Top Networking Resources!

If you’re here you’re probably interested in networking in one way or another, so I wanted to pull together some of my top networking resources in the hope they add value to you too! (You can thank me later)

Here you go…

Online

The Reliants Project

An amazing series of blogs by Erica Young examining how networks shape our lives. Her writing and visuals are outstanding, and I could honestly get lost in her work for days! Always packed with references links to additional reading and resources this is a treasure trove of sheer networking joy.

Harvard Business Review Research

A look at the impact on businesses who have CEO’s with a diverse network. I love seeing research conducted into the value of networking, and network diversity is something I’m really passionate about. This study highlights the huge financial impact diversely networked leaders can have on their organisations.

On The Gradual Construction of Thoughts During Speech

First broadcast by the BBC in 1951, written by Heinrich von Kleis it gives a fascinating insight into the power of speaking, or thinking, out load. Networking starts with a conversation, and conversations can have many benefits. This paper discusses the way conversations can lead to personal realisations, innovation and problem solves. Amazing!

Imperial College Business School: Networking for Innovation

A fantastic study currently being conducted by Imperial College Business School into the impact networking has on innovation. Ran by Dr Anne ter Wal, Assistant Professor of Technology & Innovation Management, the research has been going for a number of years already and show fascinating insights into the correlations between networking and innovation. Another brilliant example of academia investing in the power of networking.

Books

Reclaiming Conversation

by Sherry Turkle

Sherry Turkle is the Abby Rockefeller Mauzé Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at MIT, and the founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self. She has written a number of books on the topic of human relationships and conversation in the digital age, including Alone Together: Why We Expect More From Technology And Less From Each Other, and her latest book The Empathy Diaries: A Memoir.

I find her work not only insightful and educational, but relatable and sometimes even scary: the real impact technology is having on our abilities to build meaningful relationships and simply have conversations is terrifying! But it’s such an important read, and one that lights a fire in me to do more to help people connect, especially our children.

You can watch her Ted Talk: Connected, but alone? HERE

Lost Connections

by Johann Hari

This book blew my mind. An honest and incredibly well researched look into depression and it’s causes I learnt a lot from Johann and would encourage anyone to take a look at his work. There was a lot of insights into how human connection can play a big part in our mental/emotional heath – another subject I’m passionate about, and keen to explore more ways networking can support our emotional needs as well as being a business or knowledge transfer tool. This book really takes you on a journey, and leaves you feeling hopeful as well as having your eyes opened to both yourself and others.

Surrounded by Idiots

by Thomas Erikson

I’m terrible for this – thinking I’m surrounded by idiots. When in reality we all just have different ways of thinking and of course communicating. One of the greatest things networking has taught me is how to communicate with different people; adapting my delivery depending on my audience. This book explains the reason why this is so valuable, as well as explaining each of the different types of people. Once you understand what makes someone tick and how to best communicate with them, a whole new world opens up where you’re no longer surrounded by idiots! You’re are able to get the best from the people around you, build more effective relationships, and of course improve your networking skills.

I’ll be adding to this as I discover more networking related gems, or if you have any you’d like to share please get in touch!

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