By Ivan Misner
(Reviewed by Kevin Knebl)
 
Ivan Misner is known as one of the world’s most successful networkers. He founded Business Network International in 1985. BNI is now the largest networking group in the world, with thousands of chapters on every continent. The organization has facilitated billions of dollars of business over the years, and Dr. Misner is one of the world’s leading experts on business networking.
 
In this book, Ivan starts with a networking self-assessment quiz that enables you to see how effective your current networking efforts are. He then lays out weekly plans that explain 52 strategies that anyone can incorporate into his or her networking, marketing, and business plans. These strategies fall into different categories, such as “Create Your Future,” “Expand Your Network,” “Go the Extra Mile,” and “Get Value for Your Time.” Each chapter ends with a call to put what you’ve learned into action in terms of a simple assignment that will yield immediate results.
 
Many people have never had any networking training, and there are almost as many opinions as to what networking is as there are people. Misner’s book dispels some of the myths about networking and is a great handbook for the new networker or the seasoned, influential networker who has a full Rolodex of mutually beneficial relationships. His tips are short, to the point, and real-world proven. No high-sounding theories here—just strategies that work.