Worth,
But By Whether They Have a Good Head, Heart, and Gut.
5. Stranger Danger Is a Fallacy. You Are An Adult.
6. People Must Know, Like and Trust You
before sharing Valuable Social Capital.
7. Don’t Get Lost In a Crowd.
Create a Wide Deep and Robust Network of Your Key 50. That You Carefully Water, Bathe in Sunshine and Fertilize to Grow. And That You Prune, as Needed.
8. Keep the Rule of 2. Give Two Favors Before Asking.
9. Introductions Are Your Most Valuable Commodities.
So Only Curate Win-Win Connections.
What Is the Value Propositions for Both Parties?
10. If You Can Remember Only One Tip, make it this one.
Engage in Random Acts of Kindness.
You Never Know How One Small Act Can Tip the Scales.
50 members is the optimal size for group communication.
As such, she has developed what she calls the 5+50+100 method:
contact your Top 5 connections daily,
your Key 50 weekly, and
your Vital 100 monthly.
This is your power grid, and it will work wonders for your career.
Be Generous, Caring, Thoughtful, and Quickly Add Value.
The Six Secrets of a Great Ask.
1. Start Small – Commitment and Consistency – A Referral.
Advice – putting them in a position of Knowledge and Power.
If you were in my shoes, what would you do?
2. Make Your Ask Specific.
3. Make Your Ask Appropriate to the Person, Room and Ecosystem
4. Build Your Ask Around a Story That Expresses Your Passion.
People Buy With Emotion. And Justify With Logic.
Who Do You Know At the Local TV Station
That I Could Contact To Get Some Coverage?
Aim for the Heart, not the Wallet. – Peter Guber
Your Story is the Heart of Your ASK.
5. Be Willing to Ask for Help. Please Help Me Get This Done.
6. Express Your Gratitude for their Time, and Ask Them to Keep You In Mind.
Keep Me In Mind, Please.
Power Connectors learn the importance of Warmth, Caring, and Empathy, combined with Acuity, Competence and Trustworthiness.
Afterword – Top Ten Tips from the Titanium Rolodex
1. Start with the Three Golden Questions.
How Can I Help You?
What Ideas Do You Have For Me?
Who Else Do You Know That I Should Talk To?
2. If You’re Not Succeeding, You Are In the Wrong Room.
Most people get stuck Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.
3. For Every Tough Problem There Is a Match With a Solution.
Critical Resources Are Attached To People.
4. Measure the Value of Your Contacts, not Buy By Their Net Worth,
But By Whether They Have a Good Head, Heart, and Gut.
5. Stranger Danger Is a Fallacy. You Are An Adult.
6. People Must Know, Like and Trust You
before sharing Valuable Social Capital.
7. Don’t Get Lost In a Crowd.
Create a Wide Deep and Robust Network of Your Key 50. That You Carefully Water, Bathe in Sunshine and Fertilize to Grow. And That You Prune, as Needed.
8. Keep the Rule of 2. Give Two Favors Before Asking.
9. Introductions Are Your Most Valuable Commodities.
So Only Curate Win-Win Connections.
What Is the Value Propositions for Both Parties?
10. If You Can Remember Only One Tip, make it this one.
Engage in Random Acts of Kindness.
You Never Know How One Small Act Can Tip the Scales.
September 11, 2022
How to be a Power Connector summary by Judy Robinett. Have you ever heard of the famous saying, "your network is your net worth?" This book teaches us the different tactics and techniques we can use to master the art of networking and be intentional in the network of relationships we choose to add, remove, and maintain.
Hey Guys! this is book #12 of my 52-week book challenge wherein I aim to read 1 book a week or 52 books in a year! Here's a summary of my top 5 key takeaways from the book, "How to be a power connector" summary by Judy Robinett
https://youtu.be/HMxdy3SQAvk
0:00 - start
00:30 - 5+50+100 rule - studies show that we can only maintain (150) meaningful connections, ranking your network helps you become more intentional in driving stronger connections
02:26 - Think of connections in 3D - above, below, and sideways - strive to connect with people more successful than you, your peers, and people you are more senior to, this would help widen your perspective.
03:36 - Power connector phases - learn the 7 steps to become a master networker
06:21 - Understanding ecosystems - the most successful people are master networkers, they have a diverse set of contacts ranging from different industries, backgrounds, and have different perspectives
08:20 - Power connectors focus relentlessly on adding value - master the art of networking by putting others interests first (what do they want? why do they want it? who can help them? how can i connect them?)
Discover my hack on how to read (1) book a week buy downloading the
- Audible FREE trial: https://amzn.to/3Att7TF
- How to be a power connector: https://amzn.to/3qw3iOk
Now off to the next book! :)
P.S. Comment below on what was your key takeaway
#BookSummary #BookReview #HowToBeAPowerConnector #JudyRobinett
Hey Guys! this is book #12 of my 52-week book challenge wherein I aim to read 1 book a week or 52 books in a year! Here's a summary of my top 5 key takeaways from the book, "How to be a power connector" summary by Judy Robinett
https://youtu.be/HMxdy3SQAvk
0:00 - start
00:30 - 5+50+100 rule - studies show that we can only maintain (150) meaningful connections, ranking your network helps you become more intentional in driving stronger connections
02:26 - Think of connections in 3D - above, below, and sideways - strive to connect with people more successful than you, your peers, and people you are more senior to, this would help widen your perspective.
03:36 - Power connector phases - learn the 7 steps to become a master networker
06:21 - Understanding ecosystems - the most successful people are master networkers, they have a diverse set of contacts ranging from different industries, backgrounds, and have different perspectives
08:20 - Power connectors focus relentlessly on adding value - master the art of networking by putting others interests first (what do they want? why do they want it? who can help them? how can i connect them?)
Discover my hack on how to read (1) book a week buy downloading the
- Audible FREE trial: https://amzn.to/3Att7TF
- How to be a power connector: https://amzn.to/3qw3iOk
Now off to the next book! :)
P.S. Comment below on what was your key takeaway
#BookSummary #BookReview #HowToBeAPowerConnector #JudyRobinett
March 5, 2022
I've read several books and videos on this subject of networking so I didn't find this book to be that much different. The 5+50+100 rule is basically how you structure your "power circle." The 5 is for the people closest to you; 50 are important relationships that you look for ways to add value; 100 are the people you touch base with at least once a month. She advises adding value and mapping the links between your connections. She has some tables that show how to organize your contacts such as by role, closeness, what level they are in your power circle, etc. Has referenced the Johari Window which is a table on how you see yourself and how others see you. She encourages listing your strengths, accomplishments, and skills so that you are aware of what you can bring to the table.
This to me was just common sense stuff. If I have various friends in various settings, I would naturally think of how to connect people, such as if they have the same interest. Or if you were talking to someone about a particular topic and then encounter another friend in a different environment who had the same issue, you would make that connection.
I'm an introvert so I have made quite an effort to improve my social skills so maybe that's why I found this book to be pretty basic. We basically just apply our regular social skills (assuming that you have some social skills and are liked by people besides your family) in a business setting and probably are more intentional by thinking of the type of people we'd like to meet and to write down information on them so that we don't forget what we learn when interacting with them.
This to me was just common sense stuff. If I have various friends in various settings, I would naturally think of how to connect people, such as if they have the same interest. Or if you were talking to someone about a particular topic and then encounter another friend in a different environment who had the same issue, you would make that connection.
I'm an introvert so I have made quite an effort to improve my social skills so maybe that's why I found this book to be pretty basic. We basically just apply our regular social skills (assuming that you have some social skills and are liked by people besides your family) in a business setting and probably are more intentional by thinking of the type of people we'd like to meet and to write down information on them so that we don't forget what we learn when interacting with them.
April 4, 2023
This book is decently written. I can see a lot of information that would be helpful to the right audience. It wasn't particularly helpful to me, at least at this stage of my career.
I think that this book is not really targeted towards Students and Graduates or just anyone in the Early Careers stage. The synopsis and reviews for this book had implied otherwise. Anyway, new graduates don't exactly have much value to create for anyone they try to network with for the purpose of leveraging it into an opportunity later. I know it from my experience.
As a shy person, I was looking for practical advice or some genuine conversation starters. I wanted to find out solid conversation points for the next time I am in a networking event or alumni event or just simply trying to add someone to my network through LinkedIn or email. I did not find that in this book. I also felt that this book wasted a LOT of time in just explaining the advantages of having connections and a network. Honestly, nobody will pick a book like this if they didn't already know the importance and necessity of having connections. Most of us are just looking for practical tips.
I can see that the author has had a lot of success with her networking strategies. It's amazing and it's inspiring. But it's also very rare. It's also industry specific.
I had to speed read through this book and fortunately there were a lot of points highlight in bold letters which pretty much gave me the gist of the content.
I wouldn't classify How To Be A Power Connector as a bad book, but rather an impractical one. Very little genuine advice was provided.
I think that this book is not really targeted towards Students and Graduates or just anyone in the Early Careers stage. The synopsis and reviews for this book had implied otherwise. Anyway, new graduates don't exactly have much value to create for anyone they try to network with for the purpose of leveraging it into an opportunity later. I know it from my experience.
As a shy person, I was looking for practical advice or some genuine conversation starters. I wanted to find out solid conversation points for the next time I am in a networking event or alumni event or just simply trying to add someone to my network through LinkedIn or email. I did not find that in this book. I also felt that this book wasted a LOT of time in just explaining the advantages of having connections and a network. Honestly, nobody will pick a book like this if they didn't already know the importance and necessity of having connections. Most of us are just looking for practical tips.
I can see that the author has had a lot of success with her networking strategies. It's amazing and it's inspiring. But it's also very rare. It's also industry specific.
I had to speed read through this book and fortunately there were a lot of points highlight in bold letters which pretty much gave me the gist of the content.
I wouldn't classify How To Be A Power Connector as a bad book, but rather an impractical one. Very little genuine advice was provided.
September 22, 2024
"Networking Estratégico" de Judy Robinett es una joyita. Si te gusta el tema de las relaciones públicas, te explica la importancia de establecer estos contactos (ella sugiere el modelo 5+50+100), que te ayudarán a lograr tus metas, sí en lo profesional, por eso lo relevante de hacerlo con estrategia, pero al mismo tiempo, creo que establecer estas conexiones 'poderosas', como les llama ella, te ayudarán a lograr muchas cosas, incluso en el aspecto personal. Tener conexiones poderosas te ayuda a crecer, avanzar, y sobre todo te facilita la vida, en muchos sentidos y para muchos objetivos.
Algo súper valioso que menciona y que quiero destacar, es que no se trata solo de hacer conexiones con estrategia, sino que es clave ser honesto y auténtico, buscar tu bienestar y el del otro, no siempre se tratará de tus metas sino también de las necesidades del otro, las relaciones se nutren y cuidan al paso del tiempo, hay que animarmos a pedir ayuda, importantísimo no limitarnos y conocer a todo el mundo, presentarnos, dejar claro quiénes somos y qué buscamos, y claro, saber pedirlo (momento, forma y persona correcta).
Finalmente, creo que este "networking" va más allá de un negocio, es construir comunidades honestas, reales y fuertes. Y si nos ponemos románticos, estas conexiones pueden ser tan poderosas que nos pueden llevar a cambiar y mejorar este mundo, juntos. 🫶🏻✨
Súper recomendado: 4/5
Algo súper valioso que menciona y que quiero destacar, es que no se trata solo de hacer conexiones con estrategia, sino que es clave ser honesto y auténtico, buscar tu bienestar y el del otro, no siempre se tratará de tus metas sino también de las necesidades del otro, las relaciones se nutren y cuidan al paso del tiempo, hay que animarmos a pedir ayuda, importantísimo no limitarnos y conocer a todo el mundo, presentarnos, dejar claro quiénes somos y qué buscamos, y claro, saber pedirlo (momento, forma y persona correcta).
Finalmente, creo que este "networking" va más allá de un negocio, es construir comunidades honestas, reales y fuertes. Y si nos ponemos románticos, estas conexiones pueden ser tan poderosas que nos pueden llevar a cambiar y mejorar este mundo, juntos. 🫶🏻✨
Súper recomendado: 4/5
October 29, 2025
3.5* I had high hopes for this book originally, but it was a bit of a let down in terms of the specific idea and tips. I totally love the idea of power connecting, and the principles are sound – building strategic relationships, giving first, etc. And it’s good that there’s a 5+50+100 framework and a 4-phase approach to make it systematic.
But there’s just waaaaaay too much repetition and fluff. Plus, the steps within the 4 phases are often not very concrete.... Or they just seem really onerous or impractical to do.....e.g. map out every single person on your network with their info on a map? Maybe it takes the right tools to do and it’s great that she gave examples….but just looking at her maps and tables gave me info-overload and a headache….I can’t imagine myself seeing any patterns or using those analyses, much less doing them.
My main takeaways include the 5+50+100 power circles (it gives a concrete way to apply Dunbar’s number) + some of the ideas around the 8 ecosystems, preparing your personal story etc.
Quite some overlap with books like “Never Eat Alone”, and I think I got a lot more in terms of practical insights and tactics from “How to Talk to Anyone”.
Book summary at: https://readingraphics.com/book-summa...
But there’s just waaaaaay too much repetition and fluff. Plus, the steps within the 4 phases are often not very concrete.... Or they just seem really onerous or impractical to do.....e.g. map out every single person on your network with their info on a map? Maybe it takes the right tools to do and it’s great that she gave examples….but just looking at her maps and tables gave me info-overload and a headache….I can’t imagine myself seeing any patterns or using those analyses, much less doing them.
My main takeaways include the 5+50+100 power circles (it gives a concrete way to apply Dunbar’s number) + some of the ideas around the 8 ecosystems, preparing your personal story etc.
Quite some overlap with books like “Never Eat Alone”, and I think I got a lot more in terms of practical insights and tactics from “How to Talk to Anyone”.
Book summary at: https://readingraphics.com/book-summa...
September 4, 2025
How to Be a Power Connector emphasizes that all relationships should hold value and be treated as investments. The central idea is that you should focus your time and energy on connections that help you access opportunities, and that the value of your network grows exponentially through the networks of the people within it. Memorable takeaways include: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others” and the reminder that your network is your most valuable asset because nothing happens without people.
However, the book is often repetitive, with many contracting statements and disorganized sections that make the reading feel scattered. While it highlights important principles, it falls short in demonstrating how to create genuine connections, and the emphasis on leveraging relationships can feel transactional rather than authentic.
Overall, it’s a decent read for anyone looking to understand networking as a strategic tool, but don’t expect much new insight or deep guidance on building meaningful, lasting relationships.
However, the book is often repetitive, with many contracting statements and disorganized sections that make the reading feel scattered. While it highlights important principles, it falls short in demonstrating how to create genuine connections, and the emphasis on leveraging relationships can feel transactional rather than authentic.
Overall, it’s a decent read for anyone looking to understand networking as a strategic tool, but don’t expect much new insight or deep guidance on building meaningful, lasting relationships.
June 13, 2024
I enjoyed the book overall. I do feel like she spends too much of the book talking about the amazing things you can do with a vast network and why it’s important to have a large network. The reader likely knows that already which is why they’ve chosen to read her book. She also talks ALOT about her own connections and the powerful people she knows— it felt a bit excessive. I assume she did so in order to further emphasize the power of a network, but it just felt repetitive and didn’t add much. I was inspired the first 5 times she mentioned these things, but for the remaining 100 or so mentions, they just took up unnecessary real estate. I was hoping to walk away with more concrete and tangible actions for how to build the network. This book offered a lot of strategy and thought work instead of implementation. But, I still give it 4 stars, as I left feeling very inspired and with a solid networking strategy.
May 4, 2017
8 hour plus audiobook. What you need is patience and focus. When you commit to listening to this, rewards will come. Judy gives you the approach, the followup, the in-between, and the connecting ideas, skills, and secrets.
Given a good app, or CRM, you could incorporate the advice in this book into your application. For instance, somebody in your network needs a publisher. Assuming you don't have a photographic memory, you'd scroll through your contact application wth a filter on publisher. Then, you'd sort by power connector ratings.
If you combine software with the advice in this book, including automated reminders for day, week, and quarter like Judy mentions, you will be well on your way to becoming a power connector.
Given a good app, or CRM, you could incorporate the advice in this book into your application. For instance, somebody in your network needs a publisher. Assuming you don't have a photographic memory, you'd scroll through your contact application wth a filter on publisher. Then, you'd sort by power connector ratings.
If you combine software with the advice in this book, including automated reminders for day, week, and quarter like Judy mentions, you will be well on your way to becoming a power connector.
October 10, 2020
Solid book on why relationships matter for success and how to go from letting connections happen to you to being proactive and strategic about forming good relationships. It’s written for the beginner with every step spelled out (less helpful for those who already have a strong network of friends).
Some tips:
Pick 5 people to keep in touch with weekly, 50 to contact monthly, and 100 to contact quarterly.
If you have a goal or dream, start with who would be a big help and then start asking your friends who can connect you to that person and follow the chain of connections.
Offer value and energy to others before you ask anything from them.
Keep a database with all the details you learn about them.
Some tips:
Pick 5 people to keep in touch with weekly, 50 to contact monthly, and 100 to contact quarterly.
If you have a goal or dream, start with who would be a big help and then start asking your friends who can connect you to that person and follow the chain of connections.
Offer value and energy to others before you ask anything from them.
Keep a database with all the details you learn about them.
March 14, 2021
This was interesting, even though I feel like a lot of it doesn't apply to me. She lost one star by beginning a section with "This may sound like a bunch of stereotypes about gender, but..." and then proceeding to give really outrageous gendered stereotypes.
The overall message of the book is to be genuinely interested in people, nurture your relationships actively, and try to be of service to everyone. That jives with me.
I'm not into the several times she was talking about power and powerful people and said something like "This is the way the world is." While describing the institutions that keep some people out. Actually, no, it's only the way the world is if we let it remain that way!
The overall message of the book is to be genuinely interested in people, nurture your relationships actively, and try to be of service to everyone. That jives with me.
I'm not into the several times she was talking about power and powerful people and said something like "This is the way the world is." While describing the institutions that keep some people out. Actually, no, it's only the way the world is if we let it remain that way!
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