Stop networking, start connecting: 20 must-know strategies for success đ¤
Keith Ferrazziâs ultimate guide to networking success in Never Eat Alone
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Success isnât just about what you know â itâs about who you know and how you build meaningful connections. Keith Ferrazziâs Never Eat Alone breaks down the essential principles for networking like a pro, cultivating relationships that fuel your growth, and turning those connections into long-term success. Bottom line: stop ânetworkingâ and start connecting.
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These 20 principles will supercharge your networking game and set you up to win in both business and life.
1ď¸âŁ Your network is your net worth
Business is all about people. Without strong relationships, youâre not getting far. Start building your network before you need it, and keep nurturing it like a garden. Youâll need it to thrive in todayâs business world.
2ď¸âŁ Generosity always wins
Forget about keeping score on favours. Give freely â whether itâs your time, advice, or connections â without expecting anything back. The universe has a way of rewarding those who give.
3ď¸âŁ Build personal brands, not just companies
Youâre your own brand. Make sure your reputation reflects your values and work ethic. Your name should stand for something, even if you switch companies. Like Nike sells a lifestyle, you sell yourself.
4ď¸âŁ Connect, donât network
Real connections come from genuine interest, not business cards. Build friendships, not just contacts. Whether youâre talking to a CEO or a cleaner, show real curiosity and kindness.
5ď¸âŁ Follow up or fail
Making a connection is just the start. If you donât follow up, theyâll forget you. Keep relationships alive by staying consistent and thoughtful.
6ď¸âŁ Itâs not what you know â itâs who you know (and who knows you)
The best opportunities come from people who know you. Use your connections to unlock doors that hard skills alone canât.
7ď¸âŁ Be interesting, not impressive
Donât just list your achievements. Show people why theyâd want to know you. Share your passions, stories, and dreams. Memorable conversations build lasting relationships.
8ď¸âŁ Never eat alone
Whenever you can, use meals to connect. Lunch and coffee arenât just for eating â theyâre for deepening relationships in a fun, relaxed way.
9ď¸âŁ Small gestures go a long way
In a world of Zoom calls and emails, a handwritten note or remembering someoneâs birthday makes you stand out. It shows you care.
đ Audacity is key
You wonât get anything if you donât ask. Be bold. Reach out to people who seem out of your league. Take risks and send that cold email. Believe you deserve to be in the room.
1ď¸âŁ1ď¸âŁ Social bridging is your secret weapon
When you know people from different circles, you become the bridge. Introduce friends who donât know each other â it multiplies your value and strengthens both relationships.
1ď¸âŁ2ď¸âŁ Connect through passion
Find common ground beyond work. Whether itâs fitness, art, or a hobby, relationships are stronger when you connect on a deeper level.
1ď¸âŁ3ď¸âŁ Create your own luck
Donât leave networking to chance. Be where the right people are â attend events, conferences, or online spaces. Make those connections happen.
1ď¸âŁ4ď¸âŁ Say yes to everything â until you donât
In the early days, say yes to every opportunity. But once your network is built, get more selective. Focus your time where you can add the most value.
1ď¸âŁ5ď¸âŁ Stay on their radar
Check in with your contacts regularly, even if itâs just a quick text or sharing an article. It keeps the relationship fresh without being overbearing.
1ď¸âŁ6ď¸âŁ Mentors matter, but so do mentees
Find a mentor to guide you, but donât forget to mentor others. Teaching sharpens your skills and expands your network.
1ď¸âŁ7ď¸âŁ Lead with empathy
Networking isnât just about what people can do for you. Itâs about understanding their needs, too. When you lead with empathy, you build trust â and trust is everything.
1ď¸âŁ8ď¸âŁ Be where the action is
Show up at key events, conferences, and online spaces for your industry. Be visible and get involved. The more youâre seen, the more people get to know you.
1ď¸âŁ9ď¸âŁ Forget balance â aim for integration
You canât balance everything perfectly. Instead, blend work, life, and relationships. True connections donât care about strict boundaries.
2ď¸âŁ0ď¸âŁ Never stop learning
Keep expanding your skills and knowledge. Stay curious, read more, and try new things. The more you grow, the more you can give back to others.
đ¤ About the author
Keith Ferrazzi is an expert in networking, a successful entrepreneur, and a bestselling author. As the founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, heâs known for his groundbreaking work in relationship-building, and has shared his insights in Never Eat Alone and other bestsellers, making him one of todayâs top thought leaders in business.