Book Review - Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

I had the opportunity to hear the author speak, and following his very interesting and enlightening presentation, decided to buy the book. As with most authors, the presentation given largely paralleled the book, and both were worth the time. Ferrazzi overcame what would for many people appear to be near insurmountable odds to become a master networker and a professional with an Ivy League education and a Rolodex that would be the envy of most executives.

The book explains many of his approaches - and the fundamental one that resonates best with this reader is that you will do better when you figure out how to make others more successful and connected than you do by driving your own agenda. As noted by many of the other reviewers, nothing here is overly shocking or groundbreaking. Yet, it is well written, concise, and peppered with anecdotes and stories that bring the techniques to life. It also bears mentioning that the approaches - when used with this reader - can range from endearing to enraging. I am not a huge fan of the telephone ambush or the hyper persistent pest. However, the book will provide valid techniques, tactics and give comfort to the novice networker.