Networking is more than doing lunch. (Book watch).(Review)

Larry Easto

McGraw-Hill Ryerson

300 Water Street

Whitby, ON LiN 9136

ISBN: 0-07-560544-9

$18.99 - 152 pages (Paperback)

The six degrees of separation theory states that no individual is more than six levels of contact away from another person in the world. Therefore, working hard enough and long enough you can establish a link with anyone you choose and as the saying goes, it's not what you know but who you know that counts. For the cash-strapped small businessperson this is especially true. Knowing the right person at the right time can help build your small business.

Most of us know that developing a network of business contacts is vital to the growth and expansion of a small business, but with time at a premium, who has the extra hours it takes? According to Larry Easto, wisely using your networking opportunities is worth the time spent. "Effective networking is essential to success in all businesses, large or small," says Larry Easto, author of Networking Is More Than Doing Lunch fifth in the SOHO Solutions Series from McGraw-Hill Ryerson. "This book will help small business owners learn how to build a list of contacts and mine that list to support their business from start-up to wind up."

More than just getting hot tips and sale leads, collecting business cards or putting your name on a mailing list, networking involves an equal exchange of information. "Networking is not a one-shot effort. To be effective, it must be managed continuously, with courtesy and professional respect," says Easto. He shows you how to develop a network of contacts and use them in all aspects of managing a small business.