How to Become an Effective Networker

Peter Hodgson and Mark Greenstreet have co-written 'How to become an effective networker' to highlight some of the attributes required that aid successful integration of new networkers into social and business networking societies and improve the chances of experienced networkers in their own networking success.'How to become an effective networker covers the collective of skills that allow better and more fruitful interaction between engaging parties within networking circles and highlights pitfalls that destabilise or destroy networking efforts, with consequent loss of confidence and a downward spiral of networking achievement.'How to become an effective networker' is a fast track route past 15 years of accumulated learnings from two established professional networkers, that raises awareness of positive networking habits based on successful networking principles.Doctor Ivan Misner has recognised the importance of 'How to become an effective networker' to both new and well established networkers and has written a foreword detailing his approval.Prospective employers would also benefit much more expediently from new employees that had read and were actively applying positive networking principles. These attributes would quickly become apparent in interviews and showcase suitability for inclusion within a company or organisation.

Table of Contents:
Foreword 9Introduction 11About Peter Hodgson 13What is BNI? 14You have been invited to a meeting 15Peter remembers his first networking meeting 16A message from Peter 17Networking 18Punctuality 19Peter puts it like this 20Dress Code 222 Second Rule 24Peter knows the benefit of impeccable appearance 25Prejudgment Costs 26Peter remembers 'Pretty Woman' 27Open and Closed Stances 29Peter learnt this the hard way 30Two People in a Closed Discussion 31Two People in an Open Discussion 32A Cautionary Note 34Three People in a Closed Discussion 34Three People in an Open Discussion 36Four People in a Closed Discussion 37Side Conversations 38Introducing Yourself 38A Good Handshake 41How firmly? 43When it goes wrong 44Learn how to Listen 45Peter was once caught out 47Stay in the Conversation 49Peter knows the cost of such a break in attention 50See or Observe? 51Resonance - Small means a lot 53Choosing Happiness 55Peter remembers a negative member 56Open and Closed Questions 57Business Card Exchange 58Peter puts it like this 61Become an Introducer 62Network Hooligan 65Peter recalls a dreadful rep 68Presentation skills 71Be Specific 72Amazing Contact 74Example 60 Second Pitch 75Hooks 78Memory Hook up 80Bizarre is Best 80Number System 82Journey Method 88Your Secret 92Supporting material 93Peter remembers a carpet salesman 94Practice Aloud 95Peter remembers an embarrassing moment 97Nurture Excitement 99Choice of Language 101Peter recalls such an instance 101Technical Language 103Make the Transition 104Elvis Walks In 107Tone and Body Language 107Harmful Facial Expressions 111"Just" or "Hope" 113Greg Rutherford 115Peter recounts - Just 24 Years 118Do not SELL to the room 119Lean on your Sales Team 122Rewarding Feedback 125Trumping 126Peter lost a job due to inadvertent trumping 127Disempowering Actions 129Saying Thank You 132Peter comments on one of his many appreciative customers 133Why is gratitude so important? 133In reverse 136Do Something Unexpected 137Make Someone Feel Important 139Peter opens doors 1416 Months Later 142Give More - Receive More 145Don't Reclaim a Yes 148Make Notes 150Record Your Stories 152Peter's Ditties 154Helpful Reading 156Closing Comments from Peter 158Acknowledgements 160

About the Author :
Peter Hodgson has built a highly successful painting and decorating business, that is recognised by Which? Trusted Trader, on the back of the implementation of fundamentally proven positive networking principles, garnered over a 14 year period and some 700 networking meetings.Peter Hodgson reflects on both his past networking failings and successes, and has collated his analysis of what does and does not work within networking circles and has worked with Mark Greenstreet in presenting these findings to help new networkers fast track past networking pitfalls, while giving some added impetus to seasoned networkers.Mark Greenstreet has worked successfully as an engineering consultant and consequently has developed his writing skills from, firstly a detailed analytical standpoint and secondly, his ability to present technical findings in a presentable format understood by the masses.Mark has also been an active participant in some 300 networking meetings and is well placed to comprehend the networking intricacies Peter wished to present within their co-written book, 'How to become an effective networker'.

Review :
Peter and Mark have captured perfectly, within their book, many of the essential elements required of successful networkers and have meticulously uncovered and presented facets that only experienced networkers understand and apply fully. It is abundantly clear that the section "See or Observe?" is absolutely fundamental to all other networking attributes highlighted through this excellent piece of work. If there were only one section you should read, digest and embrace it would be this one, for it unlocks everything else. This book will benefit immensely those commencing their business networking careers, as it covers a whole host of things that should be done in order to become successful. More importantly there are pitfalls included within this book that most definitely will prevent a positive networking outcome and are therefore to be avoided. Long standing networking members will also find benefit in reading such a concise gathering of useful material, artfully interspersed with light-hearted graphics, reinforcing the intended messages and generally making the book an exceptionally easy and motivating read. Some aspects will amaze even the most seasoned networkers, such as the visitor's card angle contained in "Make someone feel important". Additionally, it is important to note that many of the skills highlighted by Peter and Mark represent social skills, making this book appeal to those leaving academic studies and entering employment, or indeed those entering higher education and wishing to be more conversant with open and closed body language when circulating and mingling socially. It's great to see complacency has not got hold of Peter during his 14 years at BNI and he is prepared to humble himself and publicly reflect on things that he got wrong throughout his BNI tenure, to help others perfect their own networking skills. There are also many things he's got right! Without doubt, "How to become an effective networker" is a must read, for both new and experienced business and social networkers. Dr Ivan Misner - Founder of BNI and NY Times bestselling author