The Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships

I've just finished reading the Little Black Book of Connections - or rather I finished the "first read" of the book. As all of Jeffrey's books, this is a "perpetual read" that keeps on giving. He is the master of stating the obvious; when you read his recommendations it seems obvious - but if it is so obvious, why don't we do it?And I am not a sales person looking for ideas on how to boost my sales - I am a process improvement consultant. My business partner is a retail consultant and trainer and recommended that I read Jeffrey's Sales Bible. I read it for a lack of something better to read and now own every one of Jeffry's books, subscribe (and anticipate) his weekly e-zine and wait patiently for every new book he publishes. And you will find many "treasures" hidden in every one of Jeffrey's book in the form of Redbits and Gitbits.And talk about results - every time I read (and re-read) his books, I learn something new, apply it and always get results.And this guy can write - better than any business writer I know. You will find no "fluff" in his books - all useful content. Jeffrey doesn't waste words - he just delivers - value, value, value. He can get his point across better than any writer.One last note - Not only are Jeffrey's books the absolute best sales and service reading in the world, the book bindings and composition are works of art. Once you read one of his books, you will most certainly buy the rest of them - just like the rest of us Jeffrey Gitomer fans ...Jeffrey Rocks!

The book cover and feel is much fancier than I anticipated. It's good quality!I have not read the book as yet, but once I do, I will provide further feedback.

Jeffrey Gitomer has written (another) very entertaining and valuable book for the reader to become a more effective business person. A major part of the effectiveness of the information is the candor of the presentation. The book does not suggest that becoming a proficient networker is easy, only that it is the most significant way one can use to get in front of people that can say 'yes'.Networking is a skill, it can be learned and Gitomer explains how to do it-how he did it. As he explains, "all things being equal, or for that matter unequal, people would rather do business with people they know, like and trust." The Little Black Book is humorous at times, and always direct without unnecessary filler. It could be a valuable investment for those that take the information to heart and put some portion of it to work.

Whether we're in sales, a service industry, or profession, how we treat and up with the people we meet day in and day marks us as the kind of person who might or might not turn out to be a valuable acquaintance or even a friend. No matter how socially savvy we are, Jeffrey Gittomer will help you up your game. I'm not a professional sales person and he has helped me.

This good book on networking included the following chapters and key points that I found relevant/useful. It is my intent that the discussions of the chapters (called "assets" in the book) kindle your interest and spur you on to buy the book.Asset 1. Who do I know?In this chapter, the author recommends starting with who you already know. Organize the list by group: friends, customers, etc. Then, make a list of all the people you want to know, and how you plan to connect with them.Asset 2. What do I want?In the next section, the author recommends looking for people you know to introduce you to others. Note what you have given to earn and keep your best connections. To this end, I enjoyed the quote, "The easiest way to get is to give."Asset 3. What do I do?Interesting question by the author: Are men good in sales because they know rejection so early in life? Find supporters. Find cheerleaders. Find people who love you for who you are; who encourage you. Target networking events with more than 50 people, and don't spend more than 3 minutes with each one.Asset 4. How do I connect?In your mind, reposition networking events as a "business party." Ask about someone's wisdom, advice, or experience, to increase your chance of making connections. At events, either don't drink, or if you do, then give away the competitor's cards instead of yours.Asset 5. Who knows you?Become famous to make it easier to contact people. Get yourself mentioned in articles. Write a book. Speak in public. Write a column for a journal. Lead a group in your trade association. Also, look different--some type of signature style.Asset 6. The secret power of connections.Absolutely must belong to organizations. And speak at them. Better still, lead a group.Asset 6.5. The value of connections.The author recommends representing yourself with your own name, not a created brand, to emphasize your sincerity.Overall, I found the book interesting with useful elements I can use in connecting with others. The book loses a star due to its lack of examples. In fact, to get any examples, the reader needs to sign up for the sales email list, which is frustrating. The book would also be improved with discussions on how LinkedIn and Meetup have changed networking. Recommended for relationship-based sales people.

This book reflects all things good about self-improvement books - concise and actionable. I read this book in three days and within a week, I was more bold, better prepared to speak to future connections to promote my business and stretched myself to add value to new connections in return. Within a week, reconnecting with one connection helped me put her in contact with two other colleagues that helped her business. Four people were enriched(including me). I wish I had this book during college and law school to make my own connections opposed to counting on my parents' connections. I would be a millionaire by now...many times over. Nonetheless, with my newfound wisdom I have no doubt I will meet my business goals within a year. Thanks Jeff.