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The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships

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Reclaim the power of genuine human connection

Networking is often considered a necessary evil for all working professionals. With social media platforms like Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at our disposal, reaching potential investors or employers is much easier. Yet, these connections often feel transactional, agenda-driven, and dehumanizing, leaving professionals feeling burnt out and stressed out.

Instead, we should connect on a human level and build authentic relationships beyond securing a new job or a new investor for your next big idea. To build real and meaningful networking contacts, we need to go back to basics, remembering that technology is a tool and more than just a means to an end. We need to tap into our humanity and learn to be more intentional and authentic.

As a "serial connector" and communications expert, Susan McPherson has a lifetime of experience building genuine connections in and out of work. Her methodology is broken down into three simple steps:
Gather: Instead of waiting for the perfect networking opportunity to come to you, think outside the box and create your own opportunity. Host your own dinner party, join a local meet-up group, or volunteer at your neighborhood food pantry.



Ask: Instead of leading with our own rehearsed elevator pitches asking for help, ask to help, opening the door to share resources, experience, contacts, and perspectives that add diversity to your own vision.



Do: Turn new connections into meaningful relationships by taking these newly formed relationships deeper. Follow through on the promises you made and keep in touch.
Woven together with helpful tips and useful advice on making the most out of every step, this book draws on McPherson's own experience as a renowned "serial connector," as well as the real life success stories of friends and clients. Filled with humor, humility, and wisdom, The Lost Art of Connecting is the handbook we all need to foster personal and professional relationships that blur the lines between work and play--and enrich our lives in every way.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 2021

76 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read

About the author

Susan McPherson

1 book178 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa.
Author 1 book19 followers
April 10, 2021
This is the perfect book for anyone looking for inspiration on how to get out there, meet new people and be of service in the world. Authentic, passionate and deeply experienced Susan McPherson is a serial connector known far and wide for her connections and for the impact she has on those around her. This fun read is packed with personal stories and actionable items that show anyone, from the introvert to the social butterfly, how to make meaningful connections that bring about social impact and career success. This optimistic, energetic and profoundly helpful book is exactly what we need as we wade our way into the post pandemic world.
Profile Image for Danielle.
165 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2021
QUOTES

Page vii
Connecting comes down to one simple question "How can I help?" --asking this question in any meeting, any introduction--any moment--immediately narrows my focus on how I can be of service and support others.

Page 5
...it's okay to have interactions that feel awkward. We can learn from each of those interactions and do better next time. Instead of thinking, "Oh, maybe that rubbed that person the wrong way or I'm not sure if I fit in with this group," it's more helpful to think "What did that interaction teach me about myself? What can I create from that?"

Page 7
....when people throw out the excuse that they don't want to "bother" someone else, it's usually an excuse to avoid vulnerability--the very thing that can allow a meaningful connection to transpire.

...pause to consider where the obstacle might be fear. Fear of rejection, fear of closeness, fear of failure, or even just fear of feeling awkward.

Page 14
When you're feeling overwhelmed at work, maybe what you need isn't less-or different work, but better relationships.

Page 73
Instead of "get a job in public relations," think "use communications and media to eliminate gender bias" or whatever issue is important to you. When you move from the tactical to the inspirational, you will start to build a constellation that fuels both personal as well as professional growth.

Page 81
So remember to establish that first: if you are willing to be completely yourself, to be brave, and to get uncomfortable, the constellation you seek to create will more easily fall into shape.

Page 113
...if you feel nervous about making an ask, you can remove yourself from the situation and place the attention back on your mission.

Page 123
As the business and interruptions of the workday put pressure on you to send out your emails and texts quickly, it's important to keep a relationalist framework in mind: How can you communicate with this person in a way that deepens your commitment to each other, as well as your shared goals and values? How can you pave the way for dep conversation, mutual comfort, or impactful work in a way that builds beauty and depth?
Profile Image for KKEC Reads.
1,079 reviews70 followers
April 19, 2021
Published: March 30, 2021
McGraw Hill
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Meet Susan. She's one of the best connected people in the social good world. Whether she's speaking at industry events, writing for business publications or hosting a McPherson Memo Live Social Impact Chat, Susan brings warmth, knowledge and savvy to everything she does. Susan is also the author of The Lost Art of Connecting.

“Every single person is an introduction to something else: another person, a unique skill, a new project, or something you inevitably will learn about yourself.”

I received a copy of this book from Susan’s publicist, Nina, after I reached out to Susan on Twitter. And I’m still blown away that these incredible women sent me a copy to review. This book has been sitting on my “to be read” pile, and I have been anxious to get here.

Everything about this book is fantastic. Susan McPherson shares so much valuable insight, and she delivers it as though she is your dearest friend and loudest cheerleader. The advice is broken down into easy-to-read and understand sections. And it’s things that everyone can do.

Whether you’re a high-powered CEO, or a dreamer trying to get their brain baby to take flight, The Lost Art of Connecting holds something that will resonate inside you. This is a mind, body, and soul journey.

The way Susan writes is so genuine and so authentic. She is not afraid to be vulnerable. She practices what she preaches. You will gain so much knowledge on how to take your constellation to the next level.

The beautiful thing is that it was written from a place of passion and genuine excitement. This is not just another “self-help” book that will look cool sitting on your office bookshelf. This is a brilliantly researched, thoroughly detailed, easy-to-understand, life-changing book filled with so much hope and so much real experience that you won’t believe how quickly you finish.

I devoured this book. And as I was reading, I kept getting an image of one of my dear test friends in my mind. My friend is seriously the natural embodiment of everything Susan is saying. I immediately messaged my friend and told her she needed to read this book. Boom. I was making a connection.

It is insane how easy Susan’s roadmap to building our constellations is. We are doing many leg work already but might need a little direction or some polish. Susan teaches a “How can I help?” method, and it is foolproof. I am so excited to take these tools into my next networking event.

You will want to attend a conference with 300+ people you don’t know, simply so you can put these words into action. This is something every person can benefit from. These tips are so genuinely written, and the advice and shared experience are so selflessly given.

Get ready to add a Susan McPherson star to your constellation, my friends, because after reading this book, you will feel like you can take on any challenge before you. Motivation, action, and tangible things you can change or implement right now are only a few of the beautiful benefits of this book.

Thank you so much to Susan McPherson and Nina for allowing me to read and review this book. I can promise you ladies and my constellation will all be fans of these words.
Profile Image for Tammy.
Author 2 books10 followers
April 25, 2021
I fully enjoyed this book! It will do wonders for you if you are nervous about networking, but even if you're pretty good at it (I am, but after all, I'm lucky enough to have Susan as my IRL mentor!), you'll be reminded *why* building relationships is an art and inspired to be ever better at it. While reading "The Lost Art of Connecting," I texted friends and even arranged a meet-up. It's that effective at driving you to gather, act, do.

I loved how Susan weaved her advice in with her personal story and her parents' legacy, along with fantastic interviews and research. Buy this book or check it out from the library -- and when you're done, pass it along. This is a book meant to be shared!
Profile Image for Karen Hewitt.
318 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2023

"The Lost Art of Connecting" is a valuable guide that reminds us of the importance of genuine human connection in our increasingly digital and disconnected world. Michael Gelb offers insightful perspectives and practical strategies to help readers strengthen their ability to connect with others on a deeper level.

One of the strengths of this book is Gelb's emphasis on mindfulness and presence in our interactions. He highlights the significance of being fully present and engaged when communicating with others, emphasizing the power of active listening and genuine curiosity. The book provides helpful exercises and techniques to enhance our awareness and improve our ability to connect authentically.

Moreover, Gelb explores the various barriers to connection and offers strategies for overcoming them. He delves into the impact of distractions, biases, and assumptions on our ability to connect, providing useful insights on how to navigate these obstacles. The book encourages self-reflection and offers practical tools for self-awareness and personal growth.

"The Lost Art of Connecting" also addresses the importance of empathy and compassion in building meaningful relationships. Gelb emphasizes the value of understanding others' perspectives, practicing empathy, and fostering a sense of connection based on mutual respect and understanding. This aspect of the book resonates strongly, especially in today's divisive and polarized society.

However, at times, the book can feel slightly repetitive. Some concepts and examples are reiterated throughout different chapters, which might diminish the overall impact and pace of the reading experience. Additionally, while Gelb provides valuable insights, the book could benefit from more specific and actionable strategies to help readers apply the principles of connection in their daily lives.

In conclusion, "The Lost Art of Connecting" serves as an insightful guide to cultivating deeper connections in our personal and professional lives. Gelb's emphasis on mindfulness, presence, and empathy offers valuable insights and practical exercises to enhance our ability to connect authentically with others. While the book could be more concise and provide additional actionable strategies, it is a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to improve their interpersonal relationships and rediscover the beauty of genuine human connection.
Profile Image for Kristina Libby.
60 reviews14 followers
March 25, 2021
Incredible book about the power of connection, networking and building community to help you achieve your dreams. Easy and clear with simple to follow tips and tricks!
2 reviews
November 10, 2023
I bought the audio book, and really enjoyed hearing Susan's soothing voice tell the stories. It felt like a brilliant friend giving amazing advice. I am borderline introverted, and always cringed at the thought of networking. This book changed me. It is the first time I actually understood why and how achieving your dreams requires making a lifestyle change. One geared towards connecting with people. And that lifestyle change melts away any anxiety about "networking". Since reading Susan's book, I have connected with wonderful people and it has been more fulfilling than I ever imagined. Some were people I knew I could help–and were thrilled to get my help, and others were people I reached out to casually, that became clients. I can't say enough about this thoughtfully written book that is so easy to follow through on. Trust that your future self will thank you for this one!
Profile Image for Matej yangwao.
169 reviews11 followers
July 7, 2022
Unconditional advice how to grow and foster new, ongoing and incoming relationships, few generally great tips about actions we might forget to do, otherwise great to recall them again.
Once you'll be steady, your network will grow rapidly.

Gather, ask, do.

>Relationships should never be about what you can gain from people, but rather about what you can learn, discover, or connect another person with.

>When you ask how you may assist someone, their interest in you grows exponentially faster.

>You can make connections and partnerships in unexpected places when you expand your current networks. The greater the number of individuals you know, the better.

>When you ask how you may assist someone, their interest in you grows exponentially faster.

>offering your assistance eliminates the image of being weak; it makes you and a possible customer or colleague closer to one another.

>When you know how to say unpleasant things in a friendly way, people feel closer to you, more connected, and more appreciated.

>One of the most overlooked parts of business relationships is making extra efforts even when things seem to be going well.

>Be thankful for the gift of friendship. No matter how smart you are, you need others around you to grow.

>People will offer you advice as your network of connections and ties grows, sending countless unsolicited advice, comments, and recommendations your way. Often, these suggestions go unheeded, but you should take the counsel as seriously as possible, particularly if you are in a relationship that you would want to be significant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenny Hill.
127 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2023
This is one of my favorite reads on networking. Susan McPherson is a serial connector and has devoted her life to making meaningful connections in all areas of her life from person, family work and beyond. I wish I had this book when I was 18. I found it the modern day version of How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the book:
-Immediately follow up after a meeting to set yourself apart
-Always ask "How can I help" before you ask them for anything. Get in this mindset and magic will happen and trust will build with perfect strangers.
-Create your own party and intentional gatherings to build impactful relationships and avoid ever feeling FOMO. If you have your own parties, you won't ever feel like you are left out. Eventually, people will repay invitation to future gatherings.
-Don’t wait to be qualified or for permission, to connect or ask for help
-Followup should be about constantly finding ways to connect and deepen the relationship
-Ask thought provoking questions to deepen a conversation and get past the small talk
-Make a relationship with others for a while to establish trust before you ever make an ask.
-Thank someone for advice you have directly implemented.

Thank you for this book Susan McPherson. It was one of my favorite reads.
Profile Image for Morgan.
3 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2025
Everyone should read this!! A handbook for your life, a manifesto on the power of connection, an inspiring and timeless tribute to how to widen your and deepen your relationships. Reading this book is like listening to your very smart and wise mentor give you helpful advice about HOW TO BECOME A CONNECTOR.

Each piece of wisdom is backed up with both QUANTITATIVE and QUALITATIVE evidence so you’ll learn the reasoning behind the magic. This is both an enjoyable and tactical read that is not to be missed if you want to grow professionally and better enjoy traditional networking opportunities.

The book details advice for all career levels so this would also make a GREAT GIFT to a professional at any stage. I highly recommend this!
Profile Image for Brian Kramp.
260 reviews32 followers
June 13, 2022
I didn't get that much out of the book. It was all about making connections and how to keep in touch. It kind of seemed like "just do it" was her approach. Not very book worthy, and stories weren't that interesting.

Random notes:
Ask: "How can I help?"
"We have two ears and one mouth for a reason."
At a connecting event if you're introverted, you can have goals to meet 3 people, share 3 ideas, and learn 3 things.
Instead of asking how are you (in a formal group setting), ask "What 2 words best describe what you're feeling right now?"
Profile Image for Aniket Patil.
525 reviews22 followers
July 11, 2022
This book was average atleast I got that feeling. It may be because I do a lot of those things on professional front due to nature of my work which involves marketing as well as sales. I found book helpful in some parts.

The reason I gave 3 strts becuase, author knows how to attract reader with exam headings, may it be for chapter or topic, sub headings , points. It gives us clear cut idea about what to expect. Overall it was average experience for me. But those who are new to relationship building will defintely like it.

2 reviews
July 31, 2023
Thoughtful and inspiring! Perfect for me as someone returning to the work world and anxious about the necessary “task” of making new connections. Susan is definitely a serial connector, and I’m grateful she has shared her wisdom that brought her success with meaningful and complementary work and personal relationships. The examples and personal stories, hers and others she interviewed, were invaluable! Also great book to share with my niece and nephew just graduating from college. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Margit.
4 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2023
A seriously useful book if you find yourself stuck at a dinner party and drawing a blank when it comes to keeping the conversation flowing. Susan McPherson is a genius when it comes to making connections — whether personal or business and in this quick, engaging read she offers a treasure trove of insights on building meaningful relationships through her Gather, Ask, Do method. She uses practical advice and real-life examples which make it easy to apply these principles in the real world. A must-read for anyone looking to enhance their professional connections and network effectively.
157 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2022
Lots of great takeaways in this book. I like the optimism and the approach to building business relationships. Parts of it is a bit too connected to American culture for me and elements like snail mail seems dated. However the key lessons are valid and useful. I for my part will work to open doors. I especially enjoyed the part about leaders who are connectors having the most positive impact on the people they lead.
1 review2 followers
July 25, 2023
In an age of transactional networking and fleeting interpersonal relationships, this book is a wonderful primer for connecting in meaningful, authentic ways. While there are practical lessons here that are quite helpful in professional settings, the same attention and care can be used in interpersonal endeavors as well. This seems particularly well-timed as we negotiate our post-pandemic schedules, lives, and priorities.
1 review1 follower
July 25, 2023
I read The Lost Art of Connecting during the pandemic, as I was just launching my philanthropy and sustainable finance advisory firm. This Book gave me so many creative ideas and insights on how to rekindle existing relationships and build an entirely new network. Susan's expertise and magic are invaluable whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, working within a company or organization, or just looking to grow your network organically and in a meaningful way. I highly recommend it.
1 review
August 3, 2023
This book is an essential read! Susan approaches connectivity through a unique and deeply human lens. She is passionate about creating value that is both heartfelt and non-transactional and in celebrating the power of purposeful connection, she de-stigmatizes a notion of “networking” - reframing and celebrating intentional connection that is deeply fulfilling, energizing and rewarding.
Profile Image for Laura Moso.
1 review
October 17, 2023
Highly recommended. I read this book prior to attending a work conference. It's focussed my approach in a way that I feel more confident to show up and make meaninful live long human connections. Susan's 'Gather, Ask, Do Method' provides a clear path with great ideas and examples for creating a strong network/ constellation, business or personal, for a better world.
Profile Image for Gloria Feldt.
Author 17 books41 followers
October 16, 2021
The world turns on human connections and Susan McPherson reveals exactly how to make genuine connections in this book; they will serve you well in your career and life. The book is engagingly written. You'll enjoy it.
Profile Image for Juan Consuegra.
54 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2022
It is actually a good reading, one that put some methodology into the art of connecting. What really caught my attention was the simple “how can I help” question, that opens limitless opportunities if one makes it disciplined and on a constant basis. As always, discipline favors the brave 😀
Profile Image for Ilina.
1 review7 followers
July 25, 2023
This is a guide for those who hate networking but love authentic connection. You’ll find tips and insights that inspire both personal and professional interactions. A must read, brought to you by the preeminent voice in real, meaningful connection in the workplace and beyond.
Profile Image for Elisa.
Author 1 book38 followers
July 25, 2023
I’ve always had a little social anxiety, especially around gatherings, and it’s definitely doing a number on me as we have emerged from the smaller world of COVID lockdowns. This book is a perfect tool to help guide my decision making and improve my mindset.
Profile Image for Michael C..
15 reviews
March 27, 2024
Networking is what this book is about.
I was hoping for inspiration on paths to building deep, lasting connections with the few people who matter the most in my life.
I was not looking for a book on self-promotion with all the people in the universe.
Profile Image for Lee.
166 reviews
June 9, 2021
Such an important read at this time and since she wrote it during the pandemic, it has a lot of up to date information. Well done!
Profile Image for Kelly.
286 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2021
In The Lost Art of Connecting, Susan McPherson argues that our business self and our non-business self are one in the same, and she encourages readers to develop genuine friendships with professional contacts in order to make career growth both more fruitful and more personally fulfilling. Much of the advice was reminiscent of Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (another excellent relationship-focused business tome). Although McPherson seems to be writing for a business audience, the nuggets of wisdom she dispenses can be applied to any manner of relationships, in order to help readers build more meaningful connections.
Profile Image for Mary Lemmer.
Author 2 books8 followers
July 25, 2023
Susan McPherson offers such a gift with her book and her presence! She walks the walk and is truly a gem!
Profile Image for Ericka Stark.
71 reviews
December 22, 2023
I didn't get much out of this book. She just tells you to go do it and tells stories how she did. Way too many stories and not enough practical advise for newbies.
Profile Image for Christel .
45 reviews
January 2, 2024
Such a great read and so much good information that can be used for more than business relationships!
Profile Image for Kristina Pottinger.
6 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2024
It was a good book and well written. But it came off as more of a research paper with a bunch of data, rather than the how-to book I was hoping for.
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