Dear SafetyXChange Members:

Stopped dead in your tracks? Not sure what to do next? In need of information or support? If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, you need to learn how to make things happen. But fear not. I know a great book you can use to teach yourself the networking tools and techniques that will kick start your career and help you achieve success.

The Darling of Networking

Networking. For most people it ranks right up there with going to the dentist. You know you need to do it. And when it's over, you're glad you did. But making that appointment is tough. It's much the same with networking.

Diane Darling has written a terrific book that can help you overcome this natural aversion to networking. It's called The Networking Survival Guide, Get the Success You Want by Tapping into the People You Know. The book provides valuable insight into the networking process.

In her introduction Darling notes, "Networked people make things happen, and they know others who do as well. They are sought after as problem solvers and solution providers." Darling explains that "networking is the art of building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships."

The Two Facets of Networking

Darling focuses on two facets of networking:

• The outside, that is, the practical skills or "how-to" of networking; and
• The inside, spiritual, education - the connection we feel to others when we network and why we often feel hesitant to network.

The analysis of the outside aspect of networking is nothing remarkable. All authors do it (although Darling does it particularly well).

It's the focus on the inside aspects of networking that makes Darling and her book unique. Her advice focuses on relationship building with a very practical emphasis on best practices in face-to-face and not face-to-face situations. Follow up advice and helpful suggestions abound. I found the chapter on conversations helpful because I find breaking into or exiting a conversation very awkward.

Conclusion

I've reviewed many books about networking and Darling's is one of the very best. Darling has a sense of humor that she uses well to get her message across to the reader. So if you're stuck in a rut, Darling is the perfect antidote.

TIPS FROM LAURYN

3 Ways to Polish Your Message

When we engage in networking and job searching, we must distill our professional and personal essence into a short description - whether it's in our resume, a cover letter, a 30-second introduction or in response to an interview question.

Here are some tips from my friend Louise Kursmark, president, Best Impression Career Services, Inc., www.yourbestimpression.com, ExecuNet member meeting leader in Cincinnati, OH, and author of Cover Letter Magic about developing clarity and consistency in your message:

1. To test the clarity of your message, ask a 10-year-old to give you feedback on "what you do" after you've introduced yourself.
2. Ask someone who knows nothing about your field to review your resume for 60 to 90 seconds and then report their first and lasting impressions.
3. When practicing for interviews, develop four or five focused messages that clearly and consistently convey your value.

Lack of focus makes it hard for others to help you. If they don't know or don't understand what you do, they won't seriously consider you for an opening or refer you to others. It's your job to make it easy for them by ensuring the message is clear.

Wishing you career success!

Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet
www.execunet.com.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Remembering the victims of the King?s Cross fire.

November 18, 1987

A fire breaks out in King's Cross, London's busiest subway station. 31 people are killed.

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