Author: Liz Ryan

ISBN: 1-60005-015-8

Over the past several years there has been a great deal of hype as to how the Internet has changed our lives. To a certain extent there is some validity to some of these claims, however, for the most part many of these should be taken with a grain of salt.  One topic, however, that has not been fully explored is that of the benefits of online networking-something that I personally can attest to as being beneficial in providing a more efficient, cheaper and better way to conduct business.

Liz Ryan, author of Happy About Online Networking: The Virtual-ly simple way to build professional relationships presents in a clear a precise manner a map in which professional relationships can be built through online networking.  For readers who are not sure what exactly is online networking, Ryan defines it as “a set of activities associated with creating and nurturing business relationships via the Internet. In other words, it is just a process where individuals take advantage of the tools and resources provided by the Internet to further their business and personal relationships.”

Ryan’s 124 page user-friendly manual is divided into nine chapters that help us understand how to use the Internet in our business networking.  Some of the topics covered are the myths of what online networking can do, online networking as it pertains to its benefits in running and growing your business, email groups, list-servs, etiquette rules, integration of online and offline networks, developing your persona online, international networking, cultivating your network, using online networking to solve problems, creating an online plan, and networking resources. At the end of each of her chapters, Ryan provides a brief sum up pertaining to the key points discussed.

Ryan is a very strong proponent of the web site Linkedln and as a result has devoted a great deal of ink to this site and its benefits. Linkedln is one of the most well-known networking sites that primarily focus on business relationships. In fact, I have to admit that although I was registered with LinkedIn, prior to reading Ryan’s manual I never understood how it works and its benefits. One bone of contention I have with Ryan is that she states that we should stay away from Myspace.com which she describes as a popular social networking site for teens. This was probably the case when the site first commenced operations, however, it can now effectively be used by authors, musicians and many others.

There is no doubt that Happy About Online Networking: The Virtual-ly simple way to build professional relationships delivers in equipping us with the gear in helping us comprehending online networking and how beneficial it can be if we incorporate it into our everyday business activities.

 The above review was contributed by:  NORM GOLDMAN:  Retired Title Attorney: Editor & Publisher of Bookpleasures. Here are  Norm Goldman's Reviews