Networking can be an endless source of business – if you do it right. It introduces you to new people, builds relationships, and leads you to new business you couldn’t get on your own.
But many people find networking doesn’t get results. They go to the meetings and enjoy them because they’ve made some friends, but they don’t see any impact on their bottom line. Others give up entirely because they find networking a waste of time.
If you’re one of those people, you probably also know one or two people who are brilliant networkers. Everyone knows them, they’re well liked and they seem to get tons of business from networking.
How do they do it?
If you have ever asked that question, you need to read The Frog and Prince: Secrets of Positive Networking to Change Your Life
by Darcy Rezac. This book is hands down the best networking book I’ve read.
Using the analogy of a frog pond to describe networking, this entertaining book offers a blueprint for becoming a successful networker – a prince. Basic tips include how to design an effective business card to how and when to pass one out. More in-depth chapters talk about working an event with a partner and how to attract attention at conferences.
The most important lesson from the book is that everyone has to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince. (And they hope they don’t meet many toads along the way.) Your goal should be to become a prince (or princess).
The way to become a prince is to remember you are not there just to sell your product or service. In order to be a prince, you need to go into a networking event thinking, “how can I help other people?” By helping match people together, you can turn into one of those brilliant networkers.
It’s like the old adage, “What goes around, comes around.” With networking you can get out more than what you put it
Using the frog pond, along with stories and examples from real networkers, The Frog and Prince is an easy read that is packed with useful information. Even if you are an experienced networker, you must find time to add this book to your reading list. It may be the best investment you make all year.
Andrea J. Stenberg
