Book Review: The 29% Solution

Says Ivan Misner, the founder and chairman of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization:  “It’s not Net-SIT or NeT-EAT, it’s Net-WORK.  Successful networking is about learning how to work the networking process, not just letting it happen.”

True enough.  And when I received a copy of Misner’s new book, The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies, from his smart and persistent publicity team, I was intrigued by the title.

Early on, the book explains that Misner and co-author Michelle Donovan’s title stems from a study that spawned the six degrees of separation theory, which revealed that only 29% of the population is actually connected to this extent.  We are not born into a web of worldwide, valuable connections.  Rather, one must acquire skills and work at becoming part of that elite 29% and staying there.  It also provides the answer to two conflicting questions that business owners and salespeople face every day:  How can I tend to my existing clients while devoting enough time to network for new business?  Should I place higher value on my current clients or on new clients? 

The best thing about The 29% Solution is its practicality.  You don’t need to spend tens of thousands at business school to learn this stuff.  For a price of under $20, you have access to a course consisting of 52 weeks of assignments, assessments, and worksheets from CNN’s “father of networking” that will lead you to master everything from diversifying your contact list to hosting purposeful events.  He encourages readers to develop the top traits of master networkers, including timely follow-up on referrals, good listening skills, helpfulness, and gratitude. 

There has never been a better time to hone your networking skills.  It may or may not be possible to make it into that top 29%, but Misner and Donovan’s book can surely help you inch closer one day at a time.

Comments

[Phil Gerbyshak]

I've been thinking about buying this book. Thanks for confirming that I should pick it up. Can never have too many tips on how to be a better connector.

[Alexandra Levit]

@Phil, delightful to see you on WCW! Hope you enjoy the book. I'm sure the savvy publicists over at Planned TV Arts would love for you to review it too. ;)