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laurenmchenry's review
3.0
The first chapter of this book had me feeling inspired but by the end I was like…. well I’m definitely not going to do all that. I really struggled to get myself to finish the last half of this book, but I think that reflects more on me than the book itself. Apparently I need a networking book for introverts who don’t like to post/share/comment on social media and also are lazy. Some of the book was unnecessary anecdotes or fillers that I found myself skimming through so I could get to the concrete advice. Other parts felt repetitive. Overall, my biggest takeaways were the tips about building connections in person as an introvert (get them to talk first, set yourself attainable goals for professional events, etc.) as well as leveraging email to keep in loose touch. I also think Wickre’s general approach to networking in the spirit of generosity, curiosity, being open, and creating genuine connection is helpful to keep in mind.
booklearner's review
5.0
I was supposed to go to some work related conferences at the end of this month and last. You know the rest of the story… everything got canceled. This is because I was prepared to go, in large part due to this book. Can an introvert really market themselves, network with others, and work a room full of people? Yes, but in different ways than the stereotypical route. I can use my natural strengths that come easily and play off of those. I took lots of handy notes I am sure to refer back to. Encouraging advice that helped to take the pressure off and that felt doable for me. When the work gets back on it’s feet, these tips will come in handy.
ramonamead's review
5.0
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.
thesimplist's review
5.0
In a world where job security is a fantasy, work skills are changing on a day by day basis, and career advancement is dependent on emotional intelligence and relationship building as much as raw competence, networking has never been more of an existential imperative. As a veteran communications professional that runs my own PR firm, IЉ—Иm no wilting lily when it comes to social interaction, but it is easy for it to become a grind that feels far too transactional and inauthentic. When I found out Karen was writing this book, a follow-on to her must-read article on networking in Backchannel/WIRED, I couldnЉ—Иt wait to get an in-depth primer with her insights. The book doesnЉ—Иt disappoint, and is an important treatise on network building that serves two critical functions:
1) It will help you get into a much more positive mental frame about networking so it is no longer an icky and debasing chore. Rather, itЉ—Иs something you do to build communion with your fellow humans based on curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect.
2) ItЉ—Иs a practical handbook with clear, step-by-step guidelines on how to operationalize KarenЉ—Иs sage advice. She explains in each chapter how various networking functions work strategically and then breaks things down into doable chunks (with templates!) so itЉ—Иs easy to implement. This is the kind of book you litter with Post-its so you can go back and execute on the areas she outlines. In particular, the chapter on how to engage on different social media channels - each of which have their own unique flavor and approach - was indispensable, even if youЉ—Иre a digital native who feels fairly comfortable with social media.
I love that Karen devotes an entire chapter to the emotional aspect of social engagement, and the fear, self doubt, and imposter syndrome that almost always come with it, also touching on the unique challenges facing women and older career professionals. ItЉ—Иs supremely comforting to realize weЉ—Иre not alone in these feelings and that nearly everyone has to muster up courage to put themselves out there.
This is a book that deserves a spot on every working personЉ—Иs desk. It will help you build your social capital with kindness, integrity and grace, virtues the world needs more of from all of us.
1) It will help you get into a much more positive mental frame about networking so it is no longer an icky and debasing chore. Rather, itЉ—Иs something you do to build communion with your fellow humans based on curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect.
2) ItЉ—Иs a practical handbook with clear, step-by-step guidelines on how to operationalize KarenЉ—Иs sage advice. She explains in each chapter how various networking functions work strategically and then breaks things down into doable chunks (with templates!) so itЉ—Иs easy to implement. This is the kind of book you litter with Post-its so you can go back and execute on the areas she outlines. In particular, the chapter on how to engage on different social media channels - each of which have their own unique flavor and approach - was indispensable, even if youЉ—Иre a digital native who feels fairly comfortable with social media.
I love that Karen devotes an entire chapter to the emotional aspect of social engagement, and the fear, self doubt, and imposter syndrome that almost always come with it, also touching on the unique challenges facing women and older career professionals. ItЉ—Иs supremely comforting to realize weЉ—Иre not alone in these feelings and that nearly everyone has to muster up courage to put themselves out there.
This is a book that deserves a spot on every working personЉ—Иs desk. It will help you build your social capital with kindness, integrity and grace, virtues the world needs more of from all of us.
sputniksweetheart's review
3.0
Not bad as a book on networking, it was fairly comprehensive and included plenty of ideas on how to boost your social media presence. Some of the suggestions came off as obviously fake to me (the idea of consciously putting aspects of your personality in there, etc).