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Work the Pond!: Use the Power of Positive Networking to Leap Forward in Work and Life
Networking requires you to "kiss a lot of frogs" (i.e., meet a lot of people) to find your "princes"-those precious few who can make a difference in your life. But the real secret to networking is discovering what you can do for someone else.
Networking guru Darcy Rezac helps redefine networking-his "what can I do for you?" approach has helped thousands overcome their fear of networking and find more success. Rezac uses his trademarked 7-step N.E.T.W.O.R.K. process to help readers avoid the "toads" and make the right connections-in business and in life.
N: Never leave home without one's business cards
E: Establish, exchange, engage-simple techniques that really work
T: Travel in pairs-how to have more fun networking
W:"Work the pond"-practice Positive Networking and use time wisely
O: Opportunity is everywhere-discover "small-worlds" connections
R: Repeat, repeat, repeat-the more networking one does, the better one gets
K: Keep it going-the art of follow-up and relationship-building
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2005
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176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 17, 2016
This is a great book if you subscribe to the 'LION' view of networking - that is, to collect every contact that you encounter on the off-chance that they may be useful to yourself, or each other.
Rezac gives many ideas on how to maximise your networking, though these are really only workable if you have large amounts of time to dedicate to this - either as part of your work-role or in your copious free hours. Some of his tactics will come across as rather brash in more reserved cultures - for example, as a Brit, I cannot imagine that someone actively distributing business cards, and trying to collect cards from others present, in a social occasion would achieve much other than to annoy the majority of those present.
He also presents a rather confused view of the purpose of networking - explicitly saying it's not about making sales, but then repeatedly using examples which emphasise getting leads and passing them around your colleagues to get that sale!
Not wildly promising so far to the non-LION, then. However, there is some good content on the mechanics of how to network effectively in a new environment - how to join & leave clusters of people, how to include people into groups, teamwork with colleagues to help each other network etc - this is all pretty good advice for people who are not naturals at this.
Finally, a lot of the book is couched in an extended "frogs of the pond" metaphor - this is OK as a scene-setter, but gets really irritating after it is crow-barred into the text for the umpteenth time.
Overall, some useful advice, but mostly the book is of use to people who are either very time-rich, or to those whose job consists largely of networking.
Rezac gives many ideas on how to maximise your networking, though these are really only workable if you have large amounts of time to dedicate to this - either as part of your work-role or in your copious free hours. Some of his tactics will come across as rather brash in more reserved cultures - for example, as a Brit, I cannot imagine that someone actively distributing business cards, and trying to collect cards from others present, in a social occasion would achieve much other than to annoy the majority of those present.
He also presents a rather confused view of the purpose of networking - explicitly saying it's not about making sales, but then repeatedly using examples which emphasise getting leads and passing them around your colleagues to get that sale!
Not wildly promising so far to the non-LION, then. However, there is some good content on the mechanics of how to network effectively in a new environment - how to join & leave clusters of people, how to include people into groups, teamwork with colleagues to help each other network etc - this is all pretty good advice for people who are not naturals at this.
Finally, a lot of the book is couched in an extended "frogs of the pond" metaphor - this is OK as a scene-setter, but gets really irritating after it is crow-barred into the text for the umpteenth time.
Overall, some useful advice, but mostly the book is of use to people who are either very time-rich, or to those whose job consists largely of networking.
April 17, 2012
Из разряда хороших и правильных книг которую рекомендую прочитать каждому. Только не рекомендую после её прочтения надевать «розовые очки» и ждать когда случайный знакомый вдруг решит облегчить вашу жизнь и помочь во всех ваших проблемах, стать вашим партнёром, помощником, прочее.
January 5, 2014
Below are key excerpts from the book that I found particularly insightful:
1- "In a networking situation, we frogs tend to do a lot of things that lessen our effectiveness. These include: -not giving out business cards -setting our expectations too high -investing a lot of energy in a few select people we already know -not engaging in conversation -missing the really great opportunities around us every day -being unaware we are in a networking situation -and most importantly: having no joy when we network"
2- "After more than two decades in the networking field, I have discovered, while not all successful people are great networkers, all great networkers are successful people."
3- "The real voyage of discovery consists not of finding new lands, but of seeing the territory with new eyes - Marcel Proust, Remembrance of Things Past"
4- "It turns out that our weak contacts, even distant acquaintances, are often more powerful forces in our network than close friends."
5- "While networking is an art, it's impossible to overlook the groundbreaking science that proves the power of networks and the small worlds they create...Start by recognizing the following: *Good things happen to good networkers—accept it. *The small-worlds phenomenon happens all the time— expect it. *Your network is always on—tap into it."
6- "Discovering what you can do for someone else is the seminal secret of positive networking. Thinking this way takes all the pressure off."
7- "The third secret of positive networking is a practical one. And it must be a secret, because so few people do it. Introduce yourself by name, always carry business cards and give them out. Make it a habit. » You'll find it's a worthwhile habit."
8- "« Treat everyone as equals. » It's a whole lot easier than trying to figure out who's who in the frog chain. Besides, it's the right thing to do. The four Es are all about technique—establish, extend, exchange, engage. But, there is a "fifth" E. Equality. It has to do with attitude. Employ all five, and you'll stand out from the rest of the frogs. You are on your way to being a tree frog. Establish: Establish eye contact and smile. Be focused. Extend: Be proactive. Be the first to extend your hand. Teach your kids to do the same. Develop a firm and confident handshake...Exchange: Be the catalyst, the first to give out a card. Give cards to everyone in a group. If people don't give you a business card, ask for one. Exchange cards respectfully...Engage: If you don't understand or hear a person's name immediately, ask the person to repeat it. If people don't appear to remember your name, give them a break, i Extend your hand and say your name...Have your twenty-one-second tribal introduction ready."
9- "It's no secret that going as a tag-team can take the pressure off and make things more enjoyable, particularly if you are a networking novice. First Century B.C. Roman writer of mimes, Publilius Syrus understood this: « An agreeable companion on a journey is as good as a carriage. » Yes, a companion is a nice idea, but teammate or no teammate, skill in working the pond makes networking more enjoyable, and that's what you are about to learn. Jump in."
10- "Working the pond—positively Take on a host mentality...Introduce people as soon as they enter your group. Be gracious to everyone...You'll probably experience rejection; get over it. When in Toad country, move on. Remember Network Rule No. 7...The front of the room is the place to meet people or start a group. Avoid the back of the room—networking Siberia...Set a goal of meeting seven new people and exchanging cards, at any event. This will keep you circulating, not stuck in the mud."
11- "The fifth secret of positive networking is:« Give everyone the password to the network: permission. » Give yourself and everyone you come in contact with permission to network. Be open to new people and let them into your network. The multiplier effect can be astonishing. While the fifth secret of networking is about attitude, the sixth secret of positive networking is about a simple technique: « Learn the power of asking questions and use it. » This is a very powerful tool in both group settings and one-on-one conversations. It often means stepping Outside your comfort zone. Be bold. Most people don't do it; be someone who does. Socrates was famous for it."
12- "The seventh secret of networking isn't two secrets; it's one: « Be there and know something. » You can't network effectively from behind your desk; you've got to meet people. And there's no point being there unless you have something to contribute beyond your presence. Read, listen, seek out knowledge and share it."
13- "Keep it going...To be a good networker, you need to be good at follow-up..Follow-up is all about discovering what you can do for someone else, and doing it. That's how you develop ; and form relationships..You need to learn something about people before you can discover what you can do for them. Ask Question about their company's web site and talk with others. It's a small world, and people are connected...Build your good "follow-up" reputation. Be reliable, trustworthy and prompt. Be a person who gets things done...Get involved—participate, invite someone to an event, in your networks strong...Remember, not all follow-up is successful. That's okay. So if your horse is dead—dismount...Expand your contacts beyond your small circle to include different industries, organizations, cities and countries. Science shows that a few highly connected people can link a large number of not-so-well-connected people. That's the power of networks and small worlds."
1- "In a networking situation, we frogs tend to do a lot of things that lessen our effectiveness. These include: -not giving out business cards -setting our expectations too high -investing a lot of energy in a few select people we already know -not engaging in conversation -missing the really great opportunities around us every day -being unaware we are in a networking situation -and most importantly: having no joy when we network"
2- "After more than two decades in the networking field, I have discovered, while not all successful people are great networkers, all great networkers are successful people."
3- "The real voyage of discovery consists not of finding new lands, but of seeing the territory with new eyes - Marcel Proust, Remembrance of Things Past"
4- "It turns out that our weak contacts, even distant acquaintances, are often more powerful forces in our network than close friends."
5- "While networking is an art, it's impossible to overlook the groundbreaking science that proves the power of networks and the small worlds they create...Start by recognizing the following: *Good things happen to good networkers—accept it. *The small-worlds phenomenon happens all the time— expect it. *Your network is always on—tap into it."
6- "Discovering what you can do for someone else is the seminal secret of positive networking. Thinking this way takes all the pressure off."
7- "The third secret of positive networking is a practical one. And it must be a secret, because so few people do it. Introduce yourself by name, always carry business cards and give them out. Make it a habit. » You'll find it's a worthwhile habit."
8- "« Treat everyone as equals. » It's a whole lot easier than trying to figure out who's who in the frog chain. Besides, it's the right thing to do. The four Es are all about technique—establish, extend, exchange, engage. But, there is a "fifth" E. Equality. It has to do with attitude. Employ all five, and you'll stand out from the rest of the frogs. You are on your way to being a tree frog. Establish: Establish eye contact and smile. Be focused. Extend: Be proactive. Be the first to extend your hand. Teach your kids to do the same. Develop a firm and confident handshake...Exchange: Be the catalyst, the first to give out a card. Give cards to everyone in a group. If people don't give you a business card, ask for one. Exchange cards respectfully...Engage: If you don't understand or hear a person's name immediately, ask the person to repeat it. If people don't appear to remember your name, give them a break, i Extend your hand and say your name...Have your twenty-one-second tribal introduction ready."
9- "It's no secret that going as a tag-team can take the pressure off and make things more enjoyable, particularly if you are a networking novice. First Century B.C. Roman writer of mimes, Publilius Syrus understood this: « An agreeable companion on a journey is as good as a carriage. » Yes, a companion is a nice idea, but teammate or no teammate, skill in working the pond makes networking more enjoyable, and that's what you are about to learn. Jump in."
10- "Working the pond—positively Take on a host mentality...Introduce people as soon as they enter your group. Be gracious to everyone...You'll probably experience rejection; get over it. When in Toad country, move on. Remember Network Rule No. 7...The front of the room is the place to meet people or start a group. Avoid the back of the room—networking Siberia...Set a goal of meeting seven new people and exchanging cards, at any event. This will keep you circulating, not stuck in the mud."
11- "The fifth secret of positive networking is:« Give everyone the password to the network: permission. » Give yourself and everyone you come in contact with permission to network. Be open to new people and let them into your network. The multiplier effect can be astonishing. While the fifth secret of networking is about attitude, the sixth secret of positive networking is about a simple technique: « Learn the power of asking questions and use it. » This is a very powerful tool in both group settings and one-on-one conversations. It often means stepping Outside your comfort zone. Be bold. Most people don't do it; be someone who does. Socrates was famous for it."
12- "The seventh secret of networking isn't two secrets; it's one: « Be there and know something. » You can't network effectively from behind your desk; you've got to meet people. And there's no point being there unless you have something to contribute beyond your presence. Read, listen, seek out knowledge and share it."
13- "Keep it going...To be a good networker, you need to be good at follow-up..Follow-up is all about discovering what you can do for someone else, and doing it. That's how you develop ; and form relationships..You need to learn something about people before you can discover what you can do for them. Ask Question about their company's web site and talk with others. It's a small world, and people are connected...Build your good "follow-up" reputation. Be reliable, trustworthy and prompt. Be a person who gets things done...Get involved—participate, invite someone to an event, in your networks strong...Remember, not all follow-up is successful. That's okay. So if your horse is dead—dismount...Expand your contacts beyond your small circle to include different industries, organizations, cities and countries. Science shows that a few highly connected people can link a large number of not-so-well-connected people. That's the power of networks and small worlds."
March 27, 2013
Just stand up and start networking right now! And don't forget, your vis-a-vis should better benefit from it, so you could form long-lasting business relations. And don't forget about your business cards.
I'm not saying the book is unhelpful - it is rather helpful (I've even increased the rating by one just now). What I'm saying is that the essence of the book may pretty easily be described in 32 words.
I'm not saying the book is unhelpful - it is rather helpful (I've even increased the rating by one just now). What I'm saying is that the essence of the book may pretty easily be described in 32 words.
February 22, 2011
I've had the pleasure of hearing both Darcy Rezac and Gayle Hallgren-Rezac speak in recent years and this book puts to paper their common sense advice for networking in a meaningful, authentic way. The do a weekly "Work the Pond" newsletter that I also find filled with terrific advice, case studies and best practices.
August 26, 2011
A great introduction to the key principles of positive networking. The layout and stories work well for remembering the secrets and the real-life experiences showcase exactly how important positive networking can be.
June 23, 2009
Great for the 80%ers out there who need some inspiration, guidance, and a 'What can I do for you attitude?!"
May 4, 2011
An awesome book for people who would like to now how to live a networking lifestyle. It's written by a well know Vancouverite who is a master networker.
February 17, 2012
Great tips for networking no matter what field you are in. Found tips very helpful
Could use an update with tips on networking with new online sites!
Could use an update with tips on networking with new online sites!
April 11, 2013
Слушал как аудио книгу. Достаточно полезно. Необычная манера изложения. Но поверхностно. Для начала самое оно.
April 7, 2015
Нічого особливого не дізнався з цієї книжки. Автор примудрилася розтягнути речення "Зв'язки вирішують все!" розтягнути на цілу книжку, хоча б могла вийти хороша стаття, не більше.
May 8, 2015
Good information but it easily could have been a blog post without the personal stories
March 25, 2016
Mostly discusses business cards. Nothing revolutionary. If you want to learn about networking, I recommend a more comprehensive volume like Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazi.
January 30, 2017
Valuable and encouraging.
Carry business cards everywhere.
Carry business cards everywhere.
June 11, 2012
I had to read this for a class, but I find that I still refer to it! This book was really helpful!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews