What will I learn about: why adopting a 'plus networker' mindset to your current job title is essential for thriving in today’s highly collaborative workplace?

Understand why adopting a 'plus networker' mindset to your current job title is essential for thriving in today’s highly collaborative workplace.

What will I learn about: how to be a proactive networker by preparing for chance encounters and actively seeking out relationships that benefit both you and your company?

Discover how to be a proactive networker by preparing for chance encounters and actively seeking out relationships that benefit both you and your company.

What will I learn about: Learn to categorize and strengthen your contacts across four distinct networking spheres: WorkNet, OrgNet, ProNet, and LifeNet?

Learn to categorize and strengthen your contacts across four distinct networking spheres: WorkNet, OrgNet, ProNet, and LifeNet.

What will I learn about: the art of building trusting relationships by consistently demonstrating both your honest character and professional competence over multiple conversations?

Master the art of building trusting relationships by consistently demonstrating both your honest character and professional competence over multiple conversations.

What will I learn about: how to improve your social acumen with actionable tactics, like using a memorable introduction style and confidently joining existing group conversations?

Find out how to improve your social acumen with actionable tactics, like using a memorable introduction style and confidently joining existing group conversations.

Strategic Connections

The New Face of Networking in a Collaborative World

Anne Baber, Lynne Waymon, André Alphonso and Jim Wylde

★ 3.8 / 5(99 ratings)

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Categories:

Career & Success

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡What's the secret to moving beyond basic networking and building the high-level strategic connections that actually drive career success?
💡Have you ever wondered why some professionals seem to effortlessly find opportunities while others struggle to make meaningful contacts?
💡Did you know that your ability to succeed in the modern workplace depends less on what you know and more on how you navigate the new rules of collaboration?

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Key Takeaways from Strategic Connections

✓Understand why adopting a 'plus networker' mindset to your current job title is essential for thriving in today’s highly collaborative workplace.
✓Discover how to be a proactive networker by preparing for chance encounters and actively seeking out relationships that benefit both you and your company.
✓Learn to categorize and strengthen your contacts across four distinct networking spheres: WorkNet, OrgNet, ProNet, and LifeNet.
✓Master the art of building trusting relationships by consistently demonstrating both your honest character and professional competence over multiple conversations.
✓Find out how to improve your social acumen with actionable tactics, like using a memorable introduction style and confidently joining existing group conversations.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Strategic Connections

Mind Map

Strategic Connections

The Networker Identity+

Strategic Approach+

The Four Nets+

Building Trust+

Social Acumen+

Communicating Expertise+

Adaptability & Culture+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7

How should professionals view their job title to develop a strategic networking mindset?

A. By replacing their current title with 'professional networker'
B. By adding 'plus networker' to the end of their existing job title
C. By focusing solely on their core competencies and letting their work speak for itself
D. By adopting a title that highlights their extroverted personality traits

Question 2 of 7

Why can introverts be highly successful at networking despite common misconceptions?

A. They tend to have more influential contacts in their LifeNet.
B. They naturally attract extroverts who do the networking for them.
C. They often possess crucial networking qualities like being adept planners and listeners.
D. They are usually more skilled at online networking than face-to-face interactions.

Question 3 of 7

Which of the following correctly identifies a contact within your 'OrgNet'?

A. A former client you worked with at a previous company
B. A co-worker you collaborate with on a daily basis
C. A family member who works in a similar industry
D. A colleague who works in a different division, like the IT department, of your current company

Question 4 of 7

According to the text, what are the two primary components required to cultivate trust with a new contact?

A. Character and competencies
B. Frequency and duration of meetings
C. Shared interests and mutual acquaintances
D. Job title and organizational rank

Question 5 of 7

What mindset should you adopt when approaching an already formed group at a networking event?

A. 'I need to find a way to break into this group.'
B. 'I should wait for someone in the group to make eye contact first.'
C. 'This group isn't complete without me.'
D. 'I will just listen quietly until they ask for my opinion.'

Question 6 of 7

What does the 'SNAFU' step represent in the 5-S story formula used for communicating your expertise?

A. The specific skills you used to impress your boss
B. The problem or challenge you had to solve
C. The significance of the outcome for your organization
D. The signal that you have a story to tell

Question 7 of 7

What does it mean to 'reinforce a collaborative culture' as an adaptable networker?

A. To focus entirely on mentoring junior employees
B. To act as if you own the organization you work for
C. To share your personal LifeNet contacts with your competitors
D. To transition all face-to-face networking to online platforms

Strategic Connections — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2The first step to becoming a strategic networker is adopting a truly fresh networker identity.
3To get the most from networking, you’ll require a strategic approach.
4A strategic networker maintains contacts across many areas and actively cultivates strong, trusting relationships.
5As a strategic networker, you must boost your social acumen and deepen interactions.
6Strategic networkers showcase their expertise.
7Networking helps you stay on top in today’s rapidly evolving, fast-changing technological world.

Strategic Connections Summary & Overview

Strategic Connections (2015) offers practical tips on developing the skills to become an effective networker. In an increasingly connected world, networking has never been more important. Find out which skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the new collaborative workplace.

Who Should Listen to Strategic Connections?

Anyone who wants to improve their networking skills
Good networkers who want to keep expanding their contacts
Skeptical professionals who think networking isn’t important for their field

About the Author: Anne Baber, Lynne Waymon, André Alphonso and Jim Wylde

Anne Baber, Lynne Waymon, André Alphonso and Jim Wylde are collaborators at Contacts Count LLC, an international training and consulting firm that has specialized in business networking for 24 years. Baber and Waymon co-founded the firm 24 years ago, and have, among other networking books co-authored bestselling book: Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-How for Business and Career Success. Their high-profile clients have included eBay, Lockheed Martin and KPMG.

Strategic Connections

If You're Curious About These Questions...

Listen to Strategic Connections — Free Audiobook

Key Takeaways from Strategic Connections

Learning Tools

Mind Map

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Strategic Connections — Full Chapter Overview

Strategic Connections Summary & Overview

Who Should Listen to Strategic Connections?

About the Author: Anne Baber, Lynne Waymon, André Alphonso and Jim Wylde

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