Gaining the Networking Edge
You’ve learned the foundations. You’ve built your presence. You’ve managed your growth. Now it’s time to lead.
Gaining the Networking Edge is the final, energising part of Tony Allwood’s four-part journey through the art and science of business networking. It’s where mindset, strategy, and consistency all come together—arming you with tools to not only perform well in your group, but to stand out, lead by example, and truly make a difference.
This is not just a finale. It’s a launchpad.
What You’ll Gain in reading this book:
Advanced Presentation Tactics – From buzzword bingo to “pass the parcel” style engagement, you’ll learn how to deliver ten-minute talks that your group won’t forget.
Referral Mastery – Practical methods to track, follow up, and deliver real results with your referrals—without damaging your credibility.
Weekly Presentation Planning – A structured method to keep your one-minute pitches fresh, strategic, and memorable.
Building Power Groups – Learn to form alliances with allied members for shared promotions and stronger referral pipelines.
Leading by Example – Techniques to inspire others, shake off routines, and create an energised culture of contribution in your group.
The Networking Game Plan – A gamified way to track your activity and progress, keeping you focused and motivated.
Why This Book Matters:
This volume is filled with real-world experience, hard-won insights, and step-by-step guidance for taking your networking skills from good to extraordinary. It’s not about gimmicks or guesswork—it’s about building trust, respect, and long-term success through intentional, thoughtful actions.
If you’ve ever thought “I wish I was better at networking,” this book shows you how to turn wishes into action and action into results.
The Final Word:
Gaining the Networking Edge is your call to step beyond your comfort zone one last time—and into a new mindset where every connection is purposeful, every presentation impactful, and every referral opportunity something you’re ready for.
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Sample chapters
Referrals On Your Doorstep
You Want A ‘Member’ Discount?
Are You a Sparrow?
About the Author
Tony Allwood
I’m Tony Allwood, a web design and marketing professional based in Hamilton, New Zealand. I’ve been actively involved in business networking since launching my first company in the UK back in January 2000—just three days after opening my doors, I joined my first networking group. Since then, I’ve spent over two decades applying and refining practical “word of mouth” marketing techniques through consistent, hands-on experience in networking environments.
What started as a personal challenge—balancing the demands of business life with the desire to be a better networker—led me to develop a simple, day-by-day guide to help myself stay focused and effective. That guide eventually became Beyond the Comfort Zone, a practical book for small business owners who want to become more referable and give better referrals—without gimmicks or expensive strategies.
Unlike theoretical approaches, my methods are grounded in real-world experience. The book is packed with practical tools, exercises, and straightforward advice you can use immediately—from attracting more visitors to your networking group, to handling tricky referrals, and everything in between.
Over time, the book has evolved based on feedback from readers and my own ongoing experiences. As I continue to run my marketing business and attend networking meetings every week, I’m constantly updating and expanding my approach—and now, I’m sharing it all here, so other business owners can benefit from the same tools that have helped me build lasting relationships and grow my business through networking.
