Customer Reviews

Networking Smart: How To Build Relationships for Personal and Organizational Success

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Baker contends that networking isn't just for job-hunters or for the self-employed: *everyone* needs this critical set of skills to survive the 1990s and beyond. Lucidly explaining his claims--and backing them up with plenty of solid scientific evidence--he covers, among other things, basic networking principles; the salutary effects (including, for individuals, improved promotion prospects, salary levels, and even physical and mental health; for organizations, improved quality, reputations, and bottom lines) of well-established and well-maintained networks; managing relationships with peers, subordinates, and superiors within an organization; breaking bottlenecks and building bridges between organizational units; encouraging creativity; tapping the power of diversity; networking throughout the organizational life cycle; and managing relationships outside an organization. The latter section discusses how to use networking to find good people to hire; to change jobs; to establish relationships with customers and clients; to develop positive word-of-mouth in marketing; to build partnerships with suppliers; and to co-operate with competitors. There's also a description of how to start or join a networking club. Each chapter concludes with practical lists of actions you can take now, soon, and in the long run. An exceptional contribution to a burgeoning sub-genre: Baker proves that networking has truly come of age as a powerful and empowering force in business.

When I read Wayne's book it really started a creative process within me. I also writes about personal networking, and Wayne has given me a lot of ideas working on. A book that must be read!