You are getting ready for a professional event like, say, a reception. Mingling is in your future.
Do you quietly think: "Networking can be such a gloomy business. It’s not that I don’t want to be with others. It’s just that, well, I don’t want to be so intentional about it. It seems so sad, soulless and mercenary to target others to be my friends in business."
If so, you might enjoy a dose of Never Eat Alone (And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time) by Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz. They are unabashedly upbeat and energetic about their networking. And, because they make it seem fun, they breathe soul and spontaneity back into the planfulness.
If you take only one of their many tips and ideas, you will find yourself much happier as you seek productive relationships. You might make Never Eat Alone required reading for your colleagues and adult children.
Artie Isaac will summarize the book, point out some of the high points, share some personal experiences, and facilitate a conversation about the ideas and your own experiences. The book report will take 60 minutes, including a lively conversation where audience can raise their own networking challenges. The topic is always engaging, for anyone who lives a life among humans.
BASICS: one hour presentation, including discussion. Required A/V for PowerPoint presentation: screen, ability to darken room.
RECOMMENDED FOR: audiences 18+ years of age, 20-200 people
FIELD TESTED: Artie has developed and presented this topic as part of a curriculum at Smith Barney.