Summary

Bob Beaudine shares his philosophy on what really works in identifying what your dream in life is and how to get it. Beaudine takes the traditional networking concept, shakes it up and rebuilds it, explaining that individuals already know everyone they need to know. He shows readers that they have established a powerful network simply by interacting with people in their daily lives.

Notes

• We all need wise advisors and friends. A “Who” friend will save you from negative self talk.
• People in your network serve as catalysts and can help you reach your goals faster. Nurture your “who” network and let them help you. All successful people ask for help.
• The 100/40 strategy: Come up with 100 people in your “who”, and 40 things for your “what”. _ “Who” world is made up of 6 parts: _ Inner Circle: 12 friends, 3 really close ones, and one best friend. _ Who friends: This is the expanded Inner Circle. These people share your core values but proximity/time don’t allow them to be a part of your inner circle. _ Allies: It’s the “Who Network” of your Inner Circle and Who friends. They’ll help you if your friends ask them. _ Advocates: People whom you don’t know but who might support you. For example, this might be people who have heard you speak at a conference and liked what you said. _ Acquaintances: Potential friends. _ Fans: These are your admirers. _ “What”: Things you want to do and accomplish in life. _ Doing regularly what you don’t want to do ages you very quickly. No amount of money is worth your health. _ Don’t wait for what you want. Take the initiative and develop a plan. * If you want to have something you have never had before, you’ve got to be willing to do something you have never done before.
• Traits of successful people: _ They start. _ They are not easily discouraged by obstacles. _ They turn failures and mistakes into successes. _ They maintain self-discipline. * They stick to it.
• When you do something good for somebody, they will not forget it easily and will try to find a way to balance the equation.
• Top 2 reasons for happiness are giving and gratitude.

Thoughts

I read this book as a part of a program at work last year and it’s a quick short read. Over the last year, it has made a significant positive impact over my “networking”. I am a typical introvert and rarely speak much in groups larger than 3. I was also pretty bad at keeping in touch with old friends and colleagues and a lot of my relationships suffered because of that. This book made me aware of my shortcomings and I have been able to come up with a way to stay in touch with people that I care about in a way that works for me and does not feel forced.