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On the surface, Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is yet another networking book. However, digging deeper the book is more about how, in the end, it is our connection to people and our ability to help others that matters. From humble beginnings in rural Pennsylvania, Keith, with the help of his father and countless others who took an interest in his success managed to graduate from Harvard Business School, have a successful career in corporate marketing and finally start his own marketing consulting firm. By following the plan he outlines for us in his book, Keith Ferrazzi has built up an impressive network of thousands of corporate leaders, celebrities, politicians and other influential people.

In Never Eat Alone, Ferrazzi lays out a plan to “win friends and influence people” based on today’s technology. He exhorts readers to come up with short and long term goals and figure out who can help them to reach those goals. However, the idea is not just to find people to use, but rather to find people that you can help. Everyone has something to give – by helping others you cement your relationships and doors open to you because of these relationships. Ferrazzi is a big believer in keeping in touch systematically by remembering birthdays, calling people when you are in town and trying to use your network to help others. He is also a big believer in asking for what you need. A lot of times we are afraid to ask – but if you don’t ask you will never know if someone is in a position to help.

Never Eat Alone also tells you how to work a conference. Silly me, I always thought that the point of conferences was to hear the speakers. Well, no… the point of the conference is to meet new people. One of the best ways to do that is to hold your own dinners for folks that interest you.

In truth, I am a bit of an introvert and I am also pretty terrible at keeping in touch. Although I don’t see myself being quite as systematic in doing pre-research or keeping prioritized lists of contacts, Never Eat Alone has inspired me to reach out and “ping” some of my friends that I haven’t heard from in awhile. Even if I don’t end up getting a new job or landing new clients for my efforts, at least I’ll keep in touch better with some pretty terrific friends.