Harvey Mackay - Dig your well before youre thirsty

This book made available by the Internet Archive.

DEDICATION

This, my fourth book, is dedicated to all the people who have stopped by to thank me after one of my talks... and to those who have stopped me in an airport to shake my hand or to share a great anecdote.

It is dedicated to all the kind folks who have written me letters, from 50 countries and in dozens of languages, with terrific advice and thousands of experiences in as many different settings.

It is dedicated to all the people who have phoned me, faxed me, and tickled their keyboards to send me E-mail, or visited my Web site, trading ideas and impressions in our fast-moving world.

It is dedicated to all those who have read my books, columns, and articles and found even one idea to stimulate and encourage them enough so that they have come back for more.

And it is dedicated to you new readers, whose first acquaintance with me has come from opening the covers of this book.

One and all, I am proud to say that you are now part of my network, and I am part of yours. And what we make of that network however high our aspirations take usis up to us and us alone. I can truly say that it is all of you who have helped me dig my well.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Not everyoneno, make that probably no one else has a sister with great editorial skills, the patience of Job, the critical eye of a microsurgeon, and the disposition and kindness of a best friend. Without Margie Resnick Blickman, I would never have written any of my books.

Lynne Lancaster, a lightning bolt of a mind, a rare wit, who is a veritable magician. She is indispensable to me. Everyone who writes a book should have a Lynne Lancaster on their Rolodex.

Ron Beyma. Remember his name, folks. Why? Because one day he's going to write a major book. He's one of the brightest, most perceptive members of my "round table"and a good friend to boot.

Greg Bailey, my executive assistant. This man has been through the trenches with me... and^or me. I hope those all-nighters at his desk bring him the good fortune he deserves.

Mary Anne Bailey, who is infinitely patient and truly a great proofreader.

Vickie Abrahamson is the most creative person I knowand that's saying a lot. If you start a sentence, she can finish itwith wit, humor, and style. She's got it all.

Jonathan Lazear, my agent and friend. This is our fourth book together. The two of us have covered a lot of ground, and we've had a great time doing it. He is the best.

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Scott Mitchell, the President of Mackay Envelope Corporation, is a man I knew to have many positive qualities. I didn't know, however, that he can read with a sharp, critical and perceptive eye. He helped make this what I hope will be a very satisfying read.

Linda Ferraro, who has been with me for ten years. She's dedicated, good-hearted, responsible, and a real supporter, almost twenty-four hours a day. Mackay Envelope is better, and so am I, for Linda's presence.

Neil Naftalin, for his witty and pithy advice and counsel: "What goes on the cutting room floor ..." One good man makes all the difference. I found one in Neil.

Judy Olausen. If you haven't heard her name or seen her photography, you will. She may be local to my town, but she has an international reputationand deservedly so. If you want the best photo, I may be able to get you in to see her.

Denny Lyon, a man who has an uncanny sense for "where the fish are."

Richard Mallery, who could have written this book himself. He's a great idea man who is also a great critic.

Rick Frischman, publicist extraordinaire.

Paul Brown, a man who has the rare combination of asking the right questions and brilliant organizational skills.

Arlene Friedman, Lisa Brancaccio, Mike Iannazzi, Amy King, Jackie Everly, Paola Fernandez-Rana, and Laurel Cook, all of Dou-bleday, my new home.

Harriet Rubin, my editor at Currency, who said, "Harvey, you were born to write this book. Who on earth is better at networking?" Thank you so much for the basic idea.

And finally, to everyone at Mackay Envelope. You've taught me a lot, and you have my respect and admiration every day.

INTRODUCTION by Jack Kemp

Within the first few minutes of meeting Harvey Mackay, I discovered he was already an expert on the Jack Kemp worldview. He'd done his homework, and I've never forgotten it. Nor ceased to be amazed.

Harvey Mackay was born to write this book.

Why do I say that? Because for a decade he's been giving great advice to millions of people through his bestselling books, his speeches, seminars, and nationally syndicated newspaper column. And he isn't just talking to the MBAs or the Harvard Law School wannabes. He speaks to all of ushis wisdom runs the gamutfrom what he calls "life lessons," and now, to networking.

He's a natural. He speaks both from his head and his heart, with a genuine voice that's rare; plus his war chest of practical information, all applicable to almost anyone's life, at any stage of life, has helped millions of men and women get ahead and stay ahead.

Now Harvey's turned his attention to the facet of his life that is without a doubt the primary talent that has made him so terrifically popular, successful, and an inspirational networker.

The best kind of teacher is also a student, and Harvey has always been both. He's always been prepared to win, and this book can help get the reader ready for a life of making all the right moves.

No matter what you're shooting at, you'll need all the networking

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bows and arrows that this book has to offer. It's an indispensable joyride that can take you anywhere you want to go.

So sit back, get ready to be entertained, and take in the take-home advice your mother or your father never dreamed of giving you.

This is the book that shows you how to achieve a permanent network in a Post-it note world. Read it, pass it on to a friend, or perhaps, one or all of your kids!