First Friday Book Synopsis

Lifetime corporate employment is dead; we’re all free agents now, managing our own careers across multiple careers across multiple jobs and companies.  And because today’s primary currency is information, a wide-reaching network is one of the surest ways to become and remain thought leaders of our respective fields.
Keith Ferrazzi, Never Eat Alone  And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time

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Fact:  Networking has never been more important.

Problem:  So many networking events turn out to be something of a waste of time.

But we don’t know which events will be worth it – and which will be really valuable.

What to do?

Let me weigh in with a simple observation.  We really are able to do two things at once – or, at least, squeeze two purposes into one gathering.

So, let’s try this formula:

Networking + Content = Greater Value.

OK, I admit, I’m biased.  But, yes, I have just described the First Friday Book Synopsis.  For nearly thirteen full years, Karl Krayer and I have led a monthly event that has both of these two ingredients with, what I think, is just the right mix.  On the first Friday of January, nearly 120 people gathered for great networking.  They arrived beginning at 6:40 am, and mingled, conversed, exchanged business cards, met new people, and talked about how they could help and support each other.

And then, at 7:25, the content started, with two fast paced synopses of two terrific books, each with a valuable multi-page handout.

At 8:05, we were finished.  The networking continued for many, but those who needed to go elsewhere were out the door just after 8:05.

I think this formula is a good one for any networking group/event.

Of course, there are many ways to facilitate the networking component.  And there are many ways to provide terrific content – a good speaker; useful topics.  I admit, again, that I am biased toward our formula, because it has a built-in “keep it current” approach.   The books themselves provide a constantly changing “topic,” because each good business book offers valuable help/wisdom/counsel to those who aspire toward life-long learning and constant improvement.  And, this is always the essence of content:  “how can I keep learning in order to keep getting better?”

For those who just want to network, make sure you have adequate time built in to do that.  For those who want just content, make it worth their while.  And for those who seek both, this formula is a slam dunk.

Networking + Content = Greater Value.

or, maybe…

Content + Networking = Greater Value.