Never Eat Alone and Other Secrets of Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi

Of the numerous books that tell you how to network, few bring a fresh approach like this one does. While the common approach is to go to networking events, meet 20 people, and to not visit with people you know; Ferrazzi’s advice is not to go to networking events. Simply spend time with people you already know.

The son of a laborer, Ferrazzi has a particular love for those of us that were not born into the “right” family. If you believe that you can’t make it because of who you are and you are handicapped by not being part of the old boys’ network, this book will help you realize how to succeed anyway.

One word of caution for people before reading the book; Ferrazzi believes in working. If you are looking for the bit of magic that will allow you not to work hard–this is not it. If you are looking for that bit of magic that will help you reap the awards of working hard this is it.