FT Guide to Business Networking: How to use the power of online and offline networking for business success (The FT Guides) Paperback – 23 Jun 2011

Review

“Despite years of sales and training experience, when I first started Business Networking I found it really hard to do. Over the last five years, I have learnt a lot about networking; then I read this excellent, highly practical book, only to find out so much more about business networking. It is written in an easy to read, down to earth style that makes it simple to learn lessons (and there are loads of them). Even if you are an experienced networker (combining online and offline), I highly recommend you read this book.

If you are new to networking, nervous about or not getting enough results from your networking  - you definitely need to buy this book.”
Jon Baker – Business Coach with Venture-now

“If you ever thought face to face or social networking was difficult or would not work for you – think again! This book makes it easy and really shows why networking online and offline should be your first choice in how to do more business, more enjoyably than ever before. It should be your networking Bible!”
Bruce King - Author of How To Double Your Sales

"If you want to achieve workplace success, and build a strong personal brand, then business networking is critical. Take the first step to understanding and implementing networking strategies by reading Heather's book!"
Dan Schawbel, author of Me 2.0 and founder of Millennial Branding, LLC

“A great practical guide to all aspects of networking – stuffed with lots of quick and easy tips to help you leverage the power of your network.”
Ivan Misner, NY Times Bestselling author and Founder of BNI and Referral Institute

“If business networking was an applied science, Heather Townsend’s book would be the curriculum, survival guide and roadmap to this often misunderstood aspect of life and business.  Having studied and interviewed the UK and the world’s top thought leaders on the subject, coupled with her own practical experience, this book offers an objective overview, discussing business networking’s global principles which are clearly laid out and explained. 

Whether it be face-to-face, or making connections through twitter, every aspect of connecting with others is uncovered and explained.  Readers can hope to have a shifted perception about how they should view networking but most importantly, to learn how to stop wasting time and invest in the actions which, further down the line, will lead to personal referrals or valuable connections – the end goal.  This guide should be read by entrepreneurs, job seekers, employees on all levels, and, in my opinion, high school kids ready to take on the world.  Nothing evangelical, easy-to-read, practical and highly recommended.”
David Stoch, Director, Meerkat PR.

“There are few people as proficient as Heather in both face-to-face and online networking. Queen of Twitter and founder of the impressive Executive Village network, she shares her knowledge in a very practical way in this really valuable handbook. It will give you the confidence and tools you need to excel in both worlds, joining up your on- and offline activity for networking success. I’d recommend this book to anyone in business – whether you are looking to build a company or boost your professional career.”
Sonja Jefferson, Director of Valuable Content


“Heather delivers the ultimate guide for the ultimate business tool of the 21st Century.

Business networking is, in the 2010’s, what talent management was during the 2000’s. It is the essence of sustainable competitive advantage for business. As ‘talent management’ was deemed by some, to their detriment, to be a load of ‘mumbo jumbo’ nonsense, the same can be said of attitudes to networking. Networking is one of those areas where you need to ask yourself ‘Can you afford not to?’ rather than ‘can I spare the time for this?’

Heather’s guide to Networking covers all the ‘etiquette’ that enables people to develop in to effective networkers, whilst not being so prescriptive that it stifles individuality. The guide covers all the different ‘medium’ by which networking can take place. A guide for those new to networking, as well as those ‘older heads’ that need to re-evaluate or refine their approach.

A must read.”
Marc Lawn, Founder of The Business GP

“At  the time I reviewed this book, it was the most relevant, current and comprehensive guide to Business Networking available.   For the novice this is quite appropriate as an introduction to Business Networking.  For the seasoned networker the book is a review of current best practice networking strategies and techniques for both offline and online networking.   A reference manual to dip into for guidance, inspiration or a ‘how to’ tip.

An excellent, well presented opening chapter on ‘Why Network’ whets your appetite and sets the foundation for a journey from Why Network, through Where to Network and most importantly ...How to Network. 

Well researched, the book is punctuated with references and a highly relevant bibliography of books, articles and e-media, allowing the reader to research further any subjects that particularly resonate with them.

I particularly like Heathers pragmatic style.  While the book works extremely well as a ‘how to’ network online and offline manual, Heather understands that it is not enough to know ‘how to’ you have to take this knowledge and apply it ... ‘Do It’.  This is where this book excel’s, each chapter closes with Action Points, there are tip’s and idea’s throughout the book, example letters/email templates, processes and questionnaires to help you analyse and review your business networking strategies and so on...

Apply what you learn in this book and you will benefit from the competitive advantage that being an ‘A Lister’ joined up networker brings.”
Mick Holloway, co-founder of NetLinked

This guide introduces an effective joined-up networking strategy. Townsend discusses everything you need to know to get the most out of networking, both face-to-face and online.

Finance and Management, 2nd July 2011.

From the Back Cover

Voted Marketing Category Winner in the Small Business Book Awards 2012

“A great practical guide to all aspects of networking – stuffed with lots of quick and easy tips to help you leverage the power of your network.”
Ivan Misner, NY Times Bestselling author and Founder of BNI and Referral Institute

“The most relevant, current and comprehensive guide to business networking available.”

Mick Holloway, co-founder of NetLinked

“a ‘must read’ for anyone wanting to use the power of face-to-face AND online networking to generate career and business success.”

Andy Lopata, Author of Recommendedand And Death Came Third

If you’re a busy professional, networking is the fastest and most effective way to build your business or career. Up to 80% of opportunities come from people who already know you, so the more people you know, the more chance you have of winning the new business or the new career you want. Networking is a skill you can’t afford to be without. But what’s the best way to do it? The Financial Times Guide to Business Networking is your definitive introduction to a joined-up networking strategy that really works. Professional networker Heather Townsend guides you through everything you need to know to get the most out of both face-to-face and online networking.

This book will help you use effective business networking to get better results for less effort. It shows you how to:

·         Use online and more traditional networking techniques to your best advantage

·         Get the right approach, attitude and behaviours

·         Maximise your networking success by being relevant, helpful and systematic

·         Quickly build rapport, start a dialogue and generate strong relationships with anyone, regardless of whether you meet physically or virtually

·         Build your credibility and visibility through networking so that you attract the right kind of opportunities

·         Seamlessly integrate online and offline networking techniques for greater business success