( 2 reviews )
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( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 12 2007
This is a very useful book for anyone looking to learn more about networking. While the thrust of the book is networking in the context of job hunting - as could be expected from a book [...] the book also emphasizes the power of networking as a life strategy. In particular, it gives good advice on different networking situations (the introduction, the informational interview, the conference, the networking event, etc). One of my professional colleagues had a negative reaction to the use of animals to characterize the four different types of networker - the Swan, the Butterfly, the Dolphin & the Lion - but I found it a useful device for thinking about my own interactions in different networking situations. I believe that, when all is said and done, the most critical element in any job search, career plan or life strategy is not what your technical skills, or what you know about the XYZ industry, or even who you know through networking. What truly matters is what you know about yourself. If you can start from a basis of strong self-knowledge - awareness of your values, motivations and what makes you thrive as a person - then building your social network will come a lot more naturally. Additionally, maintaining that network will be a lot more fulfilling - perhaps something you could contemplate doing for life and not just at the moment of career-related extremis.
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( 2 of 2 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 14 2006
I've been a recruiter for 8 years, and in my industry people ALWAYS talk about how important it is to "network", but these same people RARELY (if ever) tell you the why and how of building a network. What this book does is explain just that in plain language, without any pomp or circumstance. It was a fun, easy read (2-3 hours maybe) and well worth it. It's a must for salespeople, recruiters, and really anyone who wants to proactively approach their own career instead of waiting for things to "just happen". I would especially recommend the book for people just entering the workforce - it's a great gift for college grads.
