Networlding: Building Relationships and Opportunities ... (ISBN 0787948195)

Amazon.com Review:
If "networking" was the battle cry of the business world at the tail end of the 20th century, Melissa Giovagnoli and Jocelyn Carter-Miller hope to make "networlding" its call to arms in the new millennium. Giovagnoli, a consultant and speaker, and Carter-Miller, a Motorola executive, agree that one-to-one connectivity is still the key to professional advancement. However, they believe their updated concept will prove more effective in coming years because, if properly implemented, it will forge deeper bonds and lead to greater opportunities than its more superficial predecessor ever could. In Networlding, the authors explain their practice as a "purposeful process of collaboration" among individuals who "share similar intent, values, goals, and interests." They then lay out a seven-step system for developing such mutually beneficial personal relationships, ranging from the establishment of "a values-rich foundation" through the formation and cultivation of a circle of "connections" with whom you "co-create opportunities" that move everyone ahead. There are plenty of specifics, exercises, and real-life examples here for those serious about attempting this technique. It should prove applicable for almost anyone in any type of business situation and virtually any stage of his or her career. --Howard Rothman

Do Not Waste Your Time With This Book!:
Some people write books for the sake for writing. Some people claim to be smarter than others by assunming others are stupid. Both are true for this book! It is always annoying to read books that tell nothing but common knowledge. The authors recycle ideas from any five books that one can find from library, then put them in an order that is not necessarily logical anyway. For example, after claiming how great this "networlding" idea is, the book suggest you start with "friends, family, cusotmers, colleagues, vendors" with probably average 5 lines of explanation under each. Sounds intriguing, eh? The book suggests some important quality for one to be succcessful in "networlding": "supportive, continuous communicating, good listener, responsible, influential, knowledgeable, empathic, appreciative..." and again providing five line explanation. How original is this? I guess if I look up any dictionary, I can find another couple thousand words that I can argue that if you don't have them, you are not going to be successful, in anything, networlding or not! What is the most annoying about this book is that it tries to differentiate so called "networlding" with the networking people know. If the concept of networlding had been so different, then it would have been acceptable. Instead, the book assumes that every "networker" just constantly passes out business cards. It is almost offensive to any networkers with reasonable skills. For example, one of the most important messages in the book is that "networlders" discreminate their network by value. First, any people into network knows about this. Second, the examples provided in the book to prove this are nothing new - so and so and so and so are good friends, then suddenly one day one finds a job for another. Logically, such examples don't even support the arguments. Unfortunately, there are tons of books out there that do not offer anything other than common knowledge that no one can object. Good books, however, offer original ideas or constructive suggestions. This is not a good book. This is a book that the authors simply assume the readers are stupid. Do not waste your time on it.

Important at any stage of a career:
Networlding is an excellent resource for professionals in any stage of their careers. So often, individuals think that simply introducing themselves to others and collecting stacks of business cards is sufficient for their professional development. But Melissa and Jocelyn remind us that it's what takes place within that exchange and the expectations and goals laid out upfront that lead to truly productive professional relationships. Networlding is a practical seven-step guide to which one can refer time and again to revive a career that has grown complacent.

Take networking to the next level:
I really liked Networlding because it helps you take networking to the next level. The Networlding Support Exchange Model for example gives insights in how the trust and relationship building process work. Networlding is NOT a book about how to make contact at events or how to use online business networks like LinkedIn. The subtitle of the book is "Building relationships and opportunities for success". And that's exactly what the book is about. Read, apply and be amazed with the results. Highly recommended !

Serious about changing your mindset?:
The book, Networlding is for people who want to change how they view life and work. It is not for everyone. Even though it offers 7 steps, it is not a how-to, 1,2,3 you have it, now go out and change the world. Instead of being a step-by-step "how-to," it is real and sustainable. Those who truly want to learn know that anything transformational takes work. Therefore, they won't be surprised that they need to put forth effort to read and understand the message. Networlding also is not new information. When you think about it, what really is new? What is new here is that current ideas are put into new and boundary-breaking form. Anyone who takes the time and puts their mind to the task will find great rewards. The act of Networlding is a process that once internalized, brings out a new powerful mindset, which can be immediately put to work. For example, it has been noted that relationships are difficult today for many who have spent time in technical situations. The book helps people eliminate relationships that are going nowhere, and build value-driven relationships that will last and bring mutual benefit. Moreover, it "gives permission" to prioritize relationships. The authors tell all they have learned about networlding. Parts of the information are very fitting for some people, and other parts are perfect for others. I suggest this book to anyone who sees themselves wasting time, going around in circles and getting little from time spent with colleagues. Even if you read parts of the book now and then, there is much to glean from it. You will find yourself wanting to dig deeper and deeper into the concept and incorporating parts of it into your life.

AWESOME!!!!!:
The co-author team that wrote this book was on the money. If your tired of the old ways of networking and your looking for a newer system that is reciprocal and more meaningful. Than go no further. The author's create an environment of understanding and implementation to the reader of their ideas of networlding and backing those ideas with some great resources. A must read if your a dreamer or trying to move ahead!