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Mia, the rainshower, the Yellow Suit, Cuban Dance and Profit Power Economics
Well, earlier in my blog, I did mention that I had a tenuous link to a person in my PNN (“Personal Network” Network). Mia de Kuijper is a world leading economist/strategist – with strong view on “power nodes”.
I have actually met Mia once – and reading her book “Profit Power” my thinking change from looking at solutions in the area of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) to understanding the power of individual components/nodes (in my case people) in the new economy.
Anyway, my meeting with Mia was caused by an early arrival at
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a Theatre (near the London School of Economics) to watch Cuban Dance! There was a rain storm – and a bookshop was open at the back of LSE. My wife and I dashed for cover and were confronted by a staff getting ready to lock up – and a lady in a stunning yellow suit finishing signing books. Who could resist a book on economics! She kindly signed the book – and as well as brilliant night at the theatre … I got a great insight in to the power of positioning yourself correctly in the new economy.
In particular she introduced me to the work of Albert-László Barabási. She describes in her book his work on Internet search engines and Hollywood figures that produced “Powerlaw Networks”. Although the book focusses on the strategic positioning of businesses in the global market place – the principles are equally applicable to an individual finding their place in the world through finding the right place in their network (much like Barabási’s Hollywood figures did naturally!).
Mia’s book was certainly the first step in me stopping thinking of contacts as Rolodex cards or Outlook VCF files – and much more as nodes in our networks, stars in our solar system!
Thank you Mia.
Reading List – the research so far … and the summer reading shelf
As mentioned, I have been running up my Amazon bill doing this Personal Network research. See the picture of my Personal Network bookshelf…..
I’ve created a list on my LinkedIn Profile – http://uk.linkedin.com/in/philobr. I would be interested
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if you have any other suggestions. List – as of this evening – is below. I need to get reading….
Profit Power Economics: A New Competitive Strategy for Creating Sustainable Wealth
by Mia de Kuijper
Phil has read this book
Recommended
Comment: “Mia actually signed the book for me – I’d gone to shelter from the rain in Waterstones at the back of the LSE … and I could not resist. Fascinating read – especially if you transpose her thoughts on power nodes as the business units of the future …. to individuals. One day, I will be a power node…..”
Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust
by Chris Brogan, Julien Smith
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “Bought, on the shelf … and soon to be read!”
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
by Malcolm Gladwell
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “In my bag for reading on holiday. Will do a short review soon. I found an extract on Malcolm’s blog – and he kindly game me permission to use on my blog. Nice guy.”
The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and Updated: Expanded and Updated, With Over 100 New Pages of Cutting-Edge Content.
by Timothy Ferriss
Phil has read this book
Recommended
Comment: “I’ve read it – I got my wife to read it … and I’m going to send a copy to a few friends. Tim does a great job on getting you focussed on what is important in life. thought provoking….”
Different: Escaping the Competitive Herd
by Youngme Moon
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “On the shelf – and will be read soon!”
Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone Is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone.
by Mitch Joel
Phil has read this book
Recommended
Comment: “Would thoroughly recommend this book. Mitch Joel is one of the ever increasing band of Canadians setting the digital networking and blogging world on fire. This book got me over the line to create my blog – and is a great read.”
Who’s Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships That Create Success–and Won’t Let You Fail
by Keith Ferrazzi
Phil is reading this book
Comment: “This is on my summer list – and I’m about 1/3rd of the way through. I do like that even though Keith is obviously a confident guy – he will share how he has got things wrong and helps others to learn through the occasional failure. More soon….”
Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time
by Keith Ferrazzi, Tahl Raz
Phil has read this book
Recommended
Comment: “Keith Ferrazzi is a leader in the world of networking. This books gives a great overview for anyone who wants to improve their networking skills. It’s a little “american” for a Brit like myself … we are a pretty reserved race. However, the principles and tips are excellent – and the principles sound. “
Six Degrees of Connection: How to Unlock Your Leadership Potential (Volume 1)
by Liz Dow
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “I’ve bought this – and had a quick skim. I am going to read after the “Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell – which this book and Liz’s work was inspired by.”
Brilliant Networking: What the Best Networkers Know, Do, and Say
by Steven D’Souza
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “Brilliant (BRIGHT) cover – and an amazing quote/speech from Robert Muller of the UN in the intro/preface. On the reading list for the summer”
Personal Networking: How to Make Your Connections Count
by Mick Cope
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “Bought from amazon – and on the reading list. I like the FT business books – I used one of these books (on Business Plans) as a reference throughout my business life. Looking forward to reading.”
Social Network Analysis: Methods and Applications (Structural Analysis in the Social Sciences)
by Stanley Wasserman, Katherine Faust
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “Now – we are talking SERIOUS book here. Dan (my technical partner) and myself are battling for who reads this one first. I was attracted by the fact the book series was edited by Mark Granovetter (who developed the idea of “strength in weak ties” in the 70s). Will be a challenge to read … with my little brain…!”
How Many Friends Does One Person Need?: Dunbar’s Number and Other Evolutionary Quirks
by Robin Dunbar
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “I’d read about the principle that you should have/only need 150 friends/contacts. Research lead me to Robin Dunbar (this is called the Dunbar Number). In the bag to be read this summer.”
Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age (Open Market Edition)
by Duncan J. Watts
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “On my reading list – and on the shelf. Will get read this summer.”
Connected
by Christakis, Nicholas A., Fowler, James H.
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “This is waiting to be read on my shelf. Flick through says that it’s going to be a great resource to understand about visualising Personal Networks.”
Bursts: The Hidden Pattern Behind Everything We Do
by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi
Phil wants to read this book
Comment: “The follow up to “Linked” – on my shelf and ready to be read this summer.”
Linked: How Everything Is Connected to Everything Else and What It Means
by Albert-Laszlo Barabasi
Phil has read this book
Recommended
Comment: “This is the very best book to give an overview of how similar our personal networks are to other networks (all the way down to chemical protein!!). He guides you through with anecdotes and thorough research. A copy should be on the shelf of anyone serious about networking.”
Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends
by Tim Sanders
Phil has read this book
Recommended
Comment: “Really enjoyable – and quick – read. Love his principle of being so positive in the business environment. I share his views on focussing on giving/doing the right thing … but as a Brit, not sure about all the hugging!! Buy and give your nice side a run out at work….”
Networking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts into Connections (Paperback)
by Ivan Misner (Author)David Alexander (Author) Brian Hilliard (Author)
Phil has read this book
Recommended
Comment: “This is a very good book to give you a view of the process of networking. Ivan Misner is an authority on the subject – and runs the BNI (which is heavily promoted throughout). Gives a good overview fo the principles of how networks work.”
“Personal Network” Network
One thing that I believe has been a strength during my life is the ability that when I want to steer a new course or check out new ideas is to ask the people I know who they know. With my Personal Network’s help I have managed to get so some amazing places – and develop interesting projects (both business and personal).
The other skill that I use when I am trying to develop a strategy for a new project (often away from my core knowledge and competence) is to devour information and learn as much as I can before getting to know people in a new area.
Well, here I am – in the area of Personal Networks – and I really know nobody who
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is knowledgeable or important! Well, actually, there is one person – Mrs Moneypenny, the Financial Times extraordinary anonymous networker! More on her later….
As mentioned, I do like to do my research before launching in to a project – so I’ve been avidly reading books, checking out blogs and diving in to the occasional bit of academic research (which does stretch my brain a little too far!). The result is – that the first visualisation (or visualization if you are American) project has been to map out the “Personal Network Experts” that I have identified through books, blogs, the academic world, etc. As of today, I know one person in this network (and a very tenuous link to another) – but it is my challenge over the coming months to make an intro and try to develop a relationship and build up trust so they can become part of my “Personal Network” Network (think I’ll start to abbreviate that to PNN!).
This first network diagram has been produced in a mind mapping software that I like to use for project to-do lists called Mind Meister. I think it’s a fun way of giving me a “helicopter” view of things.
“Personal Network” Network – Mindmap on Mindmeister
PLEASE NOTE - my website has moved to http://www.philobrien.com. Please continue your journey there!. Best wishes. Phil
Personal Network Blog 