Book Review: Networking 2.0 with the book "LinkedWorking"

Ever heard of the story behind the Dr. Seuss startup? When Dr. Seuss completed his first book, "And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street," he had a difficult time getting it published. He was told that his book was too different and his verses too difficult to read. After his 27th rejection, he encounters an old friend, shares his publishing woes, and this friend who happens to be a juvenile editor at the time, is influential in getting Seuss his first publisher.

The authors of LinkedWorking used this Dr. Seuss story to emphasize a point, that it was

"A simple, almost chance, reconnection with an old friend that launched him into becoming one of the most beloved children's authors of the twentieth century."

Are you at that phase of your startup when building a support system of business partnerships and potential clients is the first thing on your mind in the morning and the last thing you think about before bed?

Then you must get the book LinkedWorking, (www.linkedworking.com) the guide for building the famous "know, like and trust" feeling with clients and business partners using the famous social networking website, LinkedIn.

Just in case you are a skeptic, let me emphasize this point. The book is based on real world experiences and comes from real world networkers. The authors are: Frank Agin (Founder & President of the famous networking group, AmSpirit-if you haven't heard of AmSpirit and you are a business owner, you've slacked on your networking skills and I urge you to learn about them), and Lewis Howes (Pro Athelete, Founder of Sports Networker, Inventor). I should also mention that the Social Media guru himself, Chris Brogan, graced the foreword.

Here's what makes the book LinkedWorking valuable: It offers a step-by-step-personal guide from the founders AND testimonials from other tried-and-tested professionals. So, it's not just a "how-to" book--it shows you strategies to improve your networking skills through social media by showing you real-world examples from professionals and business owners. And it all makes sense. It's as simple as that.

My favorite summary quote of the book is from Gary Unger, Author of How to be a Creative Genius, "you can not expect to grow your business by sitting in your office or home all day...the same is true on LinkedIn. You cannot just set up a profile and wait for people to come to you...you must be actively involved." This quote simplifies what the book LinkedWorking is all about.

The authors in LinkedWorking uncover their 3-Step-Action-Plan for growing your network and client base using LinkedIn. Since I won't tell all the secrets because I want you to go out and buy the book, I'll tell you what my action plan is (based on one of the steps from the book):

• I will spend up to 30 minutes a day on LinkedIn--30 minutes in the morning, evening or early afternoon (the authors urge that these are the best times of day)
• I will invite three interesting people to my network each day
• I will answer two questions per week on subjects in which I want to be recognized
• I will start a LinkedIn group within a month

If you have just started your business and you are reading this blog, in order to make good use of this book, you must first get a LinkedIn account. Then set up a profile (with picture), start by inviting everyone within your outlook or email address book, and then purchase the book LinkedWorking. Then follow their process.

I will admit that I have a LinkedIn account and have been doing some of the things the authors have suggested, but have not been doing what it takes to make my LinkedIn experience a success. I have not gotten strong solid results, because I have not put in the solid effort.

So, as I've stated, I will be following some of the steps in the book and I will update you later on my process. Stay tuned...In the meantime, feel free to befriend me on LinkedIn.

About the Author: Cheryl Isaac is the writer of this blog and the Startup Business Consultant & Owner of Isaac Business Services LLC; an agency that offers startup concierge & business planning services for small businesses.