The NCG Factor: A Formula for Building Life-Changing Relationships from College to Retirement

Regardless of whether you're a college student, teacher, unemployed, in business, or retired, this is a book that everybody should read. You'll be able to relate and gain invaluable information regarding the importance of networking and how LinkedIn can help all of us with it.The old saying of, "It's not what you know, it's who you know," is accurate and this doesn't just apply to business. Larry gives many strong examples of this, such as reaching out to one of his contacts who arranged for his son to meet a couple of his favorite NHL players.For those of you that don't know Larry, I can tell you that he is somebody that truly practices The NCG Factor (Networking, Connecting and Giving).When I first met him, I had just been laid off and didn't have a strong network. I really had nothing to offer him but he immediately went out of his way to help me find a job. I spent the next 6 years at that company before starting my own.That day changed my life and ever since, I always think about how Larry helped a complete stranger and try to do the same for others.I also really enjoyed how we defines networking. Most people think it's going to a networking event and handing out business cards. However, Larry has a very different approach and defines it as somebody who is connecting and giving.Larry doesn't mention anything in his definition about getting something in return and later in the book, talks about givers versus takers.His book details some great stories of why The NCG Factor is crucial in life as well as templates on things such as how to ask for an introduction.The NCG Factor is a quick read and is definitely a "must have," regardless of your age or profession.

If you are a college student, currently employed, in transition or retired, this book has been written for you. The NCG Factor by Larry Kaufman shares the key to success to be an accomplished connector, which begins through building relationships and to give without expecting anything in return. The real-life examples of real people in the book showcase the benefits of exactly how sharing and giving work hand-in-hand to become a world class connector. Examples are also given of to identify a taker and different types of takers, which was helpful for me to understand how to address that type of person in my network. Larry has helped me to understand how NCG applies to all stages of your journey in life from College to Retirement. Many of the answers to the questions many of us have had are demonstrated and defined in the book. In addition, what to do, how to do it, why to do it and what to avoid in those situations. I am grateful for the extremely well written templates for many common email and phone call situations included at the end of the book. I count myself lucky as one of Larry’s 30,000 LinkedIn Connections. Larry practices what he writes in his book. Based upon the many times Larry has gone above and beyond to try to help me out, every time he has made me feel like I was his only connection who needed support. Larry surprisingly also provides you with his actual contact information on the first page of their book. Thank you for the NCG Factor Larry!

Larry is the real deal. He walks the walk and talks the talk, but more importantly, he NCGs the NCG concept. I have known Larry for many years and we have gotten together on a regular basis over that long period. Larry makes you feel like you are the only person in the world in the moment, and is a true Giver. I have never interacted with Larry where I have not come away feeling better for the experience. This book should be a must read for everyone who needs to network- which is everyone- as you will come away with a process and wisdom that will help you in your job and beyond.

When it comes to networking, it is not just about meeting people. Do you prepare before you meet them? Do you follow up with them after? Do you “target” your potential contacts? Do you have an inner and an outer circle? All of us who network, want to build relationships for professional growth, for personal growth, for the growth of our brand, for our own footprint or for a combination of reasons. But all those relationships, may not necessarily be the right ones for us.This is where “The NCG Factor” comes in; NCG stands for “Networking, Connecting, Giving”. Larry breaks down the Art of Networking by giving examples outside the box that we can relate on a different level. He has the ability to take a situation and relate it to an experiment in a chemistry lab, or a hike to reach the top of a mountain… and you may be wondering; what does a chemistry lab and a mountain have to do with Networking. Well, you have to read the book to find out.The NCG Factor is truly a formula for building relationships starting from college, if not earlier, to retirement, yes retirement! Life doesn’t start in college and doesn’t end after retirement, our goals change, the people we hang out with change, we change, and if we follow Larry’s advice on building and maintaining the relationships we established throughout our lives, we will potentially turn them into life changing ones. This book is for everyone who wants to rip the benefits of Networking, learn how to Connect but most importantly, learn how to Give. Know your goals, read the book, rethink your legacy and pay it forward.

Loved the simplicity and power of this book. Simple, easily actionable steps that can be taken by applying the NCG factor. If you want to learn how to effectively grow your network and build symbiotic relationships that will serve you now and later, this book does just that.

A fantastic read.Thought provoking and inspiringWorth readingIt can really change your mindset

I believe this is a great read for everyone! I really wish I had come across this book when I was in University!!! Wonderful book and highly recommended!