Customer Reviews

The Power of Approachability

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So many tips, so little space to write about them all. Ginsberg talks about the 5 things this book will help you become, and it really does help you with each of them (become a great conversationalist, become unforgettable in your first impressions, become a networking superhero, and become the epitome of approachability in your business and personal lives). I especially enjoyed the tips on how to become a networking superstar, with valuable tips like remember NOT to put your cell phone on the dinner table when out with friends, NOT to just talk about you, and other insights. For those who are looking to be a better listener and a better communicator, this book is definitely for you. The tips are very practical, and easy to implement. I couldn't recommend this book more highly!

Are you approachable? Hmmmm.... the first time I heard that question, I wasn't sure. What exactly does it mean to be approachable?

The author, Scott Ginsberg, "that guy with the nametag" (who has worn a nametag continuously since Nov. 2, 2000), certainly has the experience to explain it -- and uses his Six Power Principles of Approachability to share his insights.

Throughout the remainder of the book he teaches you how to improve each of these areas.

Some of my favorite parts of the book explain how to deal with those tricky networking situations like:

-- What if you always forget names? (Appendix D)
-- What if you're stuck, and don't know what to talk about?
-- How do you get out of a conversation with someone without abandoning them (p. 50)
-- What if you meet someone but they don't have business cards with them?
-- Should you say, "Do you remember me?" (page 171)
-- What should you do if you see someone you should know but you can't remember who they are? (p. 84)

Make sure you read to the end because some of the best parts of the book are at the back. Chapter 9 talks about Success Sentences(tm) which explains what sentences are good to use at networking functions and which ones are not. For example, "Where do you work?" can trip up people who have been recently laid off but "What are you working on this week?" is more open-ended and gives them a way to answer without feeling embarrassed.

If you've struggled with networking and conversing with strangers, this book will take away much of your stress. You can even preview the first three chapters online (and sign up for his newsletter) at http://www.hellomynameisscott.com .

What I love about this book is that it is one of those books you don't know you need until you read it -- Scott provides real-life solutions to those frustrating networking challenges!

I met Scott Ginsberg at the WOMMA conference and then read The Power of Approachability because we received the book at the conference. I promptly read it and felt so compelled by it, that immediately I decided that it would become the third required textbook in the networking/referral based course I teach. We have used questions from the back of the book to help our guests at our networking events get connected with others more easily and quickly. Additionally, I could open this book every day and find something to implement as it is so chock full of good techiques. The one I love best (at least today) is when someone says "Fine," to your question of, "How are you." Read the book to find out what "fine" means and how it is not the best way to answer that question.

First of all, this is a pretty short book. It's listed as 220 pages, but about 40 of those are a marginally useful appendix, and there are lots of cartoons and giant blocks of text. That can be excused if the remaining content is high quality, but I'd have to say it's not.

I found the writing unengaging, and he pulls in a lot of outside quotes without context. I didn't feel like I learned anything new from this book, other than that you can wear a nametag all the time, and what people will say to you if you do so.

A lot of the book is about Scott going to a conference, or Scott working at a hotel, or Scott on a plane. A bit of that could be interesting, but there's way too much of it. The anecdotes about his friends or people he met doing presentations are more interesting, but rarer. With all of the personal anecdotes, the book comes off as very self-promotional, as if the author really wants you to book him for a speaking engagement.

Also, a lot of it comes across as rather snippy, taking digs at other networking books or people he met. This is quite hypocritical, given his recommendation not to insult people or talk behind their backs.

I recommend just going back to the authority, Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People." It may be slightly outdated, but I think everything important covered in Approachability is covered in Carnegie's work. Plus, Carnegie has a better writing style and more interesting anecdotes.

This is all of Scott's best ideas, articles, tips and more - all put into one book. He is great for making the business concepts simple. He backs the concepts up with stories. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. You'll be more approachable. That means you'll be better in all of your relationships - both personal and business!

"Since connecting with people/networking is one of my niches, I read books on connecting with a careful eye. I read to see if the writer truly understands that making a person feel significant is truly the key to making and maintaining friendships. Scott has gotten it sooo right!!! This is an outstanding book that provides simple techniques that anyone can use any where at any time." Kathy Condon, Executive Coach

Ever read a book that is FUN and you are learning at the same time??? That you actually feel that you are having a one on one conversation with the author, and learning along the way? I consider myself a very good networker, (I love people-that helps!) but I really learned so much from this book! I totally LOVE the 50 questions you can use to engage a conversation! No more-boring weather questions.... This is an inexpensive "course" in increasing our relationship portfolio! Our network impacts our net worth-this book will increase your net worth if you read it and take to heart and actually try some of his ideas and be open to his philosophies. Karen S. Hoffman, Founder www.cityofexperts.com

Great book! This book is about being personal. It is very difficult for some people to interact with others. Scott takes us on a journey of how strangers can meet each other in the most effective way. Yes, Scott is the extreme as he walks around with his nametag on all day, everyday! But that allows us as the reader to figure out where we fit in. Are you stepping outside of your box enough to get to know others. Scott teaches us that much success can be achieved by knowing how to approach others. First impressions are so important. I loved the chapter where he discusses how to communicate effectively with email and over the phone. He gives great ideas on how to spice up your emails, make lasting answering machine messages, and how to have proper cell phone etiquette. Overall, Scott reminds us that we have to take the initiative to make lasting impressions. This book guides the reader along the right path! I love the Bad Sweater Party idea! Cheers

This book changed my life. I never knew how unaproachable I was until I read Scott's book. After implementing the sage stratagies of this modern day master of human/commercial relationships, I find that people are no longer afraid to approach me(when I'm selling them things). The light verbal cajoleing I recive at parties for wearing a name tag, or the odd looks I get when I wear my name tag out to dinner with freinds i've known for years are a small price to pay indeed. Thank you scott.

In the book, Power of Approachability, Scott Ginsberg has written a matter-of-fact guide on how anyone can maximize their own approachability. Scott has put together some incredible materials and insightful information, most of which comes from his own real-life interactions and observations. That is just one of the reasons why the book is so hard to put down. The reader is challenged from the introduction to take charge of their own approachability on a daily basis. Additionally, Scott helps you to fill the gaps between Why we need to be approachable? and How to do it. Anyone who reads this book will learn how to become a better communicator, networker and listener; all of which will lead towards a life of greater personal interactions and personal success.

Ted Twenter - President, PRO Expo Consultants