Because of my coaching and writing about how to make the best impression at interviews or meetings, people often ask about networking techniques.

As the saying goes, “A wise man knows what he doesn’t know.” My corollary is “A wise woman knows when to defer to others.” For years, I have referred networking matters to Liz Lynch, as she offers the most practical, elegant and lucrative advice out there.

A friend recently asked me to recommend a book on networking, and it occurred to me that in this economy, many of us are starting to revisit our networking skills. For this reason, I would like to mention Liz’s new book, Smart Networking. Her style is closely aligned with mine, as you can see in her recent blog entry “Why An Enthusiastic Friend Can Be One of Your Most Powerful Networking Assets” about our lunch-networking adventure last week.

As an executive coach and consultant, networking is essential for me on three levels. First, all of my clients derive from referrals. End of story. When you work for business, government, and nonprofit leaders executives, everything is based on reputation. Second, networking enables me to connect clients with new opportunities, thus increasing my value to them. Third, as my clients become smarter networkers, it benefits me as they introduce me to other compelling professionals.

Liz Lynch’s new book, Smart Networking is valuable on all three levels. First, within days of reading it, I already implemented some of the new practices she explains. It’s not only the ideas, it’s the perspective. Yes, I had a Linked In profile, but it turns out, I was only gaining part of the potential value. Second, the book presents many ways to introduce people with less work and greater impact. Third, Smart Networking is the perfect resource to encourage others to advance their networking skills.

As Liz explains with warmth and humor, what goes around comes around. This is the book I’ll recommend for years to come. I’ve already purchased five copies for clients and friends, and am sure to double that soon.

So, if you have been trying to make networking work for your unique personality, goals, and timeframe – this is a great resource to help you both become more adept and enjoy the process.

Here are my four cents on how to use the book to your greatest advantage.

• Form a “smart” team with a friend or colleague to implement ideas together – it’s more fun that way. As I mentioned, I’ve purchased and shared numerous copies of the book, and look forward to discussing it with others.
  
• Take notes right in the book. There are so many great ideas in the book, that you’re going to start generating thoughts right away. For example, in my copy, I made a note on page 128 about networking with other bloggers. That had never occurred to me. And I’m acting on it right here.
  
• Check out Liz’s blog, at www.smartnetworking.com. We can all use some reinforcing boosters - and it’s free.
  
•  If the shoe fits, share it! Absorb some of the lingo and share with your friends and colleagues. For example, on page 17, she acknowledges “Feeling awkward is normal. Before a skill can become second nature to the point that experts call ‘unconscious competence,” you’ll often have to stumble through a period of “conscious incompetence.” Perfectly true, perfectly stated.
  
  How many times have I felt that, or tried to express that to a client? Now, I can simply refer to this phrase, and put our energy into turning temporary challenges into a solution. For example, I’ve been avoiding Facebook, but after reading what Liz says about it, have reached out to a colleague to guide me through my “conscious incompetence” phase. More on that next time ... I’d rather share victories than plans!