Post: #1

I recently stumbled on Sovereign Man's Network Infiltration report, some of may have received it via youngmobileglobal, but if you haven't got it you can download it for free at this link:
http://sovereignman.com/Network%20Infiltration.pdf

I thought that the similarities between John Davie's and Simon Black's networking systems deserved comparison. For the John Davies system, see
/thread-12264.html

I've also made a schematic of the Simon Black theory of networking:
   

Simon Black's Network Infiltration guide is a quick and easy read with some bold advice on how to break into a network. His theory however is a bit vague on specifics. If you're a guy who struggles on openers, or who needs more on the inner game of networking, this guide won't help. Furthermore, it feels like Simon Black struggles to define his terms in a way that is simple to understand. His 'Lawyer' networking example is also probably too expensive for most people.

That said, his theory appears sound, and the guide is worth reading as a supplement to the John Davies book. There is not much difference in substance between the John Davies system and the Simon Black system. Both advocate approaching service providers, as these people seem to be more highly connected than most. Both advocate adding value to the people you meet. Both advocate branding yourself as an interesting and unique person. Both believe in the value of introduction-based network, even if the initial entry into the network was via a cold-approach.

It is mostly in the initiation of networking that the two authors have a separate approach. John Davies advocates first defining your goals, then approaching a variety of contacts to spend time with them, and then decide who can nudge you towards your goal - with the background goal of getting 100 introductions. Simon Black believes in approaching a service provider of the rich/powerful immediately, and then spending money on them to buy access to introductions.

As I mentioned, I consider Simon Black's guide a useful supplement. If you have money to spend, the Simon Black model is probably the better model with which to attain your goals. If you don't have money, you will have to spend time instead, and for that the John Davies model is more relevant.

Post: #2

Just finished reading it. Has lots of good networking tips, though you have to have some dough or value to execute them.