David Burkus is a best-selling author, an award-winning podcaster, and associate professor of management at Oral Roberts University. His forthcoming book, FRIEND OF A FRIEND, offers readers a new perspective on how to grow their networks and build key connections—one based on the science of human behavior, not rote networking advice. He is also the author of UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT and THE MYTHS OF CREATIVITY. David is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review and his work has been featured in Fast Company, the Financial Times, Inc magazine, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and CBS This Morning.

Show Highlights:

The better strategy is to figure out where am I in this, who am I already connected to, who do I need to be connected to, how can I chart a path from from me to them? @davidburkusYou're already one or two degrees of separation out from everyone that you need to meet and get to know. It's just a matter of knowing what is my path to them and who could introduce me to them? @davidburkusNuture the connections that you already have. @davidburkusAsk this question: who do you know in blank with blank, being whatever industry sector segment that you want to get to know more of? @davidburkusYou will build a better and deeper relationship with someone faster if you're building multiplex ties. @davidburkusHumans are multifaceted creatures. @davidburkusThe way that you build a deeper and stronger relationship with them, is to be multi fascinated by the different elements of them. @davidburkusBe genuinely interested in all of the facets of someone and it will not only pay off, because you get to know them better and as a better human being, they would probably pay off in the long run, even in your career as well. @davidburkusWhat is the community that doesn't exist that needs to exist, that would help your career, help your clients, help people that are doing something similar to you? @davidburkusIf you focus on just adding the value to other people, you win as a byproduct. @davidburkusYou don't necessarily have to be that number one person. @davidburkusWe all have that potential. We just need to pay a little bit more attention to the network that's around us and then respond accordingly. @davidburkus

The Action Catalyst is a weekly podcast hosted by Dan Moore, President of Southwestern Advantage, the oldest direct-sales company in America, and Partner with Southwestern Consulting. With more than 45 years in sales leadership and marketing management, Dan has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to make better use of time to achieve life, sales, and other business goals. Each week, he interviews some of the nation’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing meaningful tips and advice. Subscribe on iTunes and please leave a rating and review!