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TESTIMONIALS
"Networlding helped us plan and facilitate a Women's Leadership Educational and Networking event," said Emilia DiMenco an executive vice president for Harris Bank. "The insights, connections and experience Melissa and her team created made our event very successful, meaningful and worthwhile for all who attended."
Emilia DiMenco, VP
Harris Bank
Thanks for all your help! You did a wonderful job and got awesome feedback from the participants! Laura Clark Fey could not stop talking about you, I think you two will hit it off well! Let's talk soon! Thanks again!
Robert Johnson
Managing Counsel
Workers' Compensation
Practice Group
McDonald's Corporation
for Diversity Event for Corporate Counsel
Your presentation was about a 9 or 10 on my WOW monitor. As a writer I love your reverence for words and as a creative director I so appreciate your cutting-edge creative approach. Thank you so for sharing your talents and expertise.
Jean Bailey
Project Manager, AblePlay
National Lekotek Center
www.ableplay.org www.lekotek.org www.anixter.org
"We see the ability in everyone"
"I just wanted to thank you for yet another wonderfully successful teleconference this morning! The attendees in our '7 Steps to Building a Power Network' session were all extremely pleased with the topics you covered and the information that they were able to take away. Having sat in on the teleconference myself, I am sure that everyone present will be able to immediately apply your excellent methods and advice and will be 'power networking' in no time.
It is so nice to be able to work with you on our career development workshops. Since the satisfaction of our members is our utmost goal, I am happy (and relieved) to always be assured of a successful and productive event when you are doing the coaching! Your professionalism, your depth of knowledge and your warm and personable coaching style is something I can always count on, and I sincerely thank you for all that you continue to do for us! You make my job an absolute pleasure." o:p>
Many thanks,
Debbie Rotolo
Director, Events and Products
6FigureJobs-A Workstream Company
"WOW - the power of Networlding is extraordinary! From virtually the moment I signed on, my world of innovative and relevant business connections has mushroomed. The chemical reaction created by linking like-minded people toward a common aim has immense potential to bring about real change in the market."
"In the increasing competitive technology market where senior executives have much more at risk in spending resources to solve business problems, the value of networlding is even more essential to success than ever before. At the end of the day, executives will buy from strategic partners they can trust and who have the confidence of others and a record of success. This to me is the power of networlding - relying on relationships to introduce you to others who have similar business problems and can enjoy and share in the success you have delivered before. Thank you for engaging with SPSS."
Brian Zanghi, Chief Operating Officer
SPSS
I wanted to thank you and your staff for the event yesterday. It was really wonderful. I know we had to adjust a few things here and there, but you couldn't tell from the feedback. Nothing but good things from the parents and the girls. The girls really enjoyed it. I have heard from a few of the parents this morning who said their girls couldn't stop talking about what they learned or who they met
Thank you again,
Noelle Sojka-Ridder
Program Director
Girl Scouts of Chicago
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Melissa, your book coaching class served as the inspiration to complete a book that had been languishing in my head and on my computer for six months. But thanks to your enthusiasm for the task, that brilliant outline you provided which helped me organization the random notes I was calling a book, and your generous help in locating the references to produce a book proposal my book is now on the way. I completed it within 90 days of taking your class and am actively exploring the options for self publishing versus a full blown publisher. And your kind efforts to locate an agent were definitely above and beyond. Thanks again for inspiring me to get my act in gear.
Keith Bates
President
"Melissa Giovagnoli's life is governed by a complex, aesthetically arranged constellation of core values. She has built an ever-expanding network to maximize and magnify her genuine goodwill through the leadership and business/personal growth services she provides. Mixing authenticity, personal kindness, and a determination to honor the best in every individual into the realm of sound business principles, Melissa is a living example of the fabulous success achievable through Networlding."
--Karen Field Bolek, communications specialist, self-styled philosopher, and futurist.
"Your Networlding capability--of gaining the attention of high profile connections - and then attracting their involvement in your Circle--is something we all can learn from you - if we pay attention! Manny Sanchez is someone who is prominent in Chicago, and I had never met him prior to your introduction. Now he is a Boardroom Bound Lifetime Friend; Co-Chair of our February 16th Awards Luncheon; and his firm is now a key sponsor!
Thank you, Melissa, for bringing me into your Networld!
"Networlding works!"
Larry Mohl, Head of Leadership
American Express
"Networlding is one of the top programs I have ever taken in my 20 years of sales."
Dave Richter, Regional Dir., SPSS
"I worked with Melissa to guide my clients through her Networlding process. Her insights on today's proven networking and collaboration methods are extremely valuable, and have helped me personally gain a competitive edge in my business. Within weeks of using her methods, I received four highly qualified leads and booked a speaking engagement in the C-level executive community!"
Lisa Nirell, President, Nirell & Associates
"Working with Melissa has been an incredibly positive experience and has also delivered tangible results. By having more conscious conversations and using the Networlding philosophy with existing clients and prospects I have generated over $100,000 of potential revenue in the last 90 days. Since our business has a longer sales cycle, I am confident that I will generate five times that amount over the next year since I have shifted my networking to Networlding."
Amy Dordek, VP Bus. Development,
The Johnsson Group
"Melissa defines the term "tapped in". Her insights on networking and business have made her one of my most valued and trusted colleagues. She has a gift for spotting consumer trends and acting on them."
Joe Orlandino, VP of Sales and Marketing, Goerski Advertising
"Your presentation to our executive women's leadership group was just great! People really connected in a way they have not done before! Thanks for all your help in creating a wonderful, interactive event for our clients and us."
Ellen S. Robbins, Partner
Sidley Austin Brown & Wood
"Thanks for all you are doing to connect people.I made some very good connections."
Paul Lanci, VP
Motorola Professional Services
Thanks for sharing such great ideas and presenting it with such enthusiasm!"
Janice T. Morgando
Director, Branch Operations
Quest Diagnostics Inc.
"Great event last evening! Made some new contacts and ran into some clients and friends as well! Thanks for a wonderful night. Tremendously successful!
Jill Brady
Specification Manager
International Paper
"The energy was terrific from everyone there. You really know how to put on a great show!"
Gail Luxenberg
Director, Business Development
American Medical Association
"This was the best networking event I ever attended! The difference between this event and all the others is that everyone else is just talking about revitalizing the economy, but you are doing something about it."
Chris Madding
VP Business Development
Northwoods Software
"We truly enjoyed your talk and loved the way you facilitated our panel discussion. It was very rich conversation!!"
Mina Ghahremani, Manager, Global Great Place, Accenture
Networlding Reviews
Networlding and The Power of Two (both books by President of Networlding, Melissa Giovagnoli) voted two of the ten best alliance books for a year as monitored by Booz Allen Hamilton
Business 2.0
"It's an excellent book which is brimming full of examples which everyone from secretaries to CEOs should find useful."
Amazon.com
If "networking" was the battle cry of the business world at the tail end of the 20th century, Melissa Giovagnoli and Jocelyn Carter-Miller hope to make "networlding" its call to arms in the new millennium. Giovagnoli, a consultant and speaker, and Carter-Miller, a Motorola executive, agree that one-to-one connectivity is still the key to professional advancement. However, they believe their updated concept will prove more effective in coming years because, if properly implemented, it will forge deeper bonds and lead to greater opportunities than its more superficial predecessor ever could. In Networlding, the authors explain their practice as a "purposeful process of collaboration" among individuals who "share similar intent, values, goals, and interests." They then lay out a seven-step system for developing such mutually beneficial personal relationships, ranging from the establishment of "a values-rich foundation" through the formation and cultivation of a circle of "connections" with whom you "co-create opportunities" that move everyone ahead. There are plenty of specifics, exercises, and real-life examples here for those serious about attempting this technique. It should prove applicable for almost anyone in any type of business situation and virtually any stage of his or her career. Howard Rothman
From Publishers Weekly
Declaring that in today's workplace, simple networking is no longer enough, Giovagnoli and Carter-Miller present a prescriptive plan combining career advancement with social reform. In contrast to the traditional aim of networking for one's own financial gain or prestige, they espouse "networlding," in which advancement may be a motive but there's a difference in intent. Networlding involves focusing on a larger issue, such as increasing diversity in the workplace or offering assistance for a social program. Among the specific rules of networlding offered by Giovagnoli, a marketing and management expert on networks and networking, and Carter-Miller, an executive at Motorola: "Grow and nurture your relationships," "Expand your connections" and "Make both your redundant and divergent connections count." The last rule is easy to overlook: the authors cite someone looking for a job who got a lead after talking to a parent at a Little League game. Even more important than following these rules is having a clear sense of one's values. The authors present a straightforward approach for identifying and prioritizing values, creating a personal charter and setting goals for the coming year. While readers who haven't consciously networked during their career may find this approach difficult to follow, those who have will benefit from this concise and innovative primer.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Jack Canfield, author, Chicken Soup for the Soul
"Networlding takes you through a process for creating a network of like-minded, value-based people that will transform the way you work and live."
Diane Hessan, CEO, Communispace.com
"A rich combination of philosophy, storytelling, and practical advice for being more effective in our increasingly connected society."
Sue Baechler, president, Wabitat, Inc.
"The authors create a vision and a process for a society of networlders who each will enjoy many years of satisfying relationships and joyful work."
Jim Botkin, president, Interclass, and author, Smart Business
"A must-read for executives building knowledge communities."
Chuck Dornbush, president, Athenium
"Networlding puts into clear writing a framework for living in an interconnected world."
Bill Bahr, VP, IBEX Systems
I was looking for a way to rejuvenate my community service club. Despite a year of applauded community service and excellent reviews for club management, members were leaving because of "lack of time" (code word, I believe, for the club's lack of value, especially as relates to business networking opportunities). In researching the literature on networking, I came across an outstanding book I heartily recommend, at least for the positive results in increasing membership in my club. To you help your club or to help yourself achieve success in your professional career and personal life, try reading Networlding, a book about enlightened networking. Networlding shows you how to effectively and efficiently build, maintain, and employ mutually supportive relationships based on shared values. Emphasis on clarity and specificity of goals and the ability to communicate them, as well as fairness of exchange at a multiplicity of levels, are the keys to Networlding's "win-win" success formula. Included are an overview of Networlding's ten golden rules, as well as a seven-step guide to Networlding's ascending journey. Now you can make a positive, socially responsible difference without losing yourself or others in the process. Whether you need ideas or introductions, or just want to "do well by doing good," this book is a powerful life tool!
Reviewer: Rolf Dobelli, getAbstract (see more about me) from Switzerland
Tired of schmoozing at cheesy networking functions? Would you rather strangle that next contact than give him your business card? Authors Melissa Giovagnoli and Jocelyn Carter-Miller offer a better way to do business. They advise you to build relationships for long-term mutual gain, not short-term self-interest. This shouldn't be a revolutionary concept. But, as the authors persuasively argue, business relationships often suffer due to narrow, short-term thinking. While the authors occasionally repeat themselves, the writing is lively and full of concrete examples that can help you develop deeper business relationships. We recommend it to anyone who wants to develop more meaningful, productive connections for fun, profit and purpose.
Networking Success in the New Millennium
Reviewer: dan@schmoozemonger.com (see more about me) from Algonquin, IL
"Networlding" is a major leap in beyond related books from the 20th century. I'd even call it evolutionary.
Dale Carnegies' 1937 classic, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," is still a great place to start building networking skills, and there are many other "good" books on the subject available today. If you've read any networking books, or have an appreciation for the power of relationships, you are ready for what "Networlding" has to offer.
As the owner of Schmoozemonger.com, it's my job to stay on top of the various philosophies on building effective networks. After reading it, "Networlding" immediately became my #1 recommended book on networking. I personally apply the 7-step system for building a values-centered network.
The great news is, even if you already have an extensive network, you can still apply the concepts of "Networlding" to your network. I've been able to improve existing relationships by implementing these techniques, and applying the overall philosophy into my business dealings.
"Networlding" is a very good read. It definitely does not "talk down" to you or fill you with empty enthusiasm that never lasts, nor does it come at you with a clinical, academic structure that can be very sterile and dry. No false "Get rich quick" promises either.
The pages turn quickly, but I recommend keeping a highlighter and stack of Post-it notes nearby. "Networlding" will quickly become a go-to resource for you as you build the skills taught in the book.
Giovagnoli and Carter-Miller have developed the definitive networking concept for social-minded people who want more out of their business relationships.
At best, this book will change your life, and help you go places you never thought possible. There really is no downside, because you can't help but take away a few tips or techniques you can apply immediately.
If you really want deeper, meaningful, effective business relationships, buy this book!
This book will open your eyes
Reviewer: PETE WORTHINGTON from Lauderhill FL.
Reading Networlding opened my eyes to just how my connections to others effects the quality of all my business relationships. This book forces you to reexamine your motives when building your business network. It also turns an old stale process of networking into something that is much more rewarding and fun.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to sharing it with some close business partners. They could use help in developing some new business insights. Reading Networlding could certainly help them get unstuck, it sure helped me.
Enrich Your Life by Reducing Your Six Degrees of Separation!
Reviewer: Donald Wayne Mitchell from Boston
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to expand her/his circle of influence and have deeper, more meaningful human relationships in the process. Most of us would like to have greater connections in our lives, and Networlding is the art and science of how to make that happen. Whether you are a wallflower or the head of a powerful organization, Networlding will show you how to accomplish more in the areas you care about in an ethical, fulfilling way. This book will be especially attractive to you if you dislike traditional networking -- the two have almost nothing in common.
Research has shown that no one on earth is more than six people away from any other person, through common contacts. You may be familiar with that concept from Guare's book on that subject. You may have seen the play or the movie that were produced on that concept as well. What Carter-Miller and Giovagnoli focus on is that you can systematically search out meaningful connections that will get you to those who can help you accomplish your life's purpose. As a result, you will start out closer than six degrees from the person you want to meet and will get there sooner. That's a very powerful and important concept. The authors back up the concept with lots of experience and proven methods of making this desirable result happen in a satisfying way for all concerned.
I have read many books and attended many seminars over the years about how to make connections with people you do not yet know, and this book is by far the best at explaining how to organize and implement such activities. With such a powerful process available to you, you can accomplish much, much more because all of us know much more than any of us.
To facilitate this important direction, the authors have established a trust-based Web site that you should investigate as well.
The process described is iterative (as all good processes are). (1) Figure out what your values are. (2) Assess the connections you have for their consistency with your values. (3) Increase the number and strength of your connections with those who meet your value set. (4) Initiate relationships where important benefits are exchanged (5) Grow and nurture these relationships. (6) Work with these people to create opportunities you can explore in common (co-create) (7) Re-create your networld.
As you can see from this, Networlding is almost nothing like networking. The key differences relate to the value-based foundation of Networlding, and the emphasis on mutual benefit.
The book is also very strong in providing snippets of practical advice from other fields. For example, there is good information about how to handle first contacts that builds nicely on NLP. The work on establishing your values and life direction would make Tony Robbins proud.
The book is well written, has dozens of powerful examples, and is easy to understand and apply.
My advice for you is that you use this book as an opportunity to re-create your life, as well. The book is full of such stories. Most of us give up on our dreams. With the Networlding approach, there is no reason to do so.
I also encourage you to share this book with others with whom you would like to Networld. It will facilitate the development of an optimal relationship. I certainly plan to share this wonderful book with people I stay in touch with based on our commitment to common values.
To get even more benefit from this book, I suggest that you add as many other skills as you can that are relevant to your life's purpose. The stronger you are as a resource to yourself and others, as a person committed to something important, and as a credible, trustworthy person, the better Networlding will work for you. That point isn't fully developed in the book, but is certainly tacit in the concept as explained by the examples.
Overcome your misconception stall that you cannot accomplish everything that you desire for the mutual benefit of humanity and enjoy life to the fullest!
Life-altering, July 7, 2000
Reviewer: Jackie Sloane from Chicago, Illinois
Melissa Giovagnoli and Jocelyn Carter Miller share the secrets they have learned and developed over the years for producing exponential leaps in accomplishment and life satisfaction by creating a Networld-- a world of colleagues and friends with similar values, standards and goals that supports you in creating what you want far more quickly than you would have believed possible. And, your contribution to your Networld comes back to you many times as well -- in terms of unexpected opportunity and rich relationships. This is the essential guidebook for the New Economy. I believe with Melissa and Jocelyn, that we are no longer in the Information Age, but in the Age of the Relationship. Knowing how to create, build, maintain and leverage relationships is the essential skill of the New Economy. This book and its tools can change your life.
Viral marketing at the personal level
Reviewer: Keith Bates from Chicago, IL United States
I found this book fascinating. Couldn't put it down. For those of you in the marketing world viral marketing (or word of mouth, or buzz...all the same thing) thrives on virusworthiness, defined as an ability to stand out from the crowd. That's what this book shows you how to do, not on a product level, but on a personal level. After filling my copy with marginal notes and underscores I started over again with Chapter three to more clearly establish the goals and values that make my relationships more valuable, both to myself and my partners. This book gives you an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Without a clearly defined direction in life many of us engage in meaningless, for both parties, relationships that consume precious time and go nowhere. Melissa and Jocelyn have presented a roadmap out of this morass. Anyone with ambitions for growth, whether personal or corporate-wise, needs to position themselves within the proper environment. The seven-step plan outlined in this book is as potent a personal marketing plan as any marcom strategy statement I have written in 25 years of developing marketing strategies for many of the nations leading software companies.
"The Networlding concepts have furthered my understanding of the power such values based linking can deliver and has provided me with a framework for even more impactful collaboration in the future. Through the use of Networlding concepts I enhanced what I have naturally done throughout my life."
Jeff Blade, CFO
Steak N Shake
"I am a Networlding evangelist! Since starting our new business in a new city and not knowing a soul, we owe much of our success to Melissa Giovagnoli and Networlding. We have met hundreds of people through this values-based networking approach. I would highly recommend Networlding to entrepreneurs and corporate professionals alike. Networlding frees people from the usual networking grind, and enables folks to connect with others who can help them reach their personal and professional goals."
Jackie Huba, Principal of Wabash & Lake and author of "Creating Customer Evangelists: How Loyal Customers Become a Volunteer Sales Force"
"What a triumph! The "Building Partnerships for Business Growth" Conference is more than two weeks past and the accolades keep coming in! Your session was a real hit and received the highest marks (per the evaluations) of all the workshops. The other workshop presenters, however, were a little miffed-they didn't appreciate everyone attending your workshops. Next time, I'll build the conference around you!"
Mollie Cole
Chief, Office of Women's Business Development for the State of Illinois
(Women's Leadership Conference)
"I was delighted and impressed with the relationship building event you did with the Kellogg Alumni."
Dan Coffey
Career Development Committee, Kellogg Alumni Club
"Melissa, your community building program for AT&T where you provided us with a way to network in the community to grow brand identity, was more effective than most of our other marketing programs."
Charmaine Stradford
Marketing Director, AT&T
"Your methodology is a masterful articulation of the important subject of relationship building."
Guy Courtney, CEO
The Machaira Group
"What you do with Networlding is huge for business development. I have used this program to help people network their way to financial freedom. Melissa, you were my first mentor and I can't thank you enough for all your help. What you taught me is that friendships = business and you need quality time listening and helping others rather than worrying about payback."
Chad Coe, President
Coe Financial Group
chad@coefinancial.com
Anyway, I read the book and now I'm hooked. I loved it. My head is spinning with ideas on how I can integrate Networlding concepts with the Stakeholder Solutions methodology and focus squarely on the IT/Business alignment problem domain (to start). I've always believed that the root cause of the chronic alignment problems between IT and the business was the misalignment of core values between the typical IT professional some call them the geeks in the backroom and the typical business professional. Your book made crystal clear what I've been struggling to articulate for years.
I'm thinking that our technology and approach could easily be adapted to include certain elements of the Networlding framework to actually measure the prevalence of (or lack thereof) values-based relationships at an organizational level between IT and the rest of the enterprise.
As CIO for a $1.2B unit of a Fortune 10 conglomerate, I made the decision to outsource much of our application development work to India. It took me a while, but I finally figured out that the key to making real progress was to close the culture gap, as well as the gap caused by my team's fear of job loss. I surely didn't call it a Networlding Circle, but the first step I took was to find common ground between the Indian consultants and my team on the basis of finding similar core values. I used the company's skybox at Comisky Park in Chicago and invited the Indian consultants and members of my management team (along with spouses) to enjoy a White Sox game and some great ballpark food. I was amazed at how fast we moved beyond stereotyping and prejudice once everyone found common ground within the world of competitive professional sports, comparing our baseball to their cricket. The start of the transformation was obvious when everyone showed up at the office the next day. It snowballed from there.
Our Indian outsourcing initiative was one of the most successful in the company. The projects are a distant memory, but I still stay in touch with my good friend, Ramesh, the head of the Indian firm's AS/400 development center in New Delhi.
Ron Markam
Stakeholder Solutions
203 N. LaSalle Street - Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60601
ron.markham@stakeholdersolutions.net
The Power of Two Review
 Insightful!, November 6, 2001
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Reviewer: Rolf Dobelli, getAbstract from Switzerland | M&A, the strategy of choice for CEOs in the 1990s, is being relegated to the dustbin of history by partnerships, the flexible, efficient alternative for a global market. As such, executives must learn a new set of skills that focus on creating, strengthening and maintaining relationships. These abilities are the antithesis of the hard-nosed deal-making tactics you learned in business school.
The authors take the concept of partnering farther than many businesspeople will be willing to go when they suggest sharing their business secrets and ideas with everyone from hot start-ups to venerable competitors. But we [...] recommend this short, concise book to high-level executives in need of a partnership primer.
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