Best networking reads

Download the Best Books in the Business feature from Management Today - all on networking [PDF; 177Kb]

Understanding Influence for Leaders at all Levels – AIM
RRP $34.95

Are you an influential employee? From frontline manager to CEO, everyone needs to be aware of their sphere of influence. Nine leadership gurus provide insight on how to increase personal influence to achieve career goals and show how leaders at all levels can all be influential in the workplace. Learn how to use influence positively to become a charismatic and persuasive networker.

How to Master Networking (2nd ed.) – Robyn Henderson
RRP $25.00

Written by Australia's own award winning Global Networking specialist, Robyn Henderson, How to Master Networking is an invaluable tool for beginners to seasoned networkers. Henderson believes that networking is a life skill, not just a chore to be done when you want something In this revised edition, Henderson has included a 'Survival guide for shy or nervous networkers' that helps the reader by providing 75 hot tips to overcome fears. Know just what to say with 'Golden Rules for Tongue Tied Networkers'. With checklists on how to effectively handle business cards, monthly and yearly action plan templates, How to Master Networking is a must read.

Brilliant Networking: What the best networkers know, do and say – Steven D'Souza
RRP $24.95

Who you know is every bit as important as what you know. Author Steven D'Souza, has outlined tips and techniques learned from the world's most successful networkers. Learn how self-awareness, values and motivation are integral to the 'inner game' of networking and what you need to do before you even start to create contacts. D'Souza also details how to use technology to build a great network – a crucial element in today's globalised and competitive world. He also shows how to overcome mistakes and rejection by practice, practice and more practice.

Networking for Career Success: 24 Lessons for Getting to Know the Right People – Diane Darling
RRP $14.95

Internationally recognised, Diane Darling's Networking for Career Success reminds leaders that networking is the art of building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships. As Darling puts it, one should expect to give as well as receive.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – Robert Cialdini
RRP $35.00

Cialdini believes that influence is a science, and explains the psychology behind why people say 'yes'. Influence is a well-written and intelligent book. Cialdini introduces the reader to his six principles for ethical persuasion: reciprocity, scarcity, liking, authority, social proof, and consistency. It does not matter if you are a manager, sales person, pastor, or non-profit volunteer. The ideas in this book, once applied, will make it easier for you to influence others and leverage the power of networking.

Click: Ten truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships – George Fraser
RRP $39.95

Fraser hits the high points of building relationships and networking with Click: be nice to everyone; be positive; see the good in people and say it to them. Fraser has included an excellent section on holding your tongue when provoked. He quotes Sartre to great effect: "Words are loaded pistols." He states 'if you are the smartest person in it, you are building it the wrong way.' Fraser shows how to do it the right way!

Strategic Networking: Your Guide to Networking Excellence – Robyn Henderson et al
RRP $27.50

Networking is not a business practice, it is a lifestyle choice. People are always drawn to others who are genuinely interested in helping them achieve success. The contributing authors to Strategic Networking are all master networkers. Share their secrets, systems and approaches that will enable you to take your networking skills to the next level.

Networking Pocketbook (2nd ed.) – Jon Warner et al
RRP $16.95

Though small in size, this book is not small on ideas. The Networking Pocketbook details networking through four stages of the LINK philosophy:  Learning, Investing, Nurturing and Keeping. The author leads readers through the seven key competencies of effective networking. Rather than showing what not to do, Warner focuses on positive and effective networking. Enhance your professional and private life with the Networking Pocketbook.

Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-how for Business And Career Success (2nd ed.) – Anne Baber & Lynne Waymon
RRP $26.95

For a boost of self-confidence and to give you the best tips on networking you cannot go past Make Your Contacts Count. It is filled with specific, lively examples that spark your imagination and build your confidence so that you too can be a great networker.

Networking for Success: The Art of establishing Personal Contacts – Nancy Flynn
RRP $23.95

Networking is a two way street. Your success as a networker is dependent on your ability to give as well as receive. Flynn states that 'networking is the indispensible art of building long term, reciprocal relationships', and she outlines how to create a strategic networking plan that will enable you to create meaningful relationships to enhance your networking capabilites.