The 20-Minute Networking Meeting: Professional Edition

Learn to Network. Get a Job

De: Marcia Ballinger, Nathan A. Perez

Narrado por: Nathan A. Perez

Built using the acclaimed The 20-Minute Networking Meeting: Executive Edition networking model lauded by business leaders around the world, the Professional Edition puts you in control of your job-search discussions and, ultimately, your career. Taking the best elements of the best networkers from a multitude of industries and professions, combined with 40 years of the authors' own experience, the Professional Edition culminates in a highly productive networking approach from a hiring perspective.

In this book, learn what networking (really) is, and how to:

• Master the five most important parts of a networking meeting
• Create a networking agenda
• Construct key questions to lead a discussion
• Expand a professional network with more names
• Break into the "Invisible/Hidden Job Market" (where more than 70 percent of all jobs are obtained)
• Make a networking meeting more effective, efficient, and mutually beneficial
• Execute the above (and much more)—inside of 20 minutes
• Maintain your new network throughout your career!

Chock full of real-world scenarios, short stories, meeting examples, and dozens of tips and observations from hiring authorities and recruiting experts, the Professional Edition is an end-to-end lesson on job-search networking, founded on the premises of gratitude, positivity, and reciprocity. Specifically constructed to clarify and simplify networking for job-search, the Professional Edition was written for even the most introverted networker and is rounded out with a complete set of readiness worksheets that guide the listener through actual networking preparation, with fully written stories that show the entire: The 20-Minute Networking Meeting model in action.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Nathan A. Perez, Marcia Ballinger (P)2019 Nathan A. Perez, Marcia Ballinger

Excellent book! Highly recommend.

A must ready for anyone, at any level, who wants to learn how to be more comfortable, more confident, and ultimately more successful with networking meetings. This book is exactly what I needed for my job search in a new city. It helped me rethink and rework how I was handling networking conversations. The outline (objectives, timelines, examples) for each part of a meeting was incredibly helpful. I am now more focused in my preparation, clearer on what I want out of my meetings, and far more respectful of everyone's time.

Informative, Actionable

The 20 Minute Networking Meeting gives the needed information, examples, and actionable step needed to perform the sometimes daunting task of networking. Because I’m not the sales-guy type, I have avoided networking. This book provides people like me (and anyone in general) an approachable strategy for networking. I am grateful and excited to get started with networking.

Value

If you want to be able to provide value to others in the process of networking. This is a book for you. It will provide a step by step process and the reasons to do so. Don’t come to your next networking meeting and waste their time.

Reframe the way you job hunt

What I like most about this book is that it gives actual strategies on how to conduct an efficient networking meeting. I am looking forward to implementing these tactics to hopefully land my next job!

Fantastic book on networking

This book is a great resource for networking strategies. Highly recommend for anyone- especially those who don’t like to network.

Deeply practical

Excellent overall immersion in the most practical tool for successful career growth. Author makes networking accessible with explicit tools and outlines to make it happen

Super helpful!

It practiced what it preached. Short concise useful info was respectful of listeners/readers’ time. Simple to implement too!

Warm, practical, empowering!

This book takes the stress out of networking with a kind and thoughtful approach! A great read for anyone navigating a career change.

Practical, Minnesota-Made Wisdom on Networking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The 20-Minute Networking Meeting by Nathan A. Perez and Marcia Ballinger, PhD (a Minnesota author!) is a refreshingly practical guide that brings structure, focus, and confidence to the networking process. While it’s written primarily for job seekers, it’s just as valuable for anyone in outreach or sales who relies on building genuine connections to open doors.

Marcia Ballinger is actually presenting at our next quarterly meeting (thanks to our community associate, Laura!), and after reading this, it’s easy to see why. The book takes what’s often an awkward or time-wasting process and turns it into a polished, intentional conversation that respects everyone’s time.

Honestly, I wish more vendor sales pitches followed this 20-minute format. Too often, I’ve sat through hour-long calls filled with small talk and fluff. This book proves that clear purpose and preparation are far more effective than over-talking your point.

💡 Helpful Nugget: One of the best takeaways is the idea of “closing strong.” Always end your networking or sales conversation by confirming next steps—whether that’s a follow-up email, an introduction, or sharing materials. It shows respect, clarity, and professionalism while keeping the relationship moving forward.

Concise, smart, and rooted in real-world experience—this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to be better at connecting without overcomplicating it.