Building and maintaining a strong network is one of the most important skills for anyone.

From friends, to family and business partners. Just one contact can determine the direction of all your life.

As over the years I got more interested in the topic I’ve discovered a couple of books that helped be understand the dynamics of networking way better. They contain wisdom that helps build meaningful relationships, and make smarter decisions.

In this article, I’m sharing my personal Top 10. Each one of them has given me some special insights and I am regularly gifting them to friends.

1 - How to win friends an influence people - Dale Carnegie

I was first gifted this book a couple of years back from one of my mentors. At first I doubted that the book would be relevant for me at all as it was old and at the same time the title was sounding so weird. But I quickly realized that the principles Carnegie lays out are timeless and till today it is my favorite business book. As a founder, I’ve found that networking is highly important and business success isn’t just about having the best product or the smartest team. It is also about how well you can connect with others. No matter if those are investors, employees or partners.

“How to win friends an influence people” taught me the art of building genuine connections which has been instrumental in my daily life. Especially the stories Carnegie describes in his book have truly changed the way I think about networking and gave me a ton of ideas myself.

2 - "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi

Another game-changer book for my networking skills as a founder. In his book Ferrazzi talks about how to move from collecting business cards or making superficial connections to building long lasting relationships. In the core of those he sees generosity and mutual respect. He shows tons of examples on how business success is never achieved alone but most of the time with the help of a strong and supportive network.

I myself have used the concrete strategies of “Never Eat Alone” to connect with investors and industry experts and were able to leverage my network in a totally new way.

3 - "The Introvert’s Edge to Networking" by Matthew Pollard

When I started my first company I quickly realized that networking is something I need to be good at as a founder - but I also knew that as an introvert this will be a very daunting tasks. So when someone gifted me “The Introvert’s Edge to Networking” it quickly resonated with me. Pollard debunks the myth that introverts can’t be great networkers and provides a clear, step-by-step guide to building connections in a way that feels authentic and comfortable. This book helped me realize that I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not to succeed in networking. Instead, by embracing my natural strengths as an introvert—like listening and forming deeper connections—I’ve been able to build a powerful network that supports my entrepreneurial journey.

4 - "How to Talk to Anyone" by Leil Lowndes

When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I knew that being able to communicate effectively was super important. Leil Lowndes book is a treasure trove of 92 practical tips that have helped me engage with people more confidently, whether I’m at a networking event, pitching to investors, or leading my team. In the book you will find advice on everything from making a great first impression to mastering small talk and reading body language. I can confidently say that is has been invaluable in helping me build rapport quickly and leave a lasting impression on everyone I meet.

5 - "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss

Negotiation is a skill every founder needs, whether you’re dealing with investors, partners, or employees. A fellow founder gifted me this book and it completely changed the way I approach negotiations. As a former FBI hostage negotiator, Voss shares powerful techniques that go beyond traditional negotiation tactics. His emphasis on empathy, active listening, and understanding the psychology behind the other party’s decisions has helped me close deals that seemed impossible. The book taught me that negotiation isn’t just about compromise—it’s about finding creative solutions that satisfy both parties. Since I have been using Voss’s methods I have achieve way better outcomes for my business.

6 - "Give and Take" by Adam Grant

In the common sense entrepreneurs are seen as ruthless. But Grant’s research shows that the most successful people are often those who are generous and put others first. As a founder, this book inspired me to adopt a ‘giver’ mentality in my professional life. Whether it’s offering help without expecting anything in return or fostering a culture of collaboration within my team, I’ve seen firsthand how giving can lead to long-term success. This book reinforced my belief that in the entrepreneurial world, what goes around truly does come around. I can recommend it to anyone who is trying to expand their network.

7 - "How to Be a Power Connector" by Judy Robinett

In the world of startups, your network can be your greatest asset, and Judy Robinett’s "How to Be a Power Connector" taught me how to maximize it. Robinett lays out a clear strategy for building and leveraging a network of influential connections. She emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity and shows how to develop a ‘power grid’ of contacts that can open doors to new opportunities. After applying her principles, I’ve been able to connect with key players in my industry who have helped accelerate my business’s growth. This book is a must-read for any entrepreneur looking to build a network that truly works for them.

8 - "Click: The Power of Instant Connections" by Rom Brafman

Do you know the feeling when you instantly connect with some people while with others it takes hours, days or even weeks? Brafman’s "Click" explores this phenomenon and explains the psychology behind instant connections. The book provides insights into how these ‘click’ moments can be used to build stronger relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Understanding the dynamics of these instant bonds has helped me create more meaningful and productive connections with team members, partners, and clients.

9 - "Coffee Lunch Coffee" by Alana Mulller

Sometimes networking can feel overwhelming because there is so much to think of and especially if you are an introvert it takes a lot energy. Muller’s book does a good job at breaking it down into manageable, actionable steps. She is seeing networking as a daily practice that fits seamlessly into your routine. I’ve found her strategies particularly useful in maintaining and deepening my professional relationships. By simply scheduling regular coffee meetings or lunches, I’ve been able to keep my network active and engaged, which has paid off in unexpected ways. Everything I learned from the book is practical, straightforward, and perfect for busy entrepreneurs like me.

10 - "The 2-Hour Cocktail Party" by Nick Gray

Last but not least is a book I was recently gifted. Gray offers a quite new approach to networking that’s both fun and effective. Gray argues that hosting small, informal gatherings is one of the best ways to build and maintain a strong network. After reading this book, I started hosting my own 2-hour cocktail parties, and the results have been great. My events have helped me connect with new people, strengthen existing relationships, and create a sense of community among my network. The book provides practical tips on everything from guest lists to conversation starters, making it easy for anyone to become a successful host.

I hope you liked my 10 favorite books on networking. When I first started my entrepreneurial career I totally underestimated the power each connection can have but now I know that just one contact can change your whole life. The books I’ve shared here are not just resources but they are guiding me on how to approach leadership, networking, and negotiation. I really believe that the time you spent reading and applying them will be well worth it.

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