I deeply appreciated the opportunity to read and review this book. I'll be using it's contents in my teaching and will make sure to keep an eye out for more works from this author and publisher.

Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introvert's Guide to Making Connections that Count by Karen Wickre was an interesting read. There wasn't any earth-shattering and/or new advice about networking per se. Instead this was really a reframing of networking. I'll own that as an introvert (and with other identities I have/traits) networking isn't an activity I enjoy. With that in mind, this was a book that actually made me feel better about the next time I'm in a networking space. She really does a great job of explaining networking simply in a way that makes it a far less daunting practice. I appreciated that this book was almost like a boost of confidence for introverts. She explains what qualities and strategies introverts might already have that could be an asset. The tips and tricks in this one are definitely things I plan to revisit and try out down the road. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to check this useful tool out!

This title is helping me understand that I network without realizing it nearly everyday. Little did I know paying attention and hearing people is a part of good networking.

Good info but nothing earth shaking. This book is for a specific type of person and I am not one of them.

The concept for this book is absolutely brilliant. As a social introvert who is also an empath, I struggle with wanting to meet new people and make connections, and then being drained by the process. Here, Karen Wickre shows me that my natural tendencies aren't abnormal or wrong. It is possible to make/maintain connections and still stay true to myself. Her writing is conversational and straightforward. It's clear she understands what she's talking about, and she gives tons of examples and references for the reader to utilize as needed. I especially appreciate the breakdown of how to use social media in a healthy way, for maintaining connections. There's guidance on every possible aspect of networking and connecting. I will reference this book again and again as I continue to build my website, brand, and personal network.

Well-written and well-intentioned, this book is more about building a network of contacts (both online and irl) than what we usually think of as "networking," actually going out and talking to people. A lot of the advice is common sense or intuitive to anyone with social skills, but I imagine that this book would be extremely useful to a professional who has just moved to the U.S. A fine resource.

If networking is just too much work for you, grab this easy to read guide to making networking work for you.

Excellent.

The following is my review of Taking the Work Out of Networking by Karen Wickre. I love the fact the author is from San Francisco as I am also from the Bay Area and like to read local authors.

Networking is a scary process for an introvert especially for me having to push myself into networking and having to talk about myself. I'm a social worker by trade, which you would assume would make me more an extrovert since I have to meet people on a daily basis, but it is mostly listening to others discuss themselves (which is great for my personality type). I’m much more comfortable observing and letting others take the lead in talking. As a freelance editor, I have to market myself and network, so this will be a good book for me to learn strategies to do just that and to use my natural abilities.
I liked the "try it out suggestions" as they were beneficial in providing talking points and exercises; for example, the section on small talk and using social media to do live chats.
The social media section in part 2 was invaluable and provided several suggestions on how to use some of the various platforms to engage and enhance your profile.

Overall, Taking the Work Out of Networking is a solid resource to use as a starting point for introverts to dip their toes into the water of networking.

Written in a very conversational style, this book is like getting mentored by a friend.
While she gives specifics for only a few specific social platforms, overall there is wise advice here for everyone, introvert or not. This book will help you step from your comfort zone, make you feel as if there are others like you, and show how some of your traits are more positive than you imagined.