Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships

Networking is essential for building relationships that last, but it can often feel transactional and dehumanizing. To build real and meaningful connections, we need to go back to basics, remember that technology is a tool, and be more intentional and authentic. Susan McPherson's book "The Lost Art of Connecting" provides three simple steps to help us build genuine connections: Gather, Ask, and Do. By taking these steps, we can foster personal and professional relationships that enrich our lives in every way.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2021
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

Networking is often seen as a necessary evil for working professionals, with social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook making it easier to reach potential investors or employers. However, these connections often feel transactional, agenda-driven, and dehumanizing, leaving professionals feeling burnt out and stressed. To build real and meaningful networking contacts, we need to go back to basics, remembering that technology is a tool and not a means and end. We need to tap into our humanity and learn to be more intentional and authentic.

As a "serial connector" and communications expert, Susan McPherson has a lifetime of experience building genuine connections in and out of work. Her methodology is broken down into three simple steps:

1. Gather: Instead of waiting for the perfect networking opportunity to come to you, think outside the box and create your own opportunity. Host your own dinner party, join a local meet-up group, or volunteer at your neighborhood food pantry. Anyone from your local barista to a fellow parent at your daughter's elementary school can lead to another connection that you just might need.

2. Ask: Instead of leading with our own rehearsed elevator pitches asking for help, ask to help, opening the door to share resources, experience, contacts, and perspectives that add diversity to your own vision.

3. Do: Turn new connections into meaningful relationships by taking these newly formed relationships deeper. Follow through on the promises you made, keep in touch, and learn to move past small talk.

By following these steps, you can build real and meaningful networking contacts that will help you achieve your professional and personal goals. Remember that networking is not just about securing a new job or a new investor; it's about building relationships that will last a lifetime.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781260469882