I actually read “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann when it first came out about two years ago. I enjoyed it thoroughly then and when I picked it up again to review before I started on their newest book, “Go-Givers Sell More”, I found myself captured once again.
“The Go-Giver” tells the story of Joe, a real go-getter who is starting to find that life isn’t always working out the way he plans. A co-worker connects him with a local businessman who helps him to understand that there is a better path to follow.
The “Laws” that the authors reveal underscore my own approach to networking (so I guess it’s not particularly surprising that the story appeals to me). It always has to be about the other person and in order to be ultimately successful, you have to be willing to give of yourself without expectation of getting anything in return. If you can do that, then almost magically, good things begin to happen to you.
Now, the authors convey the concepts through parable. There are some who don’t care for this kind of book as it doesn’t have a list of action steps at each chapter to apply in order to achieve mastery. Instead, it leaves the reader with the concepts and forces you to decide how to apply them in your own life. Personally, that works for me. Your mileage may vary.
If you are looking for an enjoyably written primer on the basic concepts of good networking, you really can’t go wrong with “The Go-Giver”. Get a copy for yourself and just spend a few hours following Joe and his transformation from go-getter to go-giver. You won’t regret it.
