You and Your Network: Getting the Most Out of Life

by Fred Smith

Book Overview

Learn the secret great achievers already know -- the life-changing principles of organized assistance! This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0937539309
• ISBN13: 9780937539309
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Executive Books
• Length: 201 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Wise Advice

Relationships should be as planned as any other part of an intentional life because they're so prominent in determining destiny and life quality. Fred Smith leaves no human relationships uncovered as he includes family and enemies in his discussion. In making his case early in the book, he writes, ""Great achievers have always understood the necessity of organized assistance." And in pointing out that the process is two-way, he adds, "As we are willing to serve others, others are anxious to repay our service." The focus on serving other people takes on a poignant emphasis in the section on friends as he tells readers that maturity in a relationship can be observed by the success of the other party. A true friend responds with delight at the other's success, not with hidden jealousy or envy. True friends are interested in each other for who they are, not out of an intent on impressing one another. Friendship, like any other valued relationship requires time and energy. In the chapter on relating to one's enemies he has an insightful quote from Steve Brown, i.e., "We have the right to hate whatever God hates." He adds, "God hates wrong but not people." He distinguishes between behavior and human beings. Hans Selye's research is cited a couple of times in the book. He found that the emotions associated with gratitude have a positive effect on people, while emotions related to vengence have the most harming effects. A touching story of Dr.Albert Schweitzer's reverence for life is given to illustrate how small things can be scared for astute observers. In talking about family relationship he explains how roles change and parents eventually learn from their children. He cited an instructive conversation he had with his adult son in which he discovered that his approach had been too much prodution oriented. Smith candidly admitted he was working to change a lifelong paradigm to conform to this revelation. His opinion was that his son's observation was accurate. I admire people who are constantly changing for the better and willing to admit when they need correction. Such is the author of this insightful book.

Not A Typical "Networking" Book

Much to my surprise, and delight, I discovered after reading the first few pages that Fred Smith's work is not a manual on what clubs to join and how to select party guests. It's a thorough discussion on how to get the most value out the brief time we have on earth. Smith unapologetically uses his daily Christian walk to illustrate how to obtain real success in business, pleasure, family and personal relationships, and spirtual growth. In fairness to the reader, Smith is generous in sharing his failures as well as his successes. For the greatest benefit, read the entire book. Then, using the chapter titles as a guide, go back and study the parts you really need. Fred Smith's book was a personal "mission statement" years before the term was coined.

A Personal & Professional Development Classic!

I first read this book in the late 80's. It became a favorite. I've started rereading it...something I rarely do for any book. The ideas are simple, yet profound. Nothing gimmicky or hokey here...just sound advice from a highly successful person. I think so much of the book I've bought a box full to give as gifts to clients and friends.