“Networking can be a way of life that will change your world for the better.”
Networking Thoughtfully is a short guide for people who need to build relationships, but do not know where to start. Martin Wheadon takes readers through a step-by-step process to help achieve positive results. The reader is provided with over thirty thoughts and clever remedies to boost their confidence and communication skills.
Although the book has been written with businesses in mind, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid and abet personal development, as learning how to start conversations is beneficial when meeting new people, regardless of the circumstances. Networking Thoughtfully draws from Martin’s own experience of developing a successful marketing facility, called the High Tea Club.
Wheadon provides clearly-written advice in a conversational tone, encouraging the reader to believe that he understands their anxieties and talks from personal experience, using examples to illustrate the guidelines provided. The book also provides space for the reader to write their own thoughts or answers to various tasks suggested by the author. It is a book that can be read in parts, or as a whole in only half an hour.
Networking Thoughtfully will appeal to readers of all ages particularly those that are new to networking or want to improve their skills. It will also appeal to businesses and organisations looking to improve networking skills.
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Summary
This is a review of Networking Thoughtfully: The 30 Minute Read That Could Change Your Life.
Several people feel intimidated by this or feel that it's not natural. I thought his definition of networking was spot on; "Networking is just a purposeful conversation between consenting adults”. One of the benefits of networking is that you can bring yourself up to date with events in your industry. Don't always think networking is about you trying to get something from someone else.
You have seven seconds to make an impression so be prepared with an introduction that will make someone want to continue a conversation with you. You should say just enough to capture the person’s interest. Focus on why you are unique and how you can benefit people when you're talking to them. Then let them talk about themselves and what they do. He suggests some conversation starters and different questions that you can ask to get the conversation going. He proposes thinking through the resources you have that you can help others with. If you have these in your head it's easy to recommend them when you're with people. Remember you were the answer to someone's problem. You have a skill set that you can offer. It's also very important to remember people’s names. He gives you tips to help you remember who you're being introduced to. He mentions writing on the back of their business card something interesting that you learned about that person to help you remember them. You should stay until the end of an event as some of the best conversations are when the majority of people have left and there's only the real networkers remaining. He shares different ways to follow up after the event. He also talks about the phenomenon of the 6° of separation. He believes that we each know approximate 250 people and that was before the social media craze. In addition to bringing lots of business cards, he advices a method for separating the people you meet. One pocket is for people that you want to follow up with immediately; the other pocket is for business cards of people that you will keep just in case you want to contact them in the future.
The last chapter summarizes his 11 most important points which is a great reference for later.