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Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever Need
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Sales rank 12,686
Customers rating (based on 67 reviews)
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Bestselling author Harvey Mackay reveals his techniques for the most essential tool in business--networking, the indispensable art of building contacts.Now in paperback, Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty is Harvey Mackay's last word on how to get what you want from the world through networking. For everyone from the sales rep facing a career-making deal to the entrepreneur in search of capital, Dig Your Well explains how meeting these needs should be no more than a few calls away. This shrewdly practical book distills Mackay's wisdom gleaned from years of "swimming with sharks," including: - What kinds of networks exist
- How to start a network, and how to wring the most from it
- The smart way to downsize your list--who to keep, who to dump
- How to keep track of favors done and favors owed--Is it my lunch or yours?
- What you can do if you are not good at small talk
Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty is a must for anyone who wants to get ahead by reaching out.
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| Publisher | Currency Books | | Release date | 02/1999 | | Availability | Usually ships in 24 hours | | Edition | Paperback |
| | List price | $16.95 | | Our price | $11.53 (you save 31.98%) | | Used price | from $3.81 |
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 Best Basic Networking Book Ever Written
I meet a large number of people who consider themselves "good networkers", but really are not. I would not trust most of these folks any farther than I could throw them.
This is the foundation book anyone who truly wants to build a network. Simply written, this book lays out the rules--give (without any expectation of return), work diligently and incessantly on others' behalf, and truly care for the other person.
Networking would be a much more enjoyable activity if everyone followed McKay's advice.
Valuable tips for networking
I picked up this book because I have realized that despite my high level of motivation and discipline when it comes to pursuing my goals, I lack a solid support team. I tend to be an independent person, perfectly content to get things done on my own. This has worked really well for me in the past, but I am more and more coming to see that, despite the values of being independent, networking is a very important skill that can round out my skill set and contribute greatly to achieving goals. Not only that, relationships are very enriching and contribute a great deal to a person's quality of life. With this in mind, and based on a recommendation from Cynthia Kersey in her book, Unstoppable: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You, I decided to read this book and get started.
I was not disappointed. Harvey Mackay does indeed have an excellent voice, sound advice, and good stories to tell. I breezed through this book in a day, jotting down two pages of ideas inspired by his writings. The chapters are short and enjoyable to read. There were only a couple of drawbacks to this book: 1) The organization of the book isn't all that great. There doesn't seem to be a real strong outline of his points. But Mackay makes up for it by providing good stories and writing self-contained snipets of advice. 2) At times this book seems targeted for the upper-class because of some of the references he makes. Some of the tips therefore feel a bit out of reach, although if the book communicates anything it is a positive attitude that you really can network your way to anyone. So neither of these slight drawbacks detracted from my overall positive impression of the book, which is why I still give it five stars. Definitely worth reading for some inspiration to get you networking if it's not your strong suit.
 Good for a refresher or for your reference library
I finally read Harvey Mackay's Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty, after hearing it mentioned multiple times as the networking bible. I can see why people feel this way -- originally published in 1997, much of its advice is timeless. It is a good, speedy review of good networking ideas and practices. I especially liked the chapter where Mackay emphasized that personal and professional networks are separate. He did say you might have overlap but you can't assume that. It was nice to see him set some boundaries, given how aggressive some of the other advice was.
In fact, the constant networking push might be too much for some (if not many) readers. But this is a networking book so his all-networking-all-the-time approach is not unexpected. He encourages readers out of their comfort zone -- to try email if you're a live networker, to approach different ages/ races/ backgrounds -- and this is a good example of how Mackay pushes.
All in all, it's a great review of networking concepts. There isn't much new here, though it was perhaps new at the time, and it makes a good refresher or reference text for those who are committed to making networking an integral part of your life.
 NOT worth the time to read
This book has way too many useless stories about his life and friends without any real substance about how to build a network. Even worse were the stories about how networking is important. I know it's important or I wouldn't have bought the book. It does seem a bit dated at times, but is mostly relevant if you get by the other stuff. I feel like this book is the product of an author who has had successes in the past and wanted to write another book to make more money and brag about how good he is.
Build a network, and have some fun doing it
In general, I don't read business or self-help books, but I could not help enjoying a lot of this one. Mackay is a great raconteur who seems to have an endless supply of clever, interesting stories. One can see why he worked his way up from being a salesman to being president of an envelope company and a well-known writer. In general, his message is pretty simple: to build an effective network, make contact with as many people as you can, and keep in touch with them. Do favors for people, and they will do favors for you. If you want to find something out, or get something done, turn to your network - then do the same for others. In fact, go out of your way to think of ways to help others and find things in common with them.
There is a lot of good common sense in the book, e.g. "No is the second best answer there is. At least you know where you stand." But the best thing about it are the stories of people interacting that Mackay relates, most of them featuring the author himself. He throws in advice about how to find the best doctors, accountants, and lawyers. He urges the reader to join clubs and societies, such as Toastmasters International. He talks about Ray Kroc, Larry King, and other notable people. Personally, I could never be a Harvey Mackay - but once in a while, it is fun to read what he has to say.
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