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.

Everyone creates an idea of how the world works and how to get ahead in it. This authors view seems to have been shaped in large part by negative experiences with business relationships. His methodology encourages people to focus on the select few, the short list, of people that can have the largest sway on your success. it’s a very shrewd approach to relationships. And it seems very disingenuous. I get it. In a world where there’s just never enough time, focus is essential. I am a subscriber to the Pareto principle. It’s only natural in business to gravitate to the best customers, and the easiest projects. I’m probably too idealistic when it comes to business development, sales and marketing. He does provide many immediately actionable practices and techniques.

I recently read “The Short List” by David Ackert, just days before starting a new role in tech consulting sales—a timely and invaluable read. Perfect for professionals in tech, consulting, or business development roles, this book delivers actionable insights for anyone aspiring to excel in these fields. It was absolutely worth the time investment.

Ackert strikes a balance that many sales books miss—neither too brief to leave gaps, nor overly drawn out and repetitive. “The Short List” lands squarely in the Goldilocks zone: just right.

Structured with precision, the book provides practical guidance that’s immediately applicable. A standout feature is the emphasis on prioritizing key relationships—the titular "short list"—to maximize career impact. Ackert reinforces this with exercises, available both in the book and online (https://pipelineplus.com/the-short-list-worksheets/), that make it easy to put lessons into practice.

Ackert’s background as a Hollywood actor turned business development expert adds a unique perspective. He’s an engaging narrator, ably translating the written material to audio.

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. These opinions are my own.