Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time (Hardcover)

If you step back from his enthusiasm for connecting, the mental attitudes and processes he describes are just what everyone needs to use who wants to be better connected and accomplish more.

All of us know more than any one of us. If you take two equally talented young people in any field, the one who is better at connecting will live a more successful life than one who tries to go at everything as a lone ranger.

I have known dozens of master connectors. They all do some variation of what Mr. Ferrazzi describes in this book. Here is how I would distill those lessons:

1. Decide who you want to meet to further your objective of accomplishing more.
2. Learn more about the person.
3. Find what you can do to help that person in an area where they care.
4. Develop a strategy to meet briefly face to face.
5. Share what you want to do to help when you meet.
6. Stay in touch with more ways to help.
7. Attend events where other master connectors attend and link into fields which are not naturally yours by becoming acquainted with these master connectors.
8. Study those who are very good at this.

If you keep in mind the sheer pleasure of making a difference as you do this, you'll soon be a superb connector. I recommend undertaking this task on behalf of something you are passionate about such as a charity you support.

One of the best parts of this book is that Mr. Ferrazzi is generous in sharing his mistakes. The world doesn't end for you as a connecting queen or king if you offend a poo-bah. You just pick yourself up and do better next time.

I liked his humility about his limitations in other fields. Peter Drucker would have approved of Mr. Ferrazzi's decision to work on what he has a talent and love for, connecting, rather than try to become more competent at things that are difficult and unpleasant for him . . . like quantitative analysis. The story about how he got his start at Deloitte is worth the price of the book.

Another strength of the book can be found in the excellent description of why people find President Clinton to be so compelling in person.

Skip books about networking and relationship building. Read Never Eat Alone instead!

Even the title conveys a subtle message and indicates an interesting read rather than just 'How to Network' which it could have been called. You don't have to be in Sales or Marketing to read it - I'm not - it explains how some people network badly by being selfish and self promoting and valuable points on networking 'etiquette'.It helps you not to be a 'wallflower' in a room full of strangers - without being over bearing and trying to collect a fistful of business cards. Rather the authors concentrate on the 'personal' touches, so, if you are looking for deep rooted theories and phrases to 'learn' its not for you.It does indicate the right buttons to push and how to treat people - no matter what their position - in a polite and courteous manner to maximise results.

A great read truly reccommended.