Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazi is full of great advice about the importance of networking. So many of us see networking as a form of sales and we dread the very idea or we think it is a skill only necessary for marketing professionals. Keith brings to light the idea that networking is nothing more than building relationships, something humans do instinctively. He also explores the idea that everyone can benefit from learning the fundamentals of making connections.
For years I have worked with my own staff and advised those I have consulted with to use relationships as the core foundation of their business believing that these forged connections will carry a business through good times and bad. It’s not about cold calls. As a matter or opinion, I believe cold calls are an ineffective method of marketing. I look to take an opportunity with someone and make it a warm call, make a connection that will last.
“I learned that real networking was about finding ways to make other people more successful. It was about working harder to give more than you get.” I love this quote! By looking to the success of other you inevitably increase your own. People that instinctively do this are the most successful people I know, and they are happy!
The philosophy/ideas in this book can easily be summed up into this few principles:
- Building relationship is key to building business
- Do for others as you do for yourself
- Be genuine and sincere
- Plan out your networking strategies, short term and long
- Become a master at follow-up
Never Eat Alone is a recommended read for everyone, whether a business manager, sales person or any type of professional interested in a growing their career and longterm success. I truly believe that nothing can make you as successful (or happy) than growing a career that is based on the principle of building relationships that matter.
Tags: book, career, networking, review
