From Business Cards to Business Relationships – Personal Branding and Profitable Networking Made Easy 2e Personal Branding and Profitable Networking Made Easy

Professionals of all stripes and ages are told to 'get out there' and network so they can build their careers, grow their businesses and/or become influential, but they are rarely taught how to actually do it. Most people are lost when it comes to networking, longing to be part of the 'in' crowd, and wasting time and money being out there' and not getting results. From Business Cards to Business Relationships is a start-to-finish guide that demystifies the networking process and teaches readers how to truly benefit from networking and how to do it productively. Rather than telling the reader to go to a networking event and meet people, FBC2BR breaks down the process of how to decide which events to go to, what to do when you get there and what to do afterwards to take those casual business card contacts and turn them into meaningful relationships. There are four sections to the book: 1. The Concept (expectations, objectives, results) 2. The Business of YOU (personal brand) 3. The Fundamentals (how to mingle, remember names, small talk, create mini-bonds) 4. The Strategy (where to go, how to follow up, how to organize and manage contacts) Most networking resources take one of two approaches: either it is set at too macro a level, sharing stories of others, but not digging deep enough into the topic so the reader can have the same success; or it teaches cheesy, old-fashioned networking approaches that are difficult to implement and don't work for most people. From Business Cards to Business Relationships gives readers the tools they need to build their own ultimate network and accomplish whatever they want by meeting and connecting with the right people.

Want to supercharge your life? Effective networking is the answer and this book will teach you how. Professionals of all stripes and ages are told to 'get out there' and network so they can build their careers, grow their businesses and elevate their influence in the community, but they are rarely taught the skills to do that. Most people are lost, intimidated by the idea of presenting their own personal brand, and frustrated when it comes to networking. Despite long hours at events and attempts to make the right connections, they arent seeing their desired results. From Business Cards to Business Relationships is a start-to-finish guide that demystifies the networking process and teaches readers how to truly benefit from getting connected. Allison Graham provides an easy to follow road map that is adaptable to your personality, circumstances and growth goals. You will learn how to strategically decide where to go, what to do when you get there and what to do afterwards to turn those casual business card contacts into meaningful relationships. Allison's approach is based on the Four Pillars of Profitable Networking: Perspective, Personal Brand, Procedures, and a Strategic Plan. This is a prescriptive, practical system based on the author's real-life experience of going from unconnected to connected in a short period of time. No cheesy gimmicks or high-pressure nonsense, just the skills and knowledge that will create success for anyone willing to do the work and follow this advice. Regardless of your past experience or current level of connectivity, your industry or profession, whether you're an entrepreneur or climbing the corporate ladder: you can accomplish whatever you want by meeting and connecting with the right people. From Business Cards to Business Relationships gives you the tools you need to cement a positive personal brand and build your own profitable network. Praise for From Business Cards to Business Relationships "Allison Graham can help you turn an introduction into a business, a dinner into a relationship, and an average practice into world class. I've long preached that we're in a relationship business, and this book provides the handshakes, codes, actions, and routes to master those relationships."--Alan Weiss, PhD, Author of Million Dollar Consulting and The Consulting Bible "At last--a networking book that actually makes sense! Allison Graham's four pillars of networking are as simple as they are powerful. If you are willing to follow her lead with consistent and persistent effort, you will make your mark and expand your horizons both personally and professionally."--Lou Heckler, Humorous Business Keynote Speaker and Speech Coach "This book is an excellent and much-needed resource to share with the business community."--PJ Hartson, Business Editor, Sun Media