?? 9/27/24 Surprising Insights & Lessons Learned

Reading time: 4 minutes

Hi!

There are some pretty interesting and surprising insights from my years of business networking that didn't make it into Business Networking. I learned some lessons, too, in the publishing of this new-and-improved version. Buckle up for some aha moments…*

Part I

I had coffee with one of my strategic partners recently and he asked, What didn't make it into the book? Here are three insights I left on the idea board:

? Quality over Quantity: It’s better to have five deep, meaningful connections than 500 shallow ones. Your network is not a popularity contest! You don't have to "know everyone" or "be everywhere" to succeed. Building an effective network is a function of creating great relationships.

? The Power of New Connections: Often, it’s not your closest connections but your newer acquaintances who can open the most unexpected doors. In fact, sometimes your acquaintances work harder to make introductions. Interesting, right?

? Introverts can be the best networkers. In fact, introverts can become networking ninjas! And I'm not saying that because I'm a biased, hardcore introvert. I never want anyone to feel bad--so it seemed like a not great idea to say, "introverts make great networkers," which by virtue of that statement seems to imply "extroverts aren't great networkers." The truth is, skilled networkers with heart are the best networkers.

I might not be able to resist the urge to have a bumper sticker printed that says: Introverts do it better. ??

You can always just get the book already. ?? The truth is, I'm almost done talking about it...launch week is almost over!

Part II

Now, let’s talk about the biggest lessons I learned while publishing this book:

? Flexibility is Key: Be ready to adjust, expand, or contract your strategy based on feedback and market response.

? Collaboration is Gold: Working with beta readers, my editor, and marketing team elevated the book beyond what I could have done alone.

? Patience Pays Off: Rushing the process rarely leads to a better product. Give your book the time and love it needs to become great.

? Having the right title and subtitle is crucial: Unpopular opinion: A/B testing, sharing your title options on Facebook, asking "everyone" (non-experts) for their opinion about your cover, content, and/or title and subtitle. Leave all of that to the experts. #justsayin'

I mean, I already knew that last one, but I got the opportunity to re-learn those first three in spades. Hey, sometimes I'm a slow learner, but I'm learning the painful way so you don't have to (you're welcome).

Nevertheless, these lessons have been game-changers and I hope they've helped you, too.

To your networking insights and publishing success!

P.S. Tomorrow, I’ll wrap up this email series with a recap and a special bonus thought. You'll want to read it!