Book Review: The Short List by David Ackert

A book review of The Short List by David Ackert written by author Sarah Walker Caron aimed at writers and communicators.

Overview:

The Short List by David Ackert urges readers to focus on the right relationships to achieve better business results. This means taking a step back from hundreds of LinkedIn connections and moving away from cluttered, impersonal contact lists.

The book is presented as an actionable guide to begin identifying who to prioritize and how to nurture relationships with them. The step-by-step plan and exercises (available as printables, if you listen to the audiobook), guide readers through streamlining their networking system and elevating business development results.

Writer David Ackert is the cofounder and CEO of PipelinePlus, an all-in-one tool for tracking existing contacts, converting new customers and providing guidance throughout the business development life cycle.

Why I Read This:

When I saw this on NetGalley, a service that publishers use to distribute review copies of books, ebooks and audiobooks, I was curious. Over the last few years, as I have developed my practice as a director of communications for a university, I have focused on smaller, better communications methods. Instead of subscribing to a database of journalists, I handpick who I pitch stories to and often send personal notes.

This is something I came to organically, drawing on my own experience as an assigning editor. Reading the description of this book, I wondered if I might learn something — or find new ways to better my networking. I also wondered if this might be helpful to me as a writer and author. It seemed like a natural fit to review The Short List.

Does It Apply to Writers?

Yes, as long as you’re a writer who is ready and willing to pay attention to the business side of things. The networking strategies in this are aimed at business, but applicable to all industries including the writing industry.

Overall:

This was a worthwhile read for me. It got me thinking about my own network, as well as narrowing my focus. Moreover, it gave me tools to try it. This was applicable to both my work in communications and in writing.