Oh boy, I have never written a review before... because I have never found a book that was worth writting a review on. I want to put my comments in writting for this book, for one reason. It SUCKS ! I really think he (the author) likes to hear himself talk. This book goes nowhere. Chapter after chapter, this book goes nowhere. So, please do yourselves a favor and save the 25 bucks for a couple of tickets to go see the next Bond flick...

How often have you heard that networking is a great way to find the ‘best” jobs? When you hear the word networking, does it feel like someone is running their nails across a chalkboard. You might be thinking “not another tell-me-to-have-more-coffee-with-people-I-don’t-know” column.” I thought this week, I would bring a fresh and different perspective on this issue and share some simple ideas that you can implement right away to improve your relationships and help advance your career. This week’s Podcast http://www.careerjoy.com/index.php?q=node/363 features Keith Ferrazzi, the international best selling author of Never Eat Alone. Forbes and Inc. magazines call Keith Ferrazzi one of the world's most connected individuals. Today, the company he founded, Ferrazzi Greenlight, provides fortune 500 companies training on how to build quality, meaningful relationships with customers, driving sales and profitability. Keith teaches methods the top 1% of high performing professionals pursue to achieve their career and business success. The core message of his book and our conversation is if you know how to develop and maintain a quality friendship, then you can network. As Keith says, “the heart of networking is building relationships; the heart of business is friendships.” Contarily, it is not schmoozing; it is not handing out a box of your business cards every week. Networking, simply, is real people connecting in an authentic way. Look your at the best business relationships, and look at your best personal relationships. There should be very little difference in your behaviour. Connecting with people is that simple and that complex all at the same time. You may be thinking, “I don’t have the time, nor am I that great at networking.” You may not even believe that networking really works. Let me ask you a question. When you look at your career journey thus far, how many positions did you get as a result of relationships – people you knew, friends, or family. According to most surveys, over 70% of professionals secure new positions through networking, and as many as 90 % of 100k plus jobs come through networks. Relationships stand at the core of our successes. If you want a job, someone has to give it to you. If you desire a raise, someone has to grant it to you. If you want to be promoted, someone has to authorize it for you. Two keys engender quality relationships in any environment: mindset and skill set. According to Keith’s research, mindset involves two key components. 1. Intimacy. Create an environment around yourself that invites people in. 2. Generosity. Help others achieve what they want, then what you want, in that order. Keith teaches five key skill-set principles based on the Personal Relationship: 1. Focus. Know what you want to achieve? 2. Target. Who are the 4 key people inside or outside your organization that can help you achieve this goal? 3. Define. What can you do for your network? This is known as universal currency. Helping others first can help you attain a future goal. 4. Ambassadors. Request support from your core advocates, such as old bosses, professors, and your closest friends. 5. Reach out. Keep in contact, on a continual basis, with your wider network though simple tools such as Facebook and Linked-in. Keith comments: “The Best thing about a relationship with your career, it is not a career at all; it is a way of living. Several years ago, I realized that dividing my personal and professional life makes no sense at all. I realized that what makes you successful in both areas of your life is relationships. You can become the President of a superpower, find your next role, or find the partner you have always wanted. This is the stuff of life! You can visit Keith's site nevereatalone.com for his weekly relationship tips, it is terrific. Continue the conversation on my blog, what are your thoughts on these principles? Looking to connect with others? Join our free webinar on Tues Feb 5th from 12-1 ET Looking for support to help you develop your career? Invest in yourself and your career by booking an initial consultation. http://www.careerjoy.com/?q=services/getting-started Along the road with you, and enjoying lots of lunches with people I know this week. Alan

This book has clarified my thoughts about networking, which has helped me to become more focused and more confident in my interactions with others at both professional and personal levels. It has provided me with many ideas to better maintain and deepen my contacts. And, it has provided me with food for thought as I consider how I want to put the lessons I've learned from this book into practice. The book is a great read (including the "Connectors Hall of Fame Profiles") and has lots to offer to those of us who build our careers around networking as well as to those just looking for some advice in expanding beyond current boundaries.