The 29% Solution
Book

The 29% Solution

52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies

Ivan R. Misner and Michelle R. Donovan
Greenleaf Book Group, 2008
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Editorial Rating

8

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Recommendation

How can you develop new clients and new business? The four most time-tested techniques are “cold calls, advertising, public relations and networking.” Cold calls are more enjoyable than sticking yourself with red-hot needles – but not much. Advertising costs big bucks. Public relations can backfire if you don’t know exactly what you are doing. That leaves networking. Networking is not demeaning like cold calls. In fact, it can be fun. It doesn’t cost an arm and leg like advertising. And you won’t inadvertently end up in some crusading reporter’s crosshairs. Ivan R. Misner and Michelle R. Donovan’s book teaches you the best networking techniques. They explain, “It’s not net-sit or net-eat. It’s net-work.” You must “work the networking process.” getAbstract thinks this savvy book does a good job of showing you how.

Summary

“Six Degrees of Separation”

Don’t believe the hype: Most people are not connected with everyone else by the famous “six degrees of separation.” Actually, only about 29% of people are hooked up that tightly. These expert networkers know how to develop and enhance beneficial connections. If you want to join this elite group, then faithfully apply one proven networking strategy each week for a year. This will make you a bona fide master of networking, and it is the most effective way to build your business or professional practice. Your network contacts will become your referral contacts. Here are 52 proven networking strategies. They work for master networkers. They will work for you.

  1. “Set networking goals” – Make them “SMART” goals: “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timed with a deadline” – for example, “I will join my local Chamber of Commerce by the end of the month.”
  2. “Block out time to network” – For real impact, spend at least seven hours each week on networking activities. Begin with four or five hours weekly, then build up from there. Carefully track the time you spend networking. To change...

About the Authors

Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D., founded Business Network International. He is the author of Masters of Networking, a bestseller. Michelle R. Donovan owns a firm that specializes in helping businesses get referrals.

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