6 Best Networking Books for Building Business Relationships

If you’re serious about building lasting relationships that drive real business results, then you need to invest in your own development, and that starts with learning from the best. This curated list of books is all about that—helping you sharpen your networking skills and elevate your approach to relationship-building.

From timeless classics to modern insights, each of these titles will give you the practical tools and strategies you need to make your connections matter.

And because relationships are always evolving, so is this list. I’ll be updating it regularly with new and relevant titles to ensure you’ve got the latest and most impactful resources at your fingertips.

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie (1936)

The foundation of Relationship Economics was first laid when I encountered Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. Back then, Dale’s book was handed out as part of my new hire training, and its timeless insights shaped my understanding of relationships. Carnegie’s wisdom didn’t revolve around creating connections; it was more about building genuine, lasting relationships.

Carnegie understood something essential about human behavior: people don’t want to feel like transactions—they want to feel understood, valued, and respected. Networking, at its core, is about long-term relationship-building, and that’s a philosophy that resonated with me deeply.

Carnegie’s methods are real, practical actions—remembering names, listening more than you talk, and showing sincere interest in others. These are foundational behaviors that build trust and rapport, which is why his principles are just as relevant today as they were when first published back in 1936. He understood that relationships are a long-term investment, not a quick fix.

Carnegie was ahead of his time when he stressed that trust is non-negotiable. You don’t manipulate your way into influence—you earn it through authenticity, humility, and respect. Without these qualities, your network becomes hollow, devoid of true value.

Even in today’s world, filled with social platforms and digital connections, the ability to build real trust remains the key differentiator. The relationships that stand the test of time—the ones that drive real value—are always built on a foundation of credibility. When people are willing to put their reputation on the line for you, that’s when you know you’ve built something meaningful.

2. Never Eat Alone - Keith Ferrazzi

Keith Ferrazzi was the spark that took networking to a different level. If Dale Carnegie laid the foundation, Ferrazzi became the guy who redefined it for modern times. His book Never Eat Alone became the definitive guide for how to approach networking as a lifelong practice, not just something you turn to when you need a favor or a job. This is especially important today because most people only dial up their networking when they’re in need. Ferrazzi argued that networking has to be an ongoing, integrated part of your life.

At the core of his philosophy is a “give first” mentality. Help others without expecting anything in return. This approach is what propelled him to become the youngest CMO at Deloitte and established him as a master of building authentic, lasting connections.

Ferrazzi also stressed the importance of follow-up. Initial connections are easy, but reinforcing them is where most people drop the ball. A quick check-in or thoughtful email keeps you on people’s radar, but more importantly, it strengthens the relationship over time. For Ferrazzi, authenticity and vulnerability were non-negotiable—you need to show up as your real self to build deeper, more meaningful relationships.

What truly set Ferrazzi apart, though, was his role as a connector. He didn’t just focus on his own circle; he made it a priority to connect others, creating a community of people who help one another. His advice wasn’t about flashy tactics but substance. Reach out intentionally to those you admire, and build connections based on shared goals and mutual respect.

Ultimately, Ferrazzi’s lessons remind us that networking isn’t about what you can take but what you can give, and how those relationships, rooted in generosity and shared values, can drive lasting success.

3. Taking the Work Out of Networking: Your Guide to Making and Keeping Great Connections - Karen Wickre

Karen Wickre’s Taking the Work Out of Networking offers a refreshing approach, especially for introverts and those who find traditional networking overwhelming.

Wickre emphasizes long-term, low-maintenance relationships, allowing connections to develop naturally. Rather than working the room or pushing for more contacts, her approach focuses on staying connected in an authentic, relaxed way.

She’s a master of digital networking, having built meaningful relationships entirely online during her time at Google and Twitter. For Wickre, networking isn’t about mass messages but about curating thoughtful, intentional touchpoints that keep you top of mind without feeling forced.

Wickre also champions asynchronous communication, recognizing that you can’t be everywhere at once, but you can engage with people at their pace. Her method avoids pressure and focuses on inclusivity—sharing articles, sending brief congratulations, or just checking in to maintain the relationship.

It’s networking without the agenda, driven by authenticity and a low-key persistence. Wickre shows that you don’t need to be constantly visible to be valuable; instead, you must position yourself as someone with insights people appreciate.

4. The Manual - Epictetus

Epictetus’ The Manual may have been written in ancient times, but its wisdom translates seamlessly into modern networking. At its core, the message is simple: focus on what you can control—your actions, your mindset, and your values—not the reactions of others.

In general networking, too many people obsess over outcomes: landing a job, securing a deal, or climbing the ladder. But Epictetus reminds us that the journey matters more than the destination. The real question is, did you learn something along the way? Shifting your mindset from controlling results to being true to yourself allows for more authentic and meaningful relationships.

Networking isn’t a sprint, and it’s not without its obstacles. People might ghost you, and rejection is inevitable. Epictetus teaches us that these obstacles aren’t roadblocks; they’re opportunities to grow and build resilience. If you don’t have thick skin, you won’t survive in the relationship-building game. What matters is how you handle those moments—whether you keep your integrity and stay consistent with your values. Don’t waste time trying to be overly agreeable or fit societal norms just to win people over. Be authentic, and the right relationships will follow.

Humility plays a central role in this philosophy. Instead of trying to impress others or gain attention, focus on contributing in a meaningful way. Not everyone will be into your approach, and that’s okay. The goal is to be present, engaged, and truly interested in the people you’re connecting with.

Networking is about creating a web of relationships—each one interconnected and valuable. Being mindful and genuinely listening to understand, rather than simply waiting to respond, is the key. When you approach networking with this mindset, you realize that it’s not just about what you can gain, but how you can enrich the experience for everyone involved.

5. Networking Is Not Working - Derek Coburn

Of all the ideas I’ve come across, Derek Coburn’s Networking is Not Working stands out for reshaping the way we think about relationship-building. It was Coburn who made me realize that networking is one letter away from not working, and his insights became a key piece of the puzzle for me in developing my own philosophy in Relationship Economics.

Coburn advocates for a shift away from traditional networking events, which are often inefficient and filled with random connections that don’t really serve anyone. Instead, he emphasizes being intentional and strategic—what he calls Networking 3.0. It’s about leveraging existing relationships, being selective about where you spend your time, and deepening the connections you already have. Rather than chasing endless business cards at crowded events, Coburn teaches that you create more value by focusing on smaller, more relevant groups of people who can truly benefit from getting to know one another.

His philosophy of "give first" resonates strongly with me. Coburn encourages us to offer value without expecting anything in return—whether that’s advice, introductions, or opportunities. It’s not about keeping score but about building goodwill, which fosters stronger ties and opens doors to future reciprocity. Hosting your own events is one of Coburn’s key strategies—curating an environment where like-minded people can come together and genuinely benefit from each other.

This was a big influence on my Relationship Economics Summit, where I bring together clients, partners, and friends to foster meaningful, mutually supportive relationships. Coburn’s focus on rethinking the traditional networking model aligns with my belief that relationships should be intentional, client-centric, and always driven by real value.

6. Relationship Economics - David Nour

In 2004, I was invited to speak at a church event, expecting a small group of five or six. To my surprise, 250 people showed up. That day sparked the foundation of Relationship Economics, and over the years, through countless conversations and consultations, I’ve refined this philosophy: relationships aren’t just something you “do” on the side—they are your single most sustainable asset. Your ability to intentionally build, nurture, and leverage relationships will be your biggest differentiator, the key to unlocking opportunities that most people miss entirely.

At the core of Relationship Economics are three foundational pillars: relationship currency, reputation capital, and your professional net worth. Think of relationship currency like cash—it’s what you exchange in the favor economy when you do something valuable for someone else. Over time, that currency builds into reputation capital. It’s like equity in real estate—something that appreciates as you deliver on your promises and earn trust. But, just like a house in a bad neighborhood, your reputation can suffer if you surround yourself with the wrong people. The goal is to nurture your relationships thoughtfully so that they grow into strong advocates who become integral to your professional net worth.

Too many people treat networking like a numbers game—sending out mass emails, attending endless events, hoping something sticks. That’s not building relationships; that’s transactional. I always say, stop trying to collect contacts and start building connections that matter. Focus on nurturing a smaller group of key relationships, those 20 people who can become your advocates. That’s where real value comes from—when you invest in those relationships, they will work for you, amplifying your brand and opening doors you never knew existed.

This isn’t just another book on networking. Relationship Economics is packed with practical insights on how to strategically manage and grow your relationships, turning them into real assets. I lay out actionable strategies for quantifying the value of your connections, how to move relationships from casual contacts to lifelong allies, and how to approach relationship-building as a strategic advantage in your career or business.

Relationships, when nurtured properly, become the foundation for long-term success. When you get intentional about them, you begin building something that will stand the test of time.

To Be Continued

This list of top books for networking and relationship-building is just the beginning. As I continue to encounter new insights and relevant titles, I’ll be updating this post to ensure you always have access to the most impactful and actionable resources.

Whether you're looking for timeless principles or modern strategies, this evolving list will continue to grow, offering you even more tools to master the art and science of relationships.

So, stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come.

David Nour is the author of 12 books translated into eight languages, including best-sellers Relationship Economics®, Co-Create, and Curve Benders. He regularly speaks at corporate meetings, industry association conferences, and academic forums on the intentional, quantifiable, and strategic value of business relationships.
Learn more at NourGroup.com/About.