Networking is much more than trading business cards

I bought this new book last week called The 29% Solution by Ivan Misner, PhD and Michelle Donovan. It's about how networking is the key to success.

I'm going to do the exercises and post my answers on my blog. I have no vested interest in this book, but I do think it is important to lead by example. By being transparent in what I'm doing, you might be inspired to make changes in your life.

I realized last year how key networking is. I was talking to various radio program directors looking for another on-air or programming position after my previous radio company "decided to go in a different direction" (which was down in ratings and revenue, but that's a private story). These PDs basically said your resume is great, your experience is excellent, but we don't know you. So let me call some people and see if they know you. Now of course we've all heard do great work and you can write your ticket anywhere. Not exactly true.

Do great work… let everyone know you've done great work… and you can write your ticket anywhere. Blogging makes it easier to let people know what I'm doing, and if you google "Reggie Beas" I have over 125 entries about me in radio, clubs, interviews, articles, blogs and podcasts, but nothing beats word of mouth advertising.

What I have found in my career is this: me talking about me only gets me so far. But you talking about me gets me further, even if I am paying you to talk about me. I get more gigs or radio jobs by someone referring me than I do directly talking to a manager, PD, promoter, GM or owner! That doesn't make any sense to me because I'm articulate, intelligent and the ultimate team player. I physically present myself well and, due to my graphic design and administrative assistant background, my presentation materials are on point.

Plus I'M GREAT AT WHAT I DO, which is rock parties and get ratings! Sorry, but if I don't say it (or don't pay someone to say it), who will?

So that is why I finally realized networking is the key. If you cosign for me, I will be taken more seriously than if I cosign myself. And that's why I bought this book, The 29% Solution.