Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time ASIN: 0385512058 Binding: Hardcover List price: $24.95 USD Amazon price: $16.47 USD

In Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi (CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight) focuses on making friends, building win-win relationships and avoiding the type of networking that might make the person you're trying to get to know feel like you are using them.

I simultaneously loved and hated the way Never Eat Alone is written. There are so many interesting stories and examples that the concepts really stuck with me. At the same time, Ferazzi spends entirely too much time tooting his own horn. He brings up the companies he has worked for, schools he went to and important people he knows over and over ad naseum. If you can get past this flaw, the tips coming from someone who has dedicated almost every waking moment to becoming a better networker are invaluable. The tips and advice are accessible to anyone--even for a natural introvert like I am. As I read, I found myself constantly thinking "hmmm, I could do that."

Among the topics covered in the book are:

• How to find and connect with a connector (someone like Ferrazzi who knows many, many people)
• How to get magazine and other media publicity for your business
• How to present your concept (generally what you are selling) to important people so they immediately feel it is a win-win solution
• Numerous tips on how to grow your network
• Key factors that help people become closer friends faster
• How to get past gatekeepers (secretaries and executive assistants)
• How to build a personal brand

Even if you feel you already maintain a good network of friends, I'd recommend reading this book. It is worth seeing past the self-promotion of the autor to get to the many tips and suggestions that can be practically applied to your network.