Never Eat Alone

In Never Eat Alone, marketing and sales consultant Keith Ferrazzi lays out the specific steps — and inner mind-set — he uses to reach out to connect with the thousands of colleagues, friends and associates on his Rolodex, and shows readers how to connect with the people they want to know. His advice covers topics such as handling rejection, getting past gatekeepers, becoming a “conference commando,” as well as the timeless strategies that separate desperate glad-handers from genuine relationship builders.

• Don't keep score. It's never simply about getting what you want. It's about getting what you want and making sure that the people important to you get what they want, too.
• Ping constantly. Reach out to your circle of contacts all the time, not just when you need something.
• Never eat alone. The dynamics of status are the same whether you're working at the corporation or attending a society event - invisibility is a fate worse than failure.
• Find mentors and mentees. Successful people know they can't be their best unless they have a good coach in their corner.
• Power is not about hoarding information. Today, real power comes from being indispensable, which comes from parceling out as much information, contact and good will to as many people - in as many different worlds as possible. How much you give determines how much you'll receive.