Networking Thoughtfully

I like positive self-help books, that are practical.

Networking Thoughtfully by M. Wheadon is a good example of that type of book. A quick read, because it does not contain any fluff and gets right to the point, yet it is jam packed with information and practical exercises. Structured in small thoughts, it emphasizes on the mental strategies one should not only imply during networking but before and after each event, in order to maximize the result, one gets from it.
I love how the Author mentioned that a positive approach, via a positive attitude, is an essential component to successful networking.
The multiple exercises presented are easy to follow along, and effective, and so is the advice
For example “Thought Eighteen” focuses on practical steps of how to remember the names of the people in the networking event, and while each step is easy to follow along, it is important and helpful advice for someone like me, who has problems remembering names (I don’t have that problem with numbers, but names are just one of those things, that take extra effort to stick with me).
Also, I love the 10-Meter rule, which basically teaches you to leave any failure behind rather quickly, instead of carrying it with you.
While this book is not an incredibly in-depth networking book, I think it is very useful, serving as a reminder about what we mostly have already been told, but rarely practice. It puts the rules of positive networking back into a framework, where it is easy to grab the information and re-read it whenever you are approaching an event that is important, or as it is in many cases for an introvert, might make you nervous or anxious.
It is nice to have a little book that in a compact space, showcases the importance of a positive attitude in combination with a little bit of preparation can accomplish.

A review of this book has been posted on my book blog http://withinthepagesofabook.com/new-release-networking-thoughtfully-by-m-wheaton-a-book-review

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.

A short but beneficial read. It's not just about networking but confidence in general