We are the world around us. Tell me with whom you associate… There are tons of quotes about the importance of networking, after all — why repeat them? You’ve probably heard all that a thousand times. However, we can’t but draw an analogy with a tongue-tied newbie manager at the affiliate marketing conference. You must have seen this type, right?
No offense, but some affiliates can be even worse when it comes to socializing. One might claim: “Okay, networking is a must for managers but what does it have to do with me? All I do is drive traffic”. There is some logic to this, indeed. But just imagine how much you are missing out on! Not only money-wise, but we are also talking about better life choices.
Well, if you have long wanted to level up your networking skills and just needed a nudge — here it is :) Let’s not waste any more time and review top books on networking that everyone should read at least once.
Never eat alone
Author: Keith Ferrazzi, Tahl Raz
Publication date: 2005
Without any exaggeration, this book can be called one of the best works in the field. And all because the author doesn’t just provide tools for building effective communication and business connections but also shares his life philosophy which helped him to succeed. Long story short, the main message is to communicate sincerely, without being driven by selfish motives.
The book is also full of practical recommendations including analysis of real-life situations and interpretation of intentions, feelings and opinions of different parties and so on. But more importantly, it teaches you to wisely combine communication skills and time management: choose the right time to make a contact and thus increase your chances of accomplishing what you want.
Networking for people who hate networking
Author: Devora Zack
Publication date: 2010
Introverts are commonly believed to be unsocial. To tell the truth, sometimes they do seem that way. However, if you look closely, you may find out that many famous people who are considered to be the life of the party and networking gurus are actually introverts rather than extroverts.
This book deconstructs stereotypes and prejudices about introverts by providing instructions on how to connect with these “unsocial” people. It will be particularly useful if you feel like one as it explains the nature of conversational patterns typical for introverts thus letting them take a fresh look at their strengths.
Face to face. The art of human connection
Author: Brian Grazer
Publication date: 2019
The author of this book shares his personal experience of how he built connections with the most outstanding personalities on Earth. Just note that it doesn’t serve as a guide to action — more like a source of inspiration. The book offers an enticing peek behind the scenes of our world which makes it even more precious. But fear not, the narration has no place for conspiracy theories, it takes the form of an exciting adventure so you definitely won’t get bored. Anyway, if you want to learn how to connect with anyone (or at least increase your chances to do so), be sure to read this amazing work!
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus
Author: John Gray
Publication date: 1994
Even though this book is primarily marketed as literature on gender relations, the reviewed cases can be extremely useful for business networking as well. So how come this kind of book made it to the top of business literature?
Well, first of all, you have to interact with the opposite gender on business matters one way or another. And that could have been the whole point :) But we will elaborate on this a little: secondly, this book provides a detailed explanation of mindsets, reactions and feelings that men and women have. Of course, the given examples are not necessarily indisputable. All people are different.
However, you can definitely get a new angle on how to carry out both business and everyday communication with the opposite gender and see the nature of their reactions more clearly. If, for some reason, you haven’t read this book yet (or have but without applying it to business) — we highly recommend it to you.
How to win friends and influence people
Author: Dale Carnegie
Publication date: 1936
This book is a must-have for those who want to improve their communication skills. Despite its “advanced age” and a whole new pace of life that completely changed over the last 100 years, the author’s ideas are still relevant. How is that even possible? It’s very simple — they are trivial truths. Everything that the author is trying to teach us we already know since childhood. Generally speaking, these are the basic rules of communication. BUT!...
The given information is meaningful, analyzed from different angles and supported by detailed examples with nothing to distract you from the point. It can hardly be called groundbreaking but it might still change your perspective. All these universal truths will sound refreshing and finally make sense. Indeed a must-read! :)
Give and take: A revolutionary approach to success
Author: Adam Grant
Publication date: 2013
The following book is all about the practical side of the issue although not without a philosophical edge. You will not be taught how to “be sincere” or “communicate properly”, it is more focused on business relations. In other words, the author sees professional communications as a value exchange.
This is not something intangible like emotions or energy but quite specific business values — knowledge, expertise, technologies, etc. Therefore, the author divides the participants of communication into the following categories: givers, takers and those who combine both approaches.
So if you are starving for some food for thought — this book will get you hooked on the first line. If there is no such need and you just want to learn how to communicate, — perhaps, it is not for you yet. By the way, this book is recommended by top managers of Google, NASA and other companies whose CEOs definitely don’t need any advertising revenue from some random book.
How to be a power connector
Author: Judy Robinett
Publication date: 2014
It is basically a step-by-step guide on how to build up an extensive network of contacts. This book not only answers the question “how” to communicate but also “when”, “with whom”, “why” and so on. Even those who are not particularly fond of networking can find something in this work due to its clear narrative, lack of ambiguity or calls to uselessly speculate on the topic.
Conclusion
We hope this book selection will come in handy! In case you’ve already managed to read all these books from the list — let us know in the comments below! It’s good to know how many bookworms we have among our users :) As for the others — we wish you pleasant reading and many interesting discoveries!
