Networking for People Who Hate Networking, Second Edition - by Devora Zack (Paperback)

About the Book

Revised edition of the author's Networking for people who hate networking, c2010.

Book Synopsis

Would you rather get a root canal than schmooze with a bunch of strangers? Does the phrase "working a room" make you want to retreat to yours? Is small talk a big problem? Devora Zack used to be just like you--in fact, she still is. But she's also a successful consultant who addresses thousands of people each year, and she didn't change her personality to do it. Quite the contrary.

Zack politely examines and then smashes to tiny fragments the "dusty old rules" of standard networking advice. You don't have to become a backslapping extrovert or even learn how to fake it. Incredible as it seems, the very traits that make you hate networking can be harnessed to forge an approach even more effective than traditional techniques. It's a different kind of networking--and it works.

Networking enables you to accomplish the goals that are most important to you. But you can't adopt a style that isn't true to who you are. "I have never met a person who did not benefit tremendously from learning how to network--on his or her own terms," Zack writes. "You do not succeed by denying your natural temperament; you succeed by working with your strengths."

Review Quotes

"I hate 'networking' and I loved this book! Devora Zack knows networking, and her mission to make it easy and fun for you comes through on every page."
--David Bach, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Automatic Millionaire and The Latte Factor

"Are you an introvert who cringes at the thought of small talk, an extrovert like me who has never met a stranger, or somewhere in between? Wherever you are on the spectrum, reading Networking for People Who Hate Networking should be on your to-do list! This is a delightful assortment of stories, tips, and techniques to help you develop the connections you need to succeed--and learn more about yourself in the process."
--Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The New One Minute Manager(R) and Leading at a Higher Level

"Devora expertly weaves insightful wisdom with a sparkle of wit to address the jungle of business networking. I've successfully applied many of her innovative strategies!"
--Hon. Walter McLean, former Secretary of State of Canada

"You are going to love reading this book! Devora Zack connects with the reader like no other business author I have ever read."
--P. J. Kuyper, President, Motion Picture Licensing Corporation

"Devora understands the potential of the introverted networker. Her techniques will show you that what others may perceive as a weakness is actually your greatest strength."
--Brian Tracy, author of Eat That Frog!

"I highly recommend this lighthearted, eminently practical book by a type-A introvert. (No, that's not a typo!) It's like having a trusted friend there at each step of the way as you become a world-class networker."
--Jeff Martin, former Vice President, Human Resources, AOL

"Only buy this book if you want to improve your career, social, and family lives. If that doesn't sound like you, Justin Bieber's autobiography is two shelves over."
--Amy Lemon, Program Manager, Office of Fellowships and Internships, Smithsonian

"No, you don't have to run around collecting business cards from every single person at every single meeting. Devora Zack proves you can make lots of new connections that help you professionally and personally while being true to who you are."
--Jeffery Weirens, National Managing Principal, Energy, Resources, and Industrials, Deloitte Consulting, LLP

"In the digital age, it's all too easy to ignore the real-world interactions that forge lasting relationships. We need Devora's wit and wisdom now more than ever to navigate networking in the 21st century."
--David Meisegeier, Vice President and Senior Technical Director, ICF

"Devora Zack returns with a much-craved update to her essential networking guide. Love the new tech and new workplace context refits! Just proves everything changes except human behavior! Highly recommended!"
--Dave Summers, Director, Digital Media Production, American Management Association

"A tangible, practical guide to a daunting topic. Zack takes the reader by the hand and with a combination of humor and business savvy navigates effortlessly through the world of networking."
--Howard Wiener, Principal, KPMG, LLP

About the Author

Devora Zack, president of Only Connect Consulting, Inc., provides expert consulting, coaching, and facilitation to more than 100 clients, including the U.S. Department of Education, Cornell University, Smithsonian Institution, and SAIC.