2013 Book Review: "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi

The opportunities for networking are endless, from large events to smaller meetings. Thinking critically, do you take full advantage of these occasions? What are your tactics? Do you work to only find immediate and mutually beneficial contacts, or do you attempt to create actual relationships with as many individuals as possible?

These questions all lead to Keith Ferrazzi's main point, which is evident in the book title. One should never eat alone, or on a broader scale, take advantage of every relationship-building opportunity possible. Though a lot of points presented in this book may seem obvious, it is a great reminder of the importance of strong bonds and affiliations.

"He thought of relationships as finite, like a pie that can only be cut into so many pieces. Take a piece away, and there was that much less for him. I knew, however, that relationships are more like muscles – the more you work them, the stronger they become. "

It is interesting to note the similarities between this thought and Charles Duhigg's in "The Power of Habit." As mentioned in a prior book review, Duhigg states that habits are like a muscle and must be worked regularly to be strong. Imagine the power of making relationship-building a habit!

"Never Eat Alone" presents great food for thought. Don't just network, build relationships. Simply exchanging business cards does next to nothing. Instead, connect on LinkedIn, follow up with an email and be sure to connect again within the following month. Ferrazzi argues through specific examples that if you use these tactics and others, business and personal development will soar.