Patton's Picks: Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success

Leadership Resources for the Philanthropic Sector

Welcome to this edition of Patton's Picks, where we delve into Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi. This insightful book is a guide to the transformative power of relationships, making it an invaluable resource for nonprofit leaders who thrive on collaboration and networking. Ferrazzi’s approach to building lasting, mutually beneficial connections offers practical strategies that can help you expand your influence and impact in the nonprofit sector. Here’s why Never Eat Alone is a must-read:

• You Want to Master Strategic Networking: Ferrazzi emphasizes that success comes from not just what you know, but who you know. This book offers innovative strategies for expanding your professional network in meaningful ways, ensuring that your relationships are both genuine and mutually beneficial.

• You Seek to Enhance Communication Skills: Good networking relies on excellent communication, and Never Eat Alone provides actionable advice on how to communicate effectively to foster connections that last. This is particularly important for leaders who must often rally teams, donors, and stakeholders around their vision.

• You Aim to Develop Inclusive Practices: Building a diverse network involves understanding and embracing inclusivity. Ferrazzi's techniques encourage leaders to broaden their circles and include people from various backgrounds, enhancing organizational culture and reach.

Stay tuned for more of Patton's Picks, your essential guide to resources that challenge, enlighten, and prepare you for a rewarding journey in nonprofit leadership. By implementing the principles in Never Eat Alone, you can transform how you connect with others, paving the way for greater success and fulfillment in your nonprofit endeavors.

Dr. Patton McDowell, CFRE, MBA, is the creator of the innovative PMA Mastermind Leadership Program, a unique offering designed to elevate nonprofit leaders through comprehensive training and peer collaboration. He is also the author of the best-selling book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and host of the weekly podcast with the same name, available here. Since founding PMA Nonprofit Leadership in 2009, Patton has strategically guided over 300 nonprofit organizations to achieve their fullest potential. A Certified Fundraising Executive and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he serves as Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and as Director of the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership.