Content-Based Networking: How to Instantly Connect with Anyone You Want to Know

by James Carbary

There’s a reason everyone says “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” If you’re striving to reach ambitious goals, it’s impossible without the right relationships. So how do you reverse-engineer relationships with the exact people you want to know? Through his podcast B2B Growth and his company Sweet Fish Media, James Carbary has pioneered a concept called content-based networking—a new approach to building your professional network. Instead of relying on chance encounters and random in-person events, content-based networking allows you to connect with anyone, at any time, and from anywhere in the world. In Content-Based Networking, you’ll learn a proven three-part framework to consistently connect with potential customers, investors, referral partners, industry influencers, and anyone in between. Using this framework, you’ll develop thought leadership in your industry, while simultaneously creating meaningful relationships with the exact people that can help you reach your goals and dreams.

Genres: Business

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2020

Reviews

[Bruce Harpham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered the author a few years ago through his excellent B2B Growth podcast. When I heard about the book, I knew I was incredibly excited. As I mention above, I've highlighted over 30 points in the book. That tells you just how much value I've taken from it. In fact, I have already started putting the book's advice into practice for my own content based networking!

In the past, I've disliked the disorganized, "chance" aspect of networking. Maybe you meet somebody interesting, maybe you don't. This book demonstrates that you can be intentional about who you want to meet and create value along the way. I also liked the author struck a good balance between citing examples from his own experience and examples from other people.

Let me share one of the Pro Tips from the book. It's a good way to filter and identify people who are more likely to be interested in a content based networking activity. "Pro Tip If someone has recently released content (maybe they wrote a book, spoke at a conference, were featured on a podcast, were mentioned in a news article, etc.), then that’s a huge sign that they have a message to spread and they’re open to press. Also, it gives you something to mention in your outreach."

Highly recommended!

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas but too pod-cast and social media based to translate easily to my own professional life. Made me think though...

[Bucky Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, practical advice for building business relationships by inviting people in your target audience to create content with you.

[Yinan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a simple idea but powerful. Might be basic if you know marketing, just skim and read the chapters that are relevant if so.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to imagine a business book you’ll find more valuable this year. Absolutely at the top of my 2020 list so far. James Carbary is the reason I started my first two business podcasts. He has fundamentally shaped my thinking as a marketer over the last 3 years more than anyone else. And I’m selfishly a little nervous that everyone has access to this absolute SUPERPOWER that is Content-Based Networking now. But I finished the book with no less than ten NEW ideas for what to build next. So, I won’t stay mad at you, James. Grateful for your brain.

[Jess Pelini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read, particularly for B2B marketers! I’ve been listening to James’ podcast, B2B Growth for a few years now and have always been drawn to the openness and actionable insights I get each time I tune in.

This is created in the same vain - with openness, empathy, and actionable ideas for readers to approach content-based marketing. I highly recommend this to others who have been thinking of starting a new creative venture and need a little advice to get started on the right foot.

[Sayali · Rating 5 out of 5]

With practical and simple tips James gives a new perspective to content marketing! A quick read - finished it in couple of hours. Give it a go!

[Seth G · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute fabulous book on how to use content to network and grow your business. There's no spoiler here just great amazing actionable content suggestions and strategy.

[Alessio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explica la importancia del Networking, pero la mayoría del libro está enfocado en como crear un podcast y utilizarlo para crear relaciones. Me parece que no aporta mucho valor.

[Brian Tubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging, Practical, Helpful

If you feel stuck in your career or in your life, James Carbary’s book can be a breath of fresh air. The premise of the book embodies the theme made famous by the now late Zig Ziglar: “You can accomplish anything you want if you help enough other people accomplish what they want.”

The concept of content-based networking isn’t new, nor is it original with James. But James makes it very tangible and practical.

This book is both encouraging and helpful.

And it gives you actionable steps to follow.

[Patti Wahley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with practical application

The author did a fantastic job of helping the novice understand the importance of the topic, actionable next steps, and the benefits of the opportunity.