Want to master networking? Read this book…
Networking principles that have stood the test of time
Dale Carnegie’s best-selling book How to Win Friends and Influence People, is full of effective networking tips. Originally published in 1936, it’s regarded as one of the most important self-help books, due to its nuggets of wisdom standing the test of time. At this point, it’s basically required reading for anyone looking to grow their professional network. If you haven’t yet headed to Amazon to get this masterpiece, just give me a few minutes to win you over!
Why should you read this book?
It teaches you how to become popular
What does networking have in common with making friends?
They both raise your social capital.
Just think about social media. Social capital would be quantified by the number of followers you have on the platform. The more followers and likes, the more popular you are perceived to be and the more social capital you have. Another example of having social capital is nepotism. If someone inherits their professional network through their family, they likely have more power and influence.
Meanwhile, those who are seeking a different career to their family, or are from lower socio-economic backgrounds, will have to build their professional network from scratch.
And Dale can help with that!
With an acute understanding of human nature, the book gives you the emotional intelligence needed to grow your network. For example, one of the principles from the book is to be genuinely interested in people:
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
-Page 82
It teaches you how to have better conversations
On your networking journey, you’ll have to do a lot of conversating. This can range from standard small talk to intellectual debates. Either way, you’ll get much further if you know how to carry a conversation properly.
The book is full of tips to master the art of good conversation. For example, it stresses the importance of remembering a person’s name and learning how to pronounce it correctly. It’s a small thing, but it makes a world of difference. That individual will notice that you took the time to learn and remember their name (especially if it’s harder to pronounce), and it makes them feel seen by you.
After all, everyone wants to feel seen and heard.
Another gem of wisdom from the book is to let people talk about themselves. It can be quite easy to fall into the habit of interrupting people when a new idea pops into your head, but the book encourages you to actively listen to what the other person has to say:
“Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.”
— Page 122
It teaches you how to be persuasive
Persuasion is an art form that’s hard to grasp. If you come across as a salesman, people will cringe and distrust you. At the same time, you still have to appeal to human nature for people to engage.
When building your network you’ll have to be persuasive. If you’re looking for mentors you’ll need to sell people on your potential. Later on in you’re career you’re likely need to pitch an idea to clients or colleagues.
A lot of the time, people get into arguments when trying to get their point across, but the book teaches you to avoid arguments at all costs. Instead, you get practical tips on how to encourage people to see your way of thinking. This can be an extremely hard thing to do, but the book gives you many principles that actually work:
“If you argue and rankle and contradict, you may achieve a victory sometimes; but it will be an empty victory because you will never get your opponent’s good will.”
- Page 146
Are you won over yet?
What makes this book so great is how relevant it is. The lessons are just as useful as when it was first published. Dale’s straightforward writing style makes you feel like you’re sitting down with a retired CEO who’s spilling the secrets to their success. There’s so much wisdom on every page that you’ll definitely need a pen on hand to take notes. And, if you don’t like reading, you can go on Youtube and start listening to the audiobook for free!
Happy networking!
