My Networking 101 series (now an online e-course) got lots of feedback over the few weeks that it ran. One of the questions most frequently asked was about the best books for networkers.

“What can I read to learn more?” was a question that filled my e-mail box. The fact is that I think you’re better off doing a bunch of coffee and lunch meetings than you are sitting and reading a book. This is more about action than learning. The key is to be out and about and talking to people.

I’ve heard it said that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” that matters, and that’s especially true when it comes to networking. If, however, you’re just reading the book while you wait for your lunch date to show up, then it’s okay by me for you to keep reading. If you’re reading to avoid making your networking calls, then you should put down the book and pick up the phone.

Here are the books I like:

• How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi
• Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone by Mark Goulston, M.D.
• The Referral Engine: Teaching Your Business to Market Itself by John Jantsch
• Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends by Tim Sanders
• Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need by Harvey MacKay