One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker [Hardcover]

Jeffrey W. Meshel (Author), Douglas Garr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2005

The maxim “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” goes a long way toward explaining why some people are more successful in their careers than others. But it’s not only who you know. More important, it’s what you know about who you know. Just collecting business cards is pointless.

But as Jeffrey Meshel points out, most people can dramatically increase their “who you know” quotient once they understand the secrets of a master networker. Meshel, who now has more than 4,500 contacts in his Rolodex, shares the secrets that have helped him become a star in the financial world. For instance, he explains how to:

• stop thinking “What’s in it for me?” and start asking “How can I help you?”
• overcome shyness when meeting people
• learn how to sell yourself
• become a “connector” who puts others in touch
• plant seeds now that will eventually pay off

Filled with fascinating stories and easy-to-master lessons, One Phone Call Away is perfect for anyone who wants to capitalize on the strengths of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances—and take a career to the next level.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The problem with the typical networking "event" is that everyone is there merely to serve his or her own interests. According to Meshel, master networker and founder of several financial groups, the key to creating an effective network is to approach each situation asking "What can I do for you?" rather than "What's in it for me?" Meshel has more than 4,500 contacts in his database, and he feels that he can call on any one of his contacts at any time because of the goodwill that he has built. Networking is usually thought of as something that has to be done, a necessary means to an end. Meshel covers the basics here, but he peppers his advice with interesting stories and interviews with professional networkers so it's actually an enjoyable read. He also delves into our dark corners, addressing such issues as self-perception and overcoming shyness. His rules seem self-evident, once you've read them. Example: "Get out more often. The view of the world from behind your desk is a narrow one." David Siegfried
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Jeffrey Meshel is cofounder and president of Mercury Capital, Mercury Properties, and Mercury Equity Group. He is also the founder and chairman of the high-level networking group Strategic Forum.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Portfolio Hardcover; First Edition edition (November 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591840902
• ISBN-13: 978-1591840909
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,356,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding and rare book in terms of it's realistic approach, December 21, 2005

By 

David D "www.daviddalka.com/" (Chicago, NYC, Seattle, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker (Hardcover)

Although I've recently read many networking books as I've transformed my networking style, Jeffrey Meshel's "One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker" truly stands out! It is a practical, highly enjoyable how to guide and mindset reframe that is quite possibly the most important book on this subject since Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People."

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Phone Call Away, December 21, 2005

By 

G. Scholl (Aspen, Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker (Hardcover)

This is one of those rare books that is immediately useful to the reader. Before I was finshed reading it I was already employing a number of the techniques described. Meshel presents strategies that will enhance productivity and build long lasting relationships for any reader willing to follow his straightforward guidelines. This is perhaps the most useful book on business productivity I have read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a Self Help Book, January 2, 2006

By 

Linda Paige Lichens "Paige Lichens, Prof. Rec... (Washington, DC Metro Area) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: One Phone Call Away: Secrets of a Master Networker (Hardcover)

Unlike other business books that promise to teach you secrets, Meshel simply tells you what did and didn't work for him. He gives you personal examples, some examples of friends, and explains what worked for them wouldn't have worked for him and why. He really explains what business networking is all about and coupled by the 'golden rule' it seems so simple. I really liked the parts where he discussed maintaining his professional database, and even discussed the new web ones coming out for professional networks.