Cambridge Business Association
Work the Pond!
Book

Work the Pond!

Use the Power of Positive Networking to Leap Forward in Work and Life

Darcy Rezac, Judy Thomson and Gayle Hallgren-Rezac
Prentice Hall Press, 2005
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6

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Recommendation

The essayist E. B. White said, “No one should come to New York to live unless he is willing to be lucky.” People succeed when they make their own luck. Many do so through networking. If you are willing to be lucky, new opportunities may unfold before you because of a valuable connection you made yesterday, or one that you will make today or tomorrow. Authors Darcy Rezac, Judy Thomson and Gayle Hallgren-Rezac believe that “positive” networking is the key that opens the door to all of life’s possibilities. If you want to learn to build valuable connections to get ahead, getAbstract recommends this easy-to-read and lighthearted, yet sensible and savvy, book.

Summary

It’s Not “Who You Know”

Your personal networks can help you advance in life if your networking approach is positive, not negative. In other words, don’t ask, “What can you do for me?” but rather, “How can I help you?” This positive networking creates “good karma”: If you help others, they’ll help you.

Many people view networking as a crass activity, the province of pushy salespeople and glad-handing politicians. Nothing could be further from the truth. Positive networking is a process of establishing nurturing relationships. As such, it is a basic life urge and a necessary skill.

Creating a network is not about whom you know – your current circle of contacts. To do it successfully, focus on casual acquaintances. After all, who knows which of these strangers may open up a new world for you? If you shudder at the thought of networking, you are not alone. Networking makes most people nervous. But like ballroom dancing or bicycle riding, it is a skill that you can master with practice.

The Croaking Order

In the fairytale The Frog Prince, a lovely princess accidentally drops her golden ball into a deep pond. A frog promises to get the ball if...

About the Authors

Darcy Rezac has served in executive positions in business, the military and government. Judy Thomson is an accountant, trainer and team builder. Gayle Hallgren-Rezac is a writer and entrepreneur.

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