Business networking on Amazon.
I could be really cruel and say that if you need a book to tell you how to shake hands and what to say, then you really shouldn't be in business.
But if you are new or young or introvert or whatever, I will give you the benefit of the doubt.
But how many of these authors practice what they preach?
Do a search yourself and tell me where the first face of someone you feel you could pick up the phone to appears in the results.
I shook my head when I typed in "Business networking" into Amazon.
But first a question - "When was the last time you bought something from a logo?" Or a stock photo ? Or a piece of clip art?
Probably never...
But that's what networking gurus are asking you to do.
When I looked most of the top sellers on Amazon - some written by influential (self appointed) experts - did not feature a smily friendly face that you feel you could talk to.
Try it at home - type "Business networking" into Amazon (or any online book store for that matter) and see what you get?
Why do people think that swirly graphics cut it?
Hello --- It's not 2010 anymore. We aren't impressed by that. This is the age of face to face communication.
2nd point - I can't 100% guarantee - but I am pretty sure that most of this content will be pretty low level.
But - to BE mass appeal, the content needs to be generic. Stand like this at a networking event. Pour coffee like this.
If you need someone to tell you how to shake hands and conduct yourself in public in a correct manner, you shouldn't really be in business.
It is the goal of most local circuit gurus to get a best selling book on Amazon.
But none of them have stopped to ask themselves "Why?"
Standard titles - sing along at home if you want "Networking tips, tricks, shortcuts, hacks"
We do people think that there is some knowledge that "they" know that "we" don't ?
And that if only we knew that hack or tip or trick, our ticket to the in crowd would be in the post.
In one request FUNKQUEST episode, we featured a US based divorce lawyer. She said that he standard fee for cases is $500 per hour.
Per book sold on Amazon, she makes about $1.50.
Which would you concentrate on?
PS If you are interested in networking, you should know what a local circuit guru is. Once you do know, you will be able to spot one a mile off at your local events. Here is a link to that episode.
PPS How many books do you need to read (or write) that say "Don't be an idiot?" Here is a link to that episode.
