You could say that one of my hobbies is collecting books. I own hundreds of business books on sales, marketing, and business development. If I haven't read every word, I've gone through significant portions of all of them. Except for my business networking books. There are close to fifty in my collection that are specifically on networking and I've read every word.
From Keith Ferrazzi to Bob Burg, I've studied the best in the business. But I also love to find quiet, unassuming self-published gems; usually used and at a bargain rate. Once in a while there is a real treasure that deserves more exposure.
Bargain Books
"You and Your Network: Getting the Most Out of Life" is by Fred Smith, not Frederick Smith, founder of FedEx, but Fred Smith whom you've never heard of even though he had a strong corporate career, ran his own company and was a popular speaker. That's okay, because you know who did hear of Fred Smith? Zig Ziglar and Charlie "Tremendous" Jones.
When I got the book in the mail, I looked at the unappealing cover (there's a tree on it) and then the back side where there are several testimonials. Zig said "I really do love the book..." and now that I've read it, I know what he means. I really loved it, too. And Charlie Jones said "Every chapter is flavored with wisdom, warmth and humility." Yes, you have to love a book where the author uses the sentence:
He was like a left-handed carpenter trying to drive a bent nail into a mahogany log with a banana.
I'm guessing that Mr. Smith was a fun speaker and an engaging guy in person. He wrote in a conversational way, without sloppy or slangy language. It's full of stories and examples which make it easier to read and follow.
The book really isn't about the nuts and bolts of networking, but instead talks to you about the people you want to surround yourself with. Each chapter is based on the kinds of people you will encounter and how to make the most out of that relationship, starting with you and including heroes, models, mentors, friends, enemies and family. Charlie "Tremendous" Jones was known for saying:
You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for two things, the people you meet and the books you read.
"You and Your Network" is a terrific book to read to help you meet the right kind of people to make a difference in your life.
You and Your Network - An Old, Hidden Gem of a Book and an Unexpected Networking Resource
Beth Bridges has attended over 2,000 networking events in the last 7 years as the Membership Director and Chief Networking Officer of a large west coast chamber of commerce. Beth's favorite chapter in this book is the one on Friends.
You can find this book from the publisher's website for under and it is a worthy investment.
You can enjoy Beth's enthusiasm and use her experience to help you increase and improve your networking and grow your business. Try the Networking Motivator Newsletter for free at www.TheNetworkingMotivator.com.
Copyright Beth Bridges, 2010
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