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It's Who You Know: How a Network of 12 Key People Can Fast-track Your Success
Meet the twelve people that can accelerate your success – in business and in life It's Who You Know is the long-awaited handbook to effective, productive and influential networking. Having the right relationships is more important than ever before, but digital connectivity and social media has changed the landscape. Social media has made networking easy, but has it made it better? In an age of digital disconnect, having the right relationships is more important than ever before with more and more of us reporting we feel disconnected from social media. Networking is no longer about collecting business cards and meeting thousands of people online or offline; it's about knowing the right people, and nurturing those relationships. You only need 12 – or even just four. Approached strategically, this comparatively small network will provide the strength, diversity and opportunities to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. This book shows you who you need to know, how to get to know them and how to make value a two-way street. Action plans, checklists and an online diagnostic tool help you start taking steps right away, and the emphasis on "doing" over endless planning gives you the motivation you need to get up and go.
The old adage "It's not what you know; it's who you know" has never been more applicable than it is today. The problem is that many of us "know" thousands of people across social networks, but how many of those people truly know you and how many of them are truly connected to you? It's time to clear out the network clutter and identify those who actually add value to your professional and personal development.
Master the art of real and influential strategic networking in a noisy and disconnected online world Learn who you need in your circle, and how to find them Nurture and maintain your professional relationships Leverage your power network to accelerate your career Today, jobs are filled before they're advertised and previously unthought-of collaborations appear out of nowhere. Networking has become a critical factor for success. It's Who You Know brings networking into the modern era, and shows you a strategic approach to making it work for you.
The old adage "It's not what you know; it's who you know" has never been more applicable than it is today. The problem is that many of us "know" thousands of people across social networks, but how many of those people truly know you and how many of them are truly connected to you? It's time to clear out the network clutter and identify those who actually add value to your professional and personal development.
Master the art of real and influential strategic networking in a noisy and disconnected online world Learn who you need in your circle, and how to find them Nurture and maintain your professional relationships Leverage your power network to accelerate your career Today, jobs are filled before they're advertised and previously unthought-of collaborations appear out of nowhere. Networking has become a critical factor for success. It's Who You Know brings networking into the modern era, and shows you a strategic approach to making it work for you.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2017
19 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 31, 2021
If you truly want to learn how to build a meaningful and effective network that works for you, and have the will not only "to know", but also "to do", then this book is for you.
Most people already knew the importance of having an effective network, and many may also know a few tips and tricks, but this book offers a holistic framework with many practical tools, checklists, and step-by-step guide on the WHAT and the HOW. Naturally, the author covered the WHY to set the scene, but she devoted most of the pages on what to do and how to do it.
I also enjoyed the author's no nonsenses tone, her logical and concise way of conveying a message, many relevant and real life examples to illustrate the points. The author comes cross as a genuine, wise and warm individual. I can almost feel her heart beats throughout the pages, and through her conversational writing style.
After reading this book in one seating, I read it the second time. Following its step-by-step guide, I mapped out my current network, identified the 12 Key People and the gaps, sunk the Shadow Archetypes, and drafted an action plan on whom to approach and how to approach them. I personally experienced the true value of this book, that is- read it, learn it, and do it. As in the author's own Final Words, "Reading It's Who You Know without putting into action any of the advice or strategies is useless". No doubt, I will use this book again and again in the future, as my goals, my needs and my life stage progress.
For me - it was a pleasure to read this book (twice); it was an experience to learn a holistic way of building a network that works for me...and it certainly was a thrill to put it into action and see the result unfold.
... and for that, I highly recommend this book and have rated it a five-star.
Most people already knew the importance of having an effective network, and many may also know a few tips and tricks, but this book offers a holistic framework with many practical tools, checklists, and step-by-step guide on the WHAT and the HOW. Naturally, the author covered the WHY to set the scene, but she devoted most of the pages on what to do and how to do it.
I also enjoyed the author's no nonsenses tone, her logical and concise way of conveying a message, many relevant and real life examples to illustrate the points. The author comes cross as a genuine, wise and warm individual. I can almost feel her heart beats throughout the pages, and through her conversational writing style.
After reading this book in one seating, I read it the second time. Following its step-by-step guide, I mapped out my current network, identified the 12 Key People and the gaps, sunk the Shadow Archetypes, and drafted an action plan on whom to approach and how to approach them. I personally experienced the true value of this book, that is- read it, learn it, and do it. As in the author's own Final Words, "Reading It's Who You Know without putting into action any of the advice or strategies is useless". No doubt, I will use this book again and again in the future, as my goals, my needs and my life stage progress.
For me - it was a pleasure to read this book (twice); it was an experience to learn a holistic way of building a network that works for me...and it certainly was a thrill to put it into action and see the result unfold.
... and for that, I highly recommend this book and have rated it a five-star.
October 28, 2017
I heard Janine speak at a Microsoft store event and was thoroughly impressed about her ideas of your Key Network. As you grow as a business owner you need to build your network to help you excel. Highly recommended for anyone learning how to network or looking to broaden their network to help them in their desired career/business.
November 2, 2021
It's practical and useful but not a book I personally found to be life-changing. It was hard to get into at first but enjoyed it once I persevered. Useful but would have preferred a 2-hour webinar being completely transparent.
April 16, 2023
great book
I had to leave my comfort zone to start reading this book. It’s an eye opener has to how in life it’s really who you know that matters. Invest in your network not just knowledge
I had to leave my comfort zone to start reading this book. It’s an eye opener has to how in life it’s really who you know that matters. Invest in your network not just knowledge
June 15, 2025
If you are part of a business or a business owner, then you need to read this book. Janine presents a great way to re-look at your network and how to use your network to your advantage. She also gives excellent action steps. I enthusiastically recommend.
November 29, 2023
Very informative.
January 31, 2025
Simple, practical and easy to follow! Looking forward to sharing the learnings with my team and applying the knowledge in my professional life.
September 23, 2020
Sums up networking perfectly.
April 29, 2017
I don't really have too much to say about this book apart from the fact that a lot of what is stated in the book is what one would normally know when it comes to networking (that's assuming one has read around the subject, especially with "Never Eat Alone")
The author does a great job of identifying key people we need to have in our networks and why their differences can be used to our advantage. I'll definitely be taking all of the advice that this book delivered into practice going forward.
I only gave this 3 stars because it wasn't' as impressive as Keith Ferrazzi's works which I highly admired.
Nonetheless - a nice refresher and a good book for those who attempting to manufacture their social capital and leverage networking to get them to certain positions in the workforce.
The author does a great job of identifying key people we need to have in our networks and why their differences can be used to our advantage. I'll definitely be taking all of the advice that this book delivered into practice going forward.
I only gave this 3 stars because it wasn't' as impressive as Keith Ferrazzi's works which I highly admired.
Nonetheless - a nice refresher and a good book for those who attempting to manufacture their social capital and leverage networking to get them to certain positions in the workforce.
February 13, 2020
Useful book reinforcing the need for building/nurturing right networks to succeed.
The most (and possibly the only :)) useful chapter in the book is about how to carve/create a network of 12 people who will play the roles of cheerleader, explorer, inspirer, lover, connector, balancer, influencer, professor, architect, truth sayer, accelerator and mentor in our lives. If we map specific connections to each of these roles and strengthen our network through give and take equally, it does tend to increase the probability of success.
Good book, one time read. Understand the author's site also has reference to the 12 which may be good enough if you already sold on the need for networking to win.
The most (and possibly the only :)) useful chapter in the book is about how to carve/create a network of 12 people who will play the roles of cheerleader, explorer, inspirer, lover, connector, balancer, influencer, professor, architect, truth sayer, accelerator and mentor in our lives. If we map specific connections to each of these roles and strengthen our network through give and take equally, it does tend to increase the probability of success.
Good book, one time read. Understand the author's site also has reference to the 12 which may be good enough if you already sold on the need for networking to win.
September 1, 2018
Reading this book was reminiscent of finding a favorite song and listening to it on repeat over and over again. There's roughly 20 pages of content in this book. The framework and concepts make sense and are strong... But you could get it from her site for free in less than 5 minutes of reading. She spends a long time proving the value of networking.... Clearly not necessarily if you bought the book. This book is a small gift wrapped in 20 boxes and reams of tissue and wrapping paper. By the time you get your gift you're no longer interested.
April 17, 2017
Without a doubt this is the best networking book I have read; it's all about being strategic, and creating your 'Nexus' of 12 key people. The book comes with examples, great references and tools to help you define who these key people are. I can see this book staying on my bedside and constantly bring referred to. Highly, highly recommended!
May 31, 2017
If you're looking to start building an internal or external network of people who can help you be the best version of yourself and achieve your goals, then this is the book for you! Contains fantastic tips to remove any fears you might have and to help you identify people who may be holding you back.
May 29, 2017
This book helps you spot the gaps in your network and shows you exactly how to find the people you need to succeed.
February 23, 2019
Not really useful, repeats the same things over and over and over.
May 15, 2019
This book really opened my eyes to how I should be networking! I'm reflecting on my current list of contacts and considering those who would work best as my support team!
November 29, 2019
Really helpful for an introvert who enjoys people but hates networking events. Good framework for setting up your network. I'll come back to it
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews