Ingredients of Meaningful Networking. Larry James has used a direct approach in this easy to understand guidebook for maximizing your personal connections. The book is a challenging adventure in self discovery.

After completing the recommended exercises at the end of each chapter, you will be surprised at the amazing results. I recorded my life purpose and goals. I then established dates for accomplishing a few action steps to complete these goals. I was rewarded with a definite sense of immediate achievement. I am now ready to tackle my next goal.

The "Hot Ideas" page at the end of each chapter allows the reader to jot down personal lessons learned. As you record these summaries in your own words they become personal and indelibly printed on your mind.

I found the chapters on coaching and listening to be packed with important pointers for fitting together the author's networking concepts.

Throughout the book James provides thought-provoking quotes, from well known contemporary and historical leaders. There is an entire chapter called "PostQuips." These delightful, profound, quips and quotes are good for reflection and become a ready reference for ongoing motivation and inspiration.

An additional feature is "Larry's Booklist." This is a virtual treasure trove of recommended reading to aid you in your commitment to maximizing your personal connections.

This is a book for individuals seeking a new sense of balance and achievement. Larry James has introduced countless beneficial applications for every area of life. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for closer relationships, a fuller life, for personal growth, or success in business.

Richard R. Blake

"Ten Commitments of Networking" is a wealth of information on writing, marketing, speaking, promoting... plus easy reference check lists, quotes, tips and helpful up-to-date websites.

As an author's advocate for more than 30 years, recommending "Relax, Write it Your Way," and "Writers Helping Each Other," I always advised, "Don't consider anyone's advice as gospel (just consider it)." But now it appears that Larry James might be an exception.

After decades of experience (resultant in outstanding success, as an author, promoter, and inspirational speaker on TV, radio and lecture circuit), while "helping others help themselves," he offers proven advice in print.

"Ten Commitments of Networking" by Larry James is the rare accomplishment of a complete business and personal "success course" in one book.

It is a college course in human relations, and a bottomless pit of information for success in business -- specifics,not generalities -- detailed guidelines for progress whatever your goal. Included also are two special bonuses for aspiring authors: a list of up-to-date websites for networking, and a "must read" list of books by recognized leaders in the game of life.

In compiling this book from his extendsive experience in all areas of communication, Larry James makes a significant contribution to progress in human, as well as business, relations.

Delma Luben, former contributing editor, Writer's World Magazine, producer/host of a TV show for writers, and author of The Writing World: Living The Literary Life, is internationally published in both prose and poetry. www.AuthorsDen.com/luben

A Complete Guide for a Successful Life! I thought I was only going to read about how to best network my business at my local Chamber of Commerce functions. Instead, I was treated to a mature man's wit and wisdom for living a successful, happy life. In the acknowledgments I was surprised to find Werner Erhard, one of my personal champions, mentioned. I knew then I was in for some surprises and I wasn't disappointed.

Larry James has distilled his own experience of a lifetime, hundreds of books and thousands of sayings into clear and helpful advice that, if followed, can lead one out of inertia and into the successful arena of winners-neatly summarized as his chapter titles.

Landmark Education, another of Erhard's brainstorms, is also beautifully and creatively encapsulated in James' book. The principles taught here can take a lifetime of study and investigation. Buy this book and get it all quickly, follow it to the letter, and you will be excited about every day of your life, creating it consciously, from now on.

Patricia A. Hamilton (Pacific Grove, CA)

I really do not think that Larry James' book, "Ten Commitments of Networking," is aptly named. Maybe it should be "Networking to Self-Actualization." Regardless, it is a great book. All who are in sales should read it. Even those who just want to better themselves should read it.

"Ten Commitments of Networking" was a breeze to read. The first 1/3 of the book discusses maximizing your potential. I loved that part. James explains that self-actualized people know their purpose. They have passion.

James discusses goals or "specific intentions" as he calls them. He stresses the importance of writing them down. Even more important than goals are purposes. Goals are means to achieve a purpose. Everyone should have a purpose in their life, but James point out that 87% of the public does not have a purpose to their lives.

"We all live our lives like a movie." That statement made me think. Remember the books that would have several different endings. You were able to choose which one you preferred. Life is like that, according to James. "Consider the fact that your life is the way it is because of the choices you have made up to this point."

James defines networking as, "using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals.....expecting nothing in return!" He does not mention the golden rule, but it is the underlying point. Get people to remember you and like you by being nice. What a great concept. Don't you wish more people believed in it?

James mentions practical ways of increasing one's networking skills. I will be sure to use many of the suggested tips. The chapter "Post Quips" was inspiring. It was a few pages of quotations from James and others that are thought-provoking.

All-in-all, "Ten Commitments of Networking" is a great book. I loved it. Anyone in sales will benefit from the practical tips. Self-employed people will find means to increase their brand. Larry James is like a coach for those who have to promote themselves. As he has written, "Good coaches bring out the best in people."

Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins for Reader Views (Austin, Texas)