Over the past few years we have seen an increase in online platform whose purpose is connect people to each other. Sites such as Facebook®, Twitter®, LinkedIn®, Foursquare®, and Google+® have made it much easier for us to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues. As we become a more connected society, we must learn to leverage the tools that make these connections as meaningful as possible. In his new book, “Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time”, author Keith Perrazzi advocates the importance of networking. From the outset of his book, Perrazzi makes two things clear. First, he describes how networking is a built-in human desire that has always moved relationships and businesses forward. Second, he provides a formula for effective networking that comes from his years of experience as a leadership coach.

Never Eat Alone is divided into five main chapters: The Mind-Set, The Skill Set, Turning Connections Into Compatriots, Connecting in the Digital Age, and Trading Up and Giving Back.

Within these chapters Perrazzi covers such topics such as determining your purpose in connecting, be respectful to those who give access to those you want to connect with, conference/meeting principles, and finding and becoming a mentor. The updates and revised edition includes information on how to network, personal marketing strategies, and methods to acquiring followers/connections on new social network platforms.

There is one major hindrance to the effectiveness of this book: Perrazzi himself. He includes a chapter entitled “Never Give in to Hubris”. A better name for this chapter would have been “Hubris on Display”. On almost every page there is a mention of some award the author has won, incessant name-dropping, and a general belief in how important he thinks he is. In my opinion, this killed the effectiveness of his book. If you are looking for a book that provides solid leadership principles and shares similar content on how to interact with people, read John Maxwell.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”