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From Business Cards to Business Relationships: Personal Branding and Profitable Networking Made Easy

Allison Graham

3.50 · Rating details · 22 ratings · 6 reviews

Professionals of all stripes and ages are told to 'get out there' and network so they can build their careers, grow their businesses and/or become influential, but they are rarely taught how to actually do it. Most people are lost when it comes to networking, longing to be part of the 'in' crowd, and wasting time and money being 'out there' and not getting results. "From B ...more

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Paperback, 272 pages

Published May 8th 2012 by Wiley (first published April 11th 2012)

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Apr 01, 2016 Jacob Kojfman rated it really liked it

Shelves: networking

Allison Grahm's book is one of the top three networking books I would recommend anyone read, especially new graduates. The book is set out into 4 major sections or "pillars", with short chapters, making it a quick and easy read.

In the first pillar, Graham sets out what the reader should understand networking to be, what the reader can hope to achieve from having a strong network, and what networking is not.

The second pillar is the one most final year university students or recent graduates will Allison Grahm's book is one of the top three networking books I would recommend anyone read, especially new graduates. The book is set out into 4 major sections or "pillars", with short chapters, making it a quick and easy read.

In the first pillar, Graham sets out what the reader should understand networking to be, what the reader can hope to achieve from having a strong network, and what networking is not.

The second pillar is the one most final year university students or recent graduates will find most beneficial: valuable information about building one's brand, and especially one's professional appearance.

The final two pillars offer the most value for professionals. Pillar three gives great tips on what to do at networking events. One of the most insightful chapters was Chapter 34 on how to calculate the return on attending networking events, beyond just the dollar cost of the ticket.

Attending events and making the small talk at the events has always been one of the easier parts of networking. Most people would benefit from Chapter 56 "Following Up", since 80% of people never seem to follow up after meeting someone at a networking event. In this chapter, Graham demonstrates the value of the information she provides when she reminds everyone that following up does not create a relationship.

My biggest challenge has always been maintaining the relationship afterwards. Thankfully, Graham dedicated an entire chapter to this topic, and provides useful information about how to maintain contact, including tips to stay visible, and lunching daily with different people.

One of the most valuable chapters is the one where she sets out the Relationship Development Action Plan. Graham breaks out contacts into four categories: connectors; target market, which are your prospects or suspects as she calls them; general contacts; and random names, and gives advice on how to deal with each one.

Whether you are struggling to build your network, or just looking for some inspiration on how to do it, this is a great book to read.
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Aug 12, 2012 Paul Nazareth rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Anyone who works for a living or wants to

The first edition was 4 stars. This fantastic second edition continues the author's focus on not just networking but creating a "profitable network". A must read for those seeking employment or to develop a career where business theory turns into profitable reality. Be it for-profit or charitably donated social-profit.

Today in a social media obsessed world, every grad is told "now you have the education, start working on 'brand you' ". What they mean is... you need a networking plan. The author ...more

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Feb 13, 2015 Jane Sorensen rated it really liked it

It is better to read this book earlier in your career than later, but better to have read and implemented it half-heartedly than to do nothing with all your contacts, which is what most of us do with all except our obvious favourites. This book really stresses the importance of getting out there and building relationships, and it breaks down and reduces the "but I'm shy and this feels smarmy" inhibitions that a lot of people may have, particularly when starting out. It becomes obvious when one r ...more

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May 23, 2016 Apryl rated it really liked it

If you're seeking a funny, common sense, how-to-build-business-relationships guide, this book is for you. It was recommended in a business program and I wasn't disappointed. A quick read. Offers you solid, easy-to-implement, non-icky connecting methods for building solid long-term business relationships—unfortunately, something we're not taught in school. For example, checking your outfit in the mirror before you leave your home (i.e. to avoid those embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions at business ...more

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May 10, 2020 Lorna Stuber rated it it was amazing

Excellent book. Even though I know a lot of this information from 28 years of professional experience, I did learn some new helpful tidbits. This book well written and is packed with excellent, thorough, realistic, and specific advice for anyone wanting to further their career by focusing on networking and putting their best foot forward.

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