I'm at a Networking Event--Now What???: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of Any Networking Event [Paperback]

Sandy Jones-Kaminski (Author), Jason Alba (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2009 | ISBN-10: 1600051669 | ISBN-13: 978-1600051661

Need help to expand your business perspectives? Find employment? Make contact with that one person that can open doors for you? Are you connecting with the right people? Are you or the people you work with somewhat challenged when it comes to networking at events?

'I'm at a Networking Event--Now What???' illustrates that today's social networking environments practically demand that you have at least some knowledge of effective networking practices in order to achieve the results most of us are looking for.
Through this book, you will learn how to make quality connections, cultivate relationships, expand your circle of influence through networking events, and create good "social capital." You'll also find information on networking tools and technology that will promote new contacts and connections.

For some, this book will serve solely as a reminder, but for many, it will offer new valuable insights on what to do, and just as importantly, what not to do while you're out there working hard to maintain good standing within your social networks (on-line or otherwise), and striving to grow and nurture your own valuable social capital. You'll also learn why you might want to consider becoming a "pay it forward" focused person, as well as how to be more memorable. By the end of the book, you should feel empowered to take matters into your own hands and approach networking with a plan to achieve your goals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 102 pages
• Publisher: Happy About (October 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600051669
• ISBN-13: 978-1600051661
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #780,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Sandy Jones-Kaminski is the Supreme Queen of Networking, and has lots to teeth the rest of us about how to network professionally in a truly effective way that also makes one's personal life richer, more meaningful and more fun. Buy her book, read it and then put her lessons to work to make you wealthy in contacts, opportunity, colleagues, and friends. Sandy's insight and philosophy help you understand how to approach networking in a fresh new way." Susannah Malarkey, Executive Director, Technology Alliance, Seattle

"If you want a great read with awesome advice on networking, then this book is a must on your shelf. Sandy offers a truckload of practical `how to' strategies, tips, insights, best practices and example to illustrate her points. Her pay-it-forward approach is a revolutionary idea I found especially intriguing. If you're struggling for ways to expand your professional contacts and relationships, you'll find lots of answers in the pages of this excellent book." Alan Collins, Author of Unwritten HR Rules and former Vice President of Human Resources at PepsiCo

"This book is a unique and thoughtful approach to making you realize that networking is a part of everyday life. Sandy really simplifies the act of networking and makes it easy and actionable for anyone. It's the perfect quick for any college student or recent grad to learn the basics on how to approach and be successful in networking--and have fun doing it!" Julie Ahn Goldthwait, former Vice President & General Manager, MonsterTRAK

"When it comes to networking, Sandy's book nails it. She breaks the entire concept of networking down into a series of easily digestible parts and then sprinkles in her own hard-won insights over how to build relationships that matter." Matt Youngquist, President & Founder, Career Horizons, LLC

About the Author

Sandy Jones-Kaminski is a self-described networking enthusiast and accomplished communications and business development professional.  She is also a former HR industry exec and recent VP of Networking for one of the largest chapters of the American Marketing Association and a former Chicago Greeter.

Sandy knows how to make meaningful connections, cultivate relationships, host some great networking events, and create what she refers to as good "social capital." She shares her professional insights on effective networking via webinars, one-on-one coaching, workshops and by facilitating in-person networking events called Pay It Forward Parties. Sandy believes that beyond self-promotion, networking builds community and creates healthier and stronger business environments. And when she's not speaking or writing about networking, she helps clients grow their ventures via successful business development and publicity programs and effective communications strategies. Since 2002, she's been the founder and principal consultant of Bella Domain, LLC. You can invite Sandy to speak to your group and find her Speaker's page on her site belladomain.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 102 pages
• Publisher: Happy About (October 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600051669
• ISBN-13: 978-1600051661
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #780,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

As a self-described "networking enthusiast," and someone that knows how to make meaningful connections and cultivate relationships, my friends all said it was only a matter of time before I started writing about this quasi hobby of mine. It also helps that I'm fairly adept at hosting great parties and facilitating productive networking events. And then there's the fact that I've been a writer since the second grade when I won a feature in the school newspaper for a haiku I wrote about spring.

Why the focus on networking? Because connections matter to business development and opportunity creation (my day job), and the whole point of networking is to connect with others by exchanging info, contacts and experience. I believe that beyond self-promotion, networking builds community and creates healthier and stronger business environments. I also believe that just like leadership and management skills, networking skills can be learned which is why I wrote, "I'm at a Networking Event--Now What???" This was my first published book, but definitely not my last. Here's one of my favorite book reviews:

The best tips are after the networking event in chapter 6. There are examples of how to write an email to make introductions to people who have a common interest, yet do not know each other. This has worked four times for me in the space of two weeks. The best part is that once you have made the introduction, then it is up to them to make it work. This is part of Sandy's "pay it forward" attitude throughout the book." - Jim S.

Today, when I'm not writing about networking as a columnist for WomenEntrepreneur.com or hosting webinars about it, I help my clients grow their businesses by designing and delivering engaging social media strategies and successful business development and publicity programs. Since 2002, I've been a business consultant and coach.

I currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area, by way of Seattle this time around (last time it was by way of my hometown of Chicago, IL). I lived in San Francisco 10 years ago after I'd set my sights on living here so I could spend my weekends hugging the nearby redwood trees and during the week work almost exclusively within the innovative and invigorating start up culture that permeates the region. I'm thrilled to be back in the Bay Area and love exploring everything this part of the country has to offer with my husband and creative partner, Keith Kaminski.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Networking - A New Take on How-to Make it Work! November 11, 2009

By Maria Beghe

Format:Paperback

This book is like having your own private networking coach or mentor, and could make for a thoughtful gift for folks you know that

are new to networking, have been scared off from networking events or just aren't used to taking a more relaxed approach to turning

everyday events into "connecting events."

Fun to read, filled with practical & applicable advice, this book is a great addition to your library of EFFECTIVE books related to

building your skill base & broadening your horizons.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read on networking! November 7, 2009

By Alan Collins

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you want a great read with awesome advice on networking, then this book is a must on your book shelf.

Sandy offers a truck load of practical "how to" strategies, tips, insights, best practices and examples to illustrate her points.

Her pay-it-forward approach is a revolutionary idea I found especially intriguing.

If you're struggling for ways to expand your professional contacts and relationships, you'll find lots of answers in the pages of this excellent book.

--Alan Collins, former VP HR at PepsiCo & author of "Unwritten HR Rules"

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best little how-to I've read in a long time November 7, 2009

By Geoffrey P. Tucker

Format:Paperback

I just finished reading "I'm at a Networking Event - Now What?" and I have to say, wow, what a book. I network a lot anyway but this little gem showed me how to network better.

Now I know what to do when someone tells me what they are looking for and how I can help them. Because paying it forward is what life is all about now.

If you're a job seeker and you're struggling with social anxiety to enter a room of strangers, read Sandy Jones-Kaminski's terrific book to turn them into your new best friends and allies.

I'd write a longer review but I have an event to go to so I can practice what I learned!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a reference work to keep on the shelf! January 21, 2010

By jimsmith41

Format:Paperback

For an introvert like myself, this book has been a godsend. Instead of being a wall flower, this book gives you practical advice on what to do at a networking event. I am able to go to these events and come back with four GOOD contacts instead of 20 meaningless business cards.
The best tips are after the networking event in chapter 6. There are examples of how to write an email to make introductions to people who have a common interest, yet do not know each other. This has worked four times for me in the space of two weeks. The best part is that once you have made the introduction, then it is up to them to make it work. This is pat of Sandy's "pay it forward" attitude throughout the book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for the Networking-Terrified January 8, 2010

By Shannon Mead

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Sandy has done a great job of reminding me that networking is not actually as awful as I often think. Even the dreaded "networking event" can be a great place to meet and help others, and it is possible to attend an event with an agenda without being a jerk. The book provides some clear steps for improving your networking style, and is a great resource for college grads, jobseekers and anyone else looking to brush up on their skills.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding networking resource! December 18, 2009

By olyman78

Format:Paperback

My wife is traveling to a very important networking event for her field in the next couple of weeks. I recommended this book to her as a MUST READ prior to the trip. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the conversational style and pragmatism of this book. I'll be recommending it to a number of other friends as well.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love, love, love this book! December 10, 2009

By Holly Gorder

Format:Paperback

I have been unemployed for a few months and have been trying to think of new ways to go about my job search. I know in these times the best way to get a job is to network. Networking always makes me a little uncomfortable but this book gave me a lot of good tools to aid me in my networking endeavours.

I also love the "pay it forward" approach Sandy talks about. I love the quote "The idea is to make a conscious effort to increase the goodness of your corner of the world, and networking situations are the ideal environments in which to give it a go." This is so true! Not only are networking events places that you might be able to help your own situation, but you may also be able to help others during the process.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Networking Has New Meaning!! December 7, 2009

By Joan Toigo-Ouzts

Format:Paperback

I personally would rather have a root canal than attend a "networking" event. The author of this gem has managed to remove the stigma often associated with networking and has reframed the entire concept. How different a dynamic to walk into a room empowered and focused on helping others! This book is an immensely practical tool, packed with concrete examples and easily-manageable steps. The author writes in a very effective, straight-forward style and has a great sense of humor which makes the book a particularly enjoyable read. Anyone who interacts with anyone else needs to read this book!