Customer Reviews

Success Runs in Our Race

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would recommend reading this book, as well as giving this book as a gift to all college graduates. The chapter that tells how to create and do an awards ceremony in less than 2 hours alone is worth the price of the book! I particularly liked the way he defined "networking" vs. "neck-working"--and how to handle those who have mistaken one for the other. (Neck-working is misusing your opportunity to network by trying to hit on the opposite sex--a definite no-no!) Mr. Fraser's solid hints on connecting with like-minded individuals in the black community and giving back to the community, not abandoning it are fantastic--and doable. If you like commentary by people like Tavis Smiley, this is your book!

George Fraser knows what is required to be successful in business or in your professional life no matter what your career or profession. Many of the skills he talks about in his book can be applied to your work life or your personal endeavors. On the surface this might sound odd but the success characteristics are the same. What he talks about are the required behaviors that lead to your ultimate success. I will never forget how he emphasizes the importance of networking and how your networks must be cultivated in order to gain maximum benefit. He made the point very clear when I heard him talk to a group when he said, "networking is much more than meeting someone then calling them the next week to ask for a business favor." If everyone learns that networking is and must be created for win/win situations, everyone realizes benefits in the long run. This is a wonderful book and one that has value for anyone attempting to gain a competitive advantage in the business world. Relationships are how things get done in the business world and this book certainly provides the required tools for making that happen.

My goal for reading this book at first was to simply take a self measurement on my strengths and weaknesses as it applies to networking. After completeting this book, I'd come fo find that I've got a lot of homework to do. Reading Fraser's book help me realize a very vital point. Networking goes way and far beyond just attending a function and exchanging a business card. The exchange of a card is only a starting point. Networking is a process that can not be created over night. The art of networking comes from building relationships. From establishing relationships productive networking is and cannot be created until everyone within the arena wins.

This book breaks down the steps neceessary networking skills for individuals looking for jobs, building businesses, and for individuals trying to push their businesses to the next level. Quoted directly by Fraser my favorite wordage from this book is the following, "Networking is not a buzz word. It is very real and the practical method of creating opportunities for our people." In addition his rules for real networking should be on the refrigerators of all African Americans sincere about uplifting of our people in relation to networking. The rules are listed as follows:

1. Networking is about bulding a relationship first.
2. Make networking a way of life.
3. Always be prepared to network.
4. Give first and expect nothing.
5. Build Rapport.
6. Become an active listener.
7. Treat everyone with respect.
8. Think race and culture first.
9. Keep the line up opening.
10. Give thanks to your network.

Kuddos to Fraser for taking the time and writing a learning tool that is truly so needed and neccessary for African Americans everywhere needing guidance and education on correct and appropriate networking.

Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologue Series

Networking is a significant part of my business. George C. Fraser's Book - "Success Runs in Our Race", provides many excellent and effective strategies for networking.

George Fraser has written a common-sense guide for networking and getting ahead. It includes anecdotes, charts, graphs and folk wisdom. Every home should have this reference book.

Networking as defined by the small business glossary is developing business contacts to form relationships, increase your knowledge, expand your business or serve the community. Author, George C. Fraser is adamant that networking is the key to uplifting and unifying the Black community.

SUCCESS RUNS IN OUR RACE is saturated with advice and information about being successful in all walks of life. Mr. Fraser's primary goal is to establish a "New Underground Railroad" of sorts, which basically would not only work for the success of an individual, but also for the Black population.

This book is a compilation of facts, personal stories and tips on improving life for all of us. A sense of community and caring is something that is missing in the world today, and the author hopes to make us more aware of that fact. While I found SUCCESS RUNS IN OUR RACE to be a very informative book,it is not a novel, it is more in the vein of a textbook.

Reviewed by Simone A. Hawks
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers