Rich Kao

Author Keith Ferrazzi, hyperkinetic "connector" and corporate success story, shares his secrets to networking in this fresh but not-so ground breaking book, Never Eat Alone. Great title, but the book doesn't actually revolve around this phrase; instead it revolves around the concept of the title - building circles of friends and connections. Expecting to cash in on some new insights, I was disappointed to read basically the same kinds of helpful and motivations stuff that is already out there. I guess there is no new thing under the sun. And despite every pages' intent to make networking a win-win proposition, in the end, it still feels self-centered and self-serving; about "me" with a benevolent twist, as in "Don't Keep Score," don't be a "Networking Jerk" and more (these are chapter headings). There are some great stories, illustrations, case-studies, and practical tips that support Mr. Ferrazzi's various points, all which make the book relatively substantive. To be sure, the most warming part of the book is Ferrazzi's own "rags to riches" story, from which he honed the principles he writes about. At the core of this networking book is an insight he gained as a kid caddying for the wealthy at his hometown country club: "You can't get there alone." (as in the successful helped each get there and stay there). Thus began Mr. Ferrazzi's quest to understand the power of relationships.

Here are the Top 10 nuggets / reminders from the book (direct quotes or summarized points).

1. Don't keep score - relationships are not a quid pro quo prospect.

2. It's better to give than receive - sound like a quote from someone we know?

3. Create a personal board of advisors.

4. Networking is not schmoozing.

5. Remember names. Quoting Dale Carnegie: "A person's name is the sweetest and most important sound in any language."

6. The bosses "secretaries" or "assistants" are minority partners. Make them an ally.

7. Be a conference commando: conference's are not for content; they're for connecting with like minded people.

8. Ping your friends.

9. Want to get close to someone - write about them.

10. Meet people on the golf course. (Hey, how come I haven't met Tiger yet?)