The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking (or, What Would Jane Austen Do?)
Diane K. Danielson and Lindsey Pollak
As a networking-challenged individual, I’ve found the online world makes the process a bit less intimidating. But there are so many places to make connections there, and the rules are still evolving, so finding your way through it is another learning experience. Diane K. Danielson, founder of the on- and offline networking group the Downtown Women’s Club, and co-author Lindsey Pollak have put together a very user-friendly guide to building and maintaining professional relationships online.
Danielson and Pollak talk about knowing what you want to get – and give – out of networking, and discuss the etiquette of forming online relationships; Rule #1, which is applicable to offline networking as well, and to the concept of “manners” in general, remains “making the other person comfortable.” Rule #2 is “If you wouldn’t do it in person, don’t do it online.”
The authors cover all the bases of making contact and developing relationships online – purposeful e-mails, building a searchable online presence, the pros and cons of membership in social networks from MySpace to LinkedIn, participation in Internet forums and discussion boards, and the various ways of being part of the blogging community. Their style is conversational but not chatty – that is, never less than professional. They sum up topics in the various “Savvy Tips” scattered throughout the book.
This is a quick read-through, but I’ll be keeping it around as an essential reference. Danielson and Pollak point out aspects of online networking that might not have occurred to you (well, I guess by “you” I meant “me” right there), and have great advice about how to do it well. For me, the only sad thing here is that they firmly assert that online networking can’t replace old-style “face time” – they recommend a “clicks and mix” strategy that combines the best of both worlds. That makes me think I’d better pick up a copy of Danielson’s previous book, Table Talk: The Savvy Girl’s Alternative to Networking.
Rating: 4.25/5
Thanks for the shout out! Glad we could help. And, if you want a free .pdf copy of Table Talk, let me know. (and yes, it will make in person networking much easier!).
This sounds like a helpful book, Florinda. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Diane – Thanks for the chance to review the book, and I’ll be taking you up on that offer for the Table Talk .pdf!
Literary Feline – From what I’ve seen on your blog, you’re doing online networking pretty well! But I’d definitely recommend this book for anyone with an online presence.
Hi Florinda – just wanted to add my thanks for the review. Looking forward to networking with you online!
Lindsey Pollak
Lindsey – You’re quite welcome. I’m looking forward to putting what I learned from your book to use! 🙂