The 29% Solution

About the Author

Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D., is a globally recognized expert in the field of networking. As the founder and chairman of BNI, the world's largest business networking organization, Misner has helped countless individuals and businesses achieve success through strategic networking. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of human connections and the power of referrals. In addition to "The 29% Solution," Misner has authored several other best-selling books, including "Masters of Networking" and "Masters of Success."

Michelle R. Donovan is known for her expertise in referability and networking. She owns the Referral Institute in western Pennsylvania and is the founder of Pinnacle Training Services. Donovan's work focuses on helping individuals and businesses become more referable, ensuring that they can attract and maintain valuable business relationships. She has also been a guest faculty member at Penn State's Beaver campus and the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Center for Executive Education, where she shares her knowledge and insights on effective networking strategies.

Main Idea

"The 29% Solution" is a practical guide to becoming a master networker, offering 52 weekly strategies to enhance one's networking skills. The authors, Ivan R. Misner and Michelle R. Donovan, argue that while most people understand the importance of networking, few have a systematic approach to achieving success in this area. The book aims to bridge this gap by providing a step-by-step methodology to help readers join the top 29% of successful networkers who are adept at building and leveraging their professional connections.

The core philosophy of the book is encapsulated in the concept of "Givers Gain," which suggests that by giving value to others first, one can build meaningful, reciprocal relationships. The authors emphasize that networking is not just about exchanging business cards but about cultivating relationships that are built on trust, mutual benefit, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. This approach leads to long-term success and positions the networker as a valuable resource within their industry.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Section One: Create Your Future
• Section Two: Expand Your Network
• Section Three: Go the Extra Mile
• Section Four: Get Value for Your Time
• Section Five: Control Your Communication
• Section Six: Become the Expert
• Section Seven: Capture Your Success Stories
• Section Eight: Do What Others Don't
• Conclusion

Introduction

The concept of "six degrees of separation" suggests that everyone in the world is connected through a short chain of acquaintances. However, Misner and Donovan challenge this idea by proposing that with the right networking strategies, one can significantly reduce these degrees of separation and become part of an elite group of networkers. The introduction sets the stage for the rest of the book by highlighting the importance of networking and the potential it holds for personal and professional growth.

The authors introduce the idea of "social capital," which refers to the value derived from one's relationships and networks. They argue that, like financial capital, social capital can be built and leveraged to achieve one's goals. By investing time and effort into building strong relationships, individuals can create a network of support and resources that can be invaluable in their personal and professional lives.

Section One: Create Your Future

In the first section, the authors discuss the importance of setting clear, measurable goals for networking. They introduce the SMART criteria, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These criteria help individuals create realistic and achievable networking goals that align with their overall career or business objectives.

"Givers Gain. We believe that no other two words in the English language capture so vividly, accurately and simply the power and potential of networking at its best." - Misner and Donovan

One of the key strategies in this section is the development of a word-of-mouth marketing team. This team consists of influential individuals who can help spread the word about your business or services. The authors emphasize the importance of selecting the right people for this team—individuals who have strong connections and are willing to engage in a reciprocal referral relationship. Building and maintaining this team is a crucial step in creating a strong network.

practical steps include: