The Lost Art of Connecting audiobook cover - The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships

The Lost Art of Connecting

The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships

Susan McPherson

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Key Takeaways from The Lost Art of Connecting

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Mind Map

The Lost Art of Connecting
Core Philosophy+
Phase 1: Gather+
Phase 2: Ask+
Phase 3: Do+
Practical Tactics+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
According to the Gather, Ask, Do method, what is the most effective mindset to adopt when trying to build authentic professional relationships?
  • A. Focusing primarily on what the other person can do to advance your career.
  • B. Prioritizing how you can help the other person with no strings attached.
  • C. Maintaining a strict boundary between your personal and professional personas.
  • D. Maximizing the number of social media interactions you have daily.
Question 2 of 7
Why does the author suggest analyzing your personal relationships during the initial 'Gather' phase of networking?
  • A. Because your 'work self' and 'personal self' share the same personal history and behavioral patterns.
  • B. Because personal friends are more likely to invest financially in your business ideas than professional contacts.
  • C. Because networking events usually require you to share intimate details about your childhood.
  • D. Because separating your work persona from your personal persona is the absolute key to professional success.
Question 3 of 7
What does the author recommend regarding the connections you already have in your existing network?
  • A. Avoid them if they are not directly related to your current professional goals.
  • B. Replace them with higher-level executives who can offer immediate career advancement.
  • C. Recognize that they have their own 'constellations' of relationships that might indirectly connect you to valuable opportunities.
  • D. Keep your interactions strictly online to save time and maintain professional distance.
Question 4 of 7
When asking someone in your network for help, what strategy does the book recommend to increase your chances of getting a positive response?
  • A. Keep the request vague so the person can decide how much effort they want to invest.
  • B. Make sure your pitch is specific, measurable, and set within a clear timeframe, ideally taking about five minutes.
  • C. Apologize for taking up their time and offer financial compensation for their help.
  • D. Focus heavily on your own limitations or lack of experience so they feel compelled to assist you.
Question 5 of 7
Which of the following correctly identifies the steps of the RASA method recommended by Julian Treasure for becoming a better listener?
  • A. Relate, Assess, Sympathize, Advise
  • B. React, Analyze, Support, Agree
  • C. Record, Acknowledge, Share, Act
  • D. Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask
Question 6 of 7
What is the recommended approach for following up after an initial meeting to help maintain a long-term relationship?
  • A. Wait a few months before reaching out so you don't appear overly eager or desperate.
  • B. Send a note or a simple message directly after the initial meeting while the connection is still fresh.
  • C. Only follow up if you have a specific, major favor to ask them.
  • D. Wait for the other person to initiate contact to ensure they are genuinely interested in the connection.
Question 7 of 7
If you dread traditional networking events, what alternative does the author suggest for expanding your 'social constellation'?
  • A. Rely exclusively on LinkedIn premium features to automate your outreach.
  • B. Hire a professional matchmaker to vet potential business contacts for you.
  • C. Host a small dinner party and ask each guest to bring someone you’ve never met.
  • D. Attend large industry conferences but only speak to the keynote presenters.

The Lost Art of Connecting — Full Chapter Overview

The Lost Art of Connecting Summary & Overview

The Lost Art of Connection (2021) is about building more authentic relationships at work and in life. It shows how professional networking doesn’t always have to be transactional, and offers the three-step Gather, Ask, Do method for building meaningful relationships and breaking down the technological barriers to deeper human connection.

Who Should Listen to The Lost Art of Connecting?

  • Professionals who want to expand their network
  • People who want to improve their interpersonal skills
  • Anyone who wants to deepen their relationships with others

About the Author: Susan McPherson

Susan McPherson is a “serial connector” and founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focusing on the intersection between brands and social impact. She’s contributed to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes magazines.

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