Right now I have exactly 42 books that I have not read sitting on my bookshelf and around my house. It appears that books have been the preferred choice of gift givers over the years, which is great because I actually do like to read. I have amassed such a collection of unread books due primarily to a lack of time…and effort. But now I am going to make the time again.

As I work my way through these books I am going to review them here for your consideration. So here goes:

Title: Never Eat Alone – And other secrets to success one relationship at a time.

Author: Keith Ferrazzi with Tahl Raz
Publisher: DoubleDay
From the cover: “A cover article in Inc. magazine on YaYa CEO Keith Ferrazzi’s secrets to networking generated the largest response the magazine has received in the past ten years. Now Ferrazzi, working with Inc. writer Tahl Raz, explains the guiding principles he has mastered over a lifetime of reaching out to explain what it takes to build the kind of lasting, mutually beneficial relationships that lead to professional and personal success.”

Tommy D Gives It:

Tommy D’s Thoughts

Maybe it’s just the timing of reading this, but Keith’s book hit home for me more than ever. I have spent over 20 years in the business world and I have meet many people from all walks of life and from all over the world but my network is not as developed as it should be. This book makes you take stock of your relationships and really look at how important everyone one of these connections is to your personal and professional lives.

One of the principals it discusses is how no person succeeds alone. It it through their personal network that they grow, advance and realize the true measure of a fulfilled life. Not reaching out for help and asking for advice from your network could mean the difference between your desired success and simple existence.

Keith’s theories, from his Network Action Plan to not keep score and giving back, will help even the most introverted amongst us cultivate a network of people that will help push us to the success we desire.

This is a must read for anyone who wants to realize the true value of the relationships they have spent a lifetime developing.