Networking can be one of the most vital stepping stones towards career advancement and professional relationship building. However, like most impactful elements of success, networking can also be extremely difficult.
For some people, the thought of dressing up, chatting with strangers, and asking for contact information induces anxiety, but what can we as ambitious individuals do to curb the cold sweats and conjure up confidence? Professional Network Connections has assembled this list of the Top 25 Networking books to help you read your way to the top of the networking food chain.
No matter what genre you’re into, we think we’ve found something for everybody, so skim a few pages, browse reviews, and make some selections. You’ll be commanding the room at your next networking event in no time!
Forbes recommends this title by Keith Ferrazzi for its insightful approach to sincere yet beneficial relationship building. The magazine especially promotes the book’s discussion of, “why it’s crucial to ‘ping’ your connections consistently, not just when you want something. When you check in without asking for something, you start hitting those valuable trust touchpoints, which allows you to build more genuine relationships.”
One reviewer also praises the Amazon best seller, saying, “Every now and then, one reads a truly inspirational book full of practical advice that can be put to immediate use. This is definitely a book that falls into that category. Keith discusses in detail one of the primary keys to success in building relationships. He details different ways to expand one's network and build contacts, and more importantly how to manage, maintain and grow these relationships through continuous follow-up.”
Another consumer top-pick, Dale Carnegie’s tried and true volume has been making a difference in readers’ lives since 1936. The book has gone through 100 printing cycles, and its timeless advice still speaks to audiences all over the world.
Among innumerable other nuggets of wisdom, the esteemed author offers, “When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity.” His matter-of-fact attitude and gracious instructions strike cords from the first chapter to the very last page.
Written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Malcom Gladwell, this 400 page book examines the art of making conversation with strangers. It breaks down what can go wrong during these interactions and how people can take steps to avoid communication pitfalls. Talking to Strangers is also conveniently available in paperback, hardcover, CD, eBook, and audiobook formats.
In Oprah Winfrey’s review, she raves, “Talking to Strangers is a must-read...I love this book... Reading it will actually change not just how you see strangers, but how you look at yourself, the news--the world...Reading this book changed me.”
Steven R. Covey’s book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has gained such a devoted following that it is frequently taught in high school and college classes across America. This book speaks to more than just networking strategies, but it is an overall must-read for aspiring businessmen and entrepreneurs
Internationally renowned, this title which has sold over 30 million copies includes 4 parts: Paradigms and Principles, Private Victory, Public Victory, and Renewal. These sections explore 7 key habits: Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First Things First, Think Win/ Win, Seek First to Understand; Then Be Understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the Saw.
Ranked as one of the “Best Business and Leadership Books of 2018,” this book is well loved for its lack of fluff content and practical guide to improving readers’ networking strategy. Within its pages, you’ll find solutions to common problems. IN this case, the title says it all.
However, one of many 5 star Amazon reviewers adds, “I have networked for many hours. I have read a lot about business networking. I have taught business networking. I have never before heard of the techniques in this book.
This is new and powerful. Even better, every action suggested in this book is sincere, generous, and appropriate for respectable professionals. The book is also mindful of our contemporary communications environment, e.g. the death of telephone calls and the rise of social media, while relying on the timeless value of face to face communication.”
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Tribes by Seth Godin
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I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships by Michael S. Sorensen
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Getting Past No: Negotiating in Difficult Situations by William Ury
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Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton
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Super Connector: Stop Networking, and Start Building Business Relationships That Matter by Scott Gerber and Ryan Paugh
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Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introvert’s Guide to Making Connections that Count by Karen Wickre
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Savvy Networking: 118 Fast & Effective Tips for Business Success by Andrea Nierenberg
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Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant
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The Charisma Myth: How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism by Olivia Fox Cabane
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The Art of People: 11 Simple People Skills That Will Get You Everything You Want by Dave Kerpen
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Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences by Robbie Samuels
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The Introvert’s Guide to Success in Business and Leadership by Lisa Petrilli
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It's Not All About Me: The Top Ten Techniques for Building Quick Rapport with Anyone by Robin K. Dreeke
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How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes
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4 Essential Keys to Effective Communication in Love, Life, Work--Anywhere!: Including the "12-Day Communication Challenge!" by Bento C. Leal III
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You've Got 8 Seconds: Communication Secrets for a Distracted World by Paul Hellman
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All about Them: Grow Your Business by Focusing on Others by Bruce Turkel and Bob Burg
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Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Client Retention by John Ruhlin
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The Like Switch: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Influencing, Attracting, and Winning People Over by Jack Schafer and Marvin Karlins
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Never Lose a Customer Again: Turn Any Sale into Lifelong Loyalty in 100 Days by Joey Coleman
With so many great options to choose from, we anticipate you’ll be turning into quite the bookworm, but if you’re not feeling ready to dive into the world of professional networking books, we recommend dipping a toe or two in the waters by starting with Stefan Thomas’ Business Networking For Dummies .
Once you’ve done your homework, put all that research to use by testing your new social skills at an upcoming networking event! We can’t wait to see what you’ve learned.
