Self Made: From Poverty to Published: A Blue Collar Approach to Professional Networking

You don't need an MBA to build a powerful network. You need authentic relationships. When Michael Greenwalt's family spent nearly a year living in a 40-square-foot pop-up trailer, no one would've guessed he'd one day lead fire crews, speak at conferences, and work in commercial banking. But he learned early that success isn't about who you know—it's about how you connect. In (Not) SELF MADE: From Poverty to Published, Greenwalt shares a practical, blue-collar approach to professional networking that works in any industry. Drawing from 24 years in military and fire service and multiple career reinventions, he reveals how to: Master the CONNECT Framework—seven proven principles for building lasting professional relationships Replace awkward networking pitches with authentic conversations that create real opportunities Turn your working-class background into an asset, not a liability Follow a complete 90-day action plan with templates, conversation starters, and relationship-building exercises With powerful real-life stories, practical tools, and a foreword by former Navy SEAL Robert J. O'Neill, SELF MADE proves that your next opportunity isn't on a job board—it's in your next conversation. Walk through open doors. If they're locked, break them down. View Less