Network, host and produce ambitiously
The New Year is upon us, and now is the perfect moment to restock your meeting prof toolkit and set yourself up for unparalleled success in 2025. Whether it’s refining your networking strategies, mastering the transformative impact of hospitality or uncovering the winning habits of the ultra-successful, Smart Reads is your go-to resource for conquering challenges and unlocking your full potential.
Let’s make this year the one where you rise to new heights and achieve your most ambitious goals! Have a book suggestion we should know about? Email editor@smartmeetings.com to share your idea with our editorial staff.
Never Eat Alone, Expanded and Updated: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time
–Keith Ferrazzi
Discover the secrets of successful networking with Keith Ferrazzi, a master networker who reveals how to stand out in any industry by building meaningful, lasting relationships with influential individuals. Originally published in 2005, this groundbreaking book has been thoughtfully expanded and updated to address the nuances of today’s culture and the transformative role of technology in networking.
Read More: Ms. B’s Book Club: Elevated Event Leadership
Ferrazzi emphasizes the importance of cultivating a diverse and vibrant network, one that spans across various industries and is built on authenticity, trust and mutual benefit. The updated edition provides fresh insights and actionable strategies to navigate the modern landscape, where social media and digital platforms have redefined how we connect and communicate.
Whether you’re an aspiring professional, an entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, this book offers timeless wisdom paired with contemporary tools to help you forge relationships that will not only enhance your career but also enrich your life. Through its compelling blend of practical advice and inspiring stories, Ferrazzi’s message remains clear: the key to success lies in the art of genuine connection.
Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business
–Danny Meyer
Written by Danny Meyer, the celebrated owner and visionary behind a thriving restaurant empire, “Setting the Table” offers an in-depth exploration of what Meyer calls “Enlightened Hospitality.” This groundbreaking approach prioritizes the cultivation of strong internal relationships within teams and top-tier client satisfaction. Meyer’s insights extend far beyond the restaurant industry, making this book an invaluable resource for professionals in any field.
Through engaging anecdotes and practical advice, “Setting the Table” shows how focusing on the smallest details can generate impressive returns, from fostering meaningful connections to unlocking new levels of productivity and success. Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or someone seeking a fresh perspective on the core principles of building and sustaining success, this book is a compelling guide to understanding how thoughtful gestures and intentional actions can create powerful, lasting outcomes.
The Pursuit of Excellence: The Uncommon Behaviors of the World’s Most Productive Achievers
–Ryan Hawk
If you’re working on structuring your short-term goals, “The Pursuit of Excellence” by Ryan Hawk offers invaluable insights into why adopting a mindset of continuous improvement is the cornerstone of success for some of the most accomplished individuals in the world. Hawk emphasizes the importance of cultivating a work ethic centered on an insatiable hunger for growth and mastery—a philosophy that transcends industries and professions.
As the host of The Learning Leader Show podcast, Hawk has interviewed hundreds of high-performing leaders and achievers, distilling their best practices into actionable strategies. In “The Pursuit of Excellence”, he provides readers with a roadmap to build resilience, rise to challenges and foster a trusted network of advisors, all while committing to personal growth and long-term achievement. Hawk’s approach encourages readers to not just aim for success but to embrace a lifestyle dedicated to sustained excellence. This book serves as both inspiration and a practical guide for anyone ready to elevate their professional and personal endeavors.
This article appears in the January 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
