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Hey Reader!

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."
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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 (for now)...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, money, 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!