Announcing! My Top 20 list of the web's best relationship insights.

Here's this years list. Many of these authors are friends, some I know as acquaintances, and a few I have yet to meet. All are wonderfully gifted writers and thinkers, and I hope you take the time to read some these great posts as the year winds down.

The following list of The Top 20 Relationship Posts of 2009 is in no particular order:

When Harvard Teaches Networking, They Use Her As A Role Model – with Heidi Roizen
Mixergy, Andrew Warner
Good friend and expert interviewer Andrew Warner interviews Heidi Roizen - maybe the only other person that can rival my ability to throw a dinner party You don't want to miss this interview. (VIDEO)

The Popularity Factor
Think Simple Now, Tina Su
An excellent post on likeability. I'm always excited to see this topic written about because it's the harsh truth of the world: being likeable gives you the edge. Period. Tina recognizes this and gives us tactical advice on how to gosh-darnit-make-people-like-us.

The Double Opt-In Introduction
A VC, Fred Wilson
Fred is a brilliant venture capitalist at Union Square Ventures. In this post, he advises,"When introducing two people who don't know each other, ask each of them to opt-in to the introduction before making it." I don't think this rule is always necessary, but there are times when it's a must.

WHO WHAT HOW MUCH
gary vay•ner•chuk, Gary Vaynerchuk
Social Media Superstar Gary Vaynerchuk reminds us it’s not what you know, it’s not who you know, it’s how much time you spend with who you know. Build authentic relationships with people - don't just "know" them. (VIDEO)

9 Questions To See If You Are Caring ENOUGH
tompeters!, Rajesh Setty
In Who's Got Your Back I talk about the CHOICE to care as a prerequisite for making real connections. Rajesh Setty guest posts on my friend Tom Peters' blog about this very topic. Read this as a litmus test to see if you are, in fact, caring enough.

How to lead in the new millennium
Brazen Careerist, Penelope Trunk
Penelope may be the best career blogger out there. This post hits home as I interact with the many leaders, and leadership styles, within Ferrazzi Greenlight. Penelope offers 5 solid tips to help you lead in the millennial world.

What Facebook Can't Give You
WSJ.com, Katherine Rosman
Katherine made my day with this touching story about an "old school" Lifeline Group that used to meet at the Harvard Club in midtown Manhattan and discuss life. 52 years later, they're doing the same thing. Thanks to Michael Dill for sharing this with me.

Help Me Help You - Simple Tips on Making Targeted Asks
Charles Hudson's Weblog, Charles Hudson
My father once told me "never be afraid to ask; the worst anyone can say is no." Charles Hudson reminds us of this and even helps us figure out how to ask correctly.

Why relationship building is strategic to your bizlife
Sanders Says, Tim Sanders
Friend Tim Sanders discusses why relationship building is strategic to business. I want to say "duh!", but the truth is not everyone realizes this. As always, Tim does an excellent job reminding us how important relationships are to our success.

Evolution: The Eight Stages Of Listening
Web Strategist, Jeremiah Owyang
Jeremiah runs the blog on web strategy. In this post, he explains how companies - and individuals - should "listen" to the conversations happening right now about them on the web in order to best connect with their customers and community.

How to Get More From Your Mentor
Great On the Job, Jodi Glickman
Jodi provides sage advice on how to connect better with your mentor - or anyone for that matter.

How To Build Relationships Via Email: We Talk To Chris Guillebeau
Aweber, Justin Premick
Fascinating interview on building relationships with your customers through email marketing. I love that Aweber is interviewing one of their own customers on this one. (VIDEO)

‘Don’t burn bridges’ is bad career advice
Modite, Rebecca Thorman
This is one of two articles I'm including in this list offering a case that it's OK to "burn bridges," dissolve relationships, or even create enemies. I don't agree with everything Rebecca says, but she explains her perspective eloquently.

Facebook, Virtual Proximity, and the Meaning of Relationships
All Facebook, Kristen Nicole
Kristen explores the authenticity of relationships built on Facebook. She argues that we are all now so close in virtual proximity that relationships we would normally not pursue at all happen by default on Facebook (think birthday wishes). Great thought piece - I encourage you to weigh in.

Maintaining Networking Momentum After You Land the Job
Personal Branding Blog, Liz Lynch
Liz provides some of the most practical relationship building advice on this list. Fantastic tips here - READ THIS ARTICLE!

The Benefits of Pissing People Off
The Blog of Tim Ferriss, Tim Ferriss
This is the other of the two articles I'm featuring concluding that damaging certain relationships can be helpful - and even critical - to your success. This one comes from my friend and brilliant colleague, Tim Ferriss.

Ramit’s Inbox: An email from a very confused guy who can’t find a job
I Will Teach You To Be Rich, Ramit Sethi
I met Ramit during my book tour and let me tell you - he is one sharp guy. Representing the world of personal finance, Ramit reviews an email exchange from an overzealous reader looking for advice. Ramit echos one of my strongest principles from Never Eat Alone: "Build it Before You Need It."

7 deadly sins of networking, and how to avoid them
Shine (Yahoo!), Marci Alboher
I really like to see when people admit their faults and share what they've learned from them. I just did a video about my mistakes on Twitter. Thanks, Marci, for your authenticity and for sharing your wisdom - many of your posts could have made this list.

9 Things to Do To Make Sure Your Next Blog Post is Read by More than Your Mom
Problogger, Darren Rowse
Community Building is becoming more critical to success these days, and Darren provides great tips on promoting our personal brand online.

Usable Insight – Managing Expectations
The Website of Dr. Mark Goulston, Dr. Mark Goulston
Mark is a very good friend of mine, an FG associate, and an insightful thought leader. In this post, he discusses one of the most important elements to every healthy relationship: setting and managing expectations.

I can't read everything on the Interwebs, so please share with me your favorite relationship posts of 2009. If you feel like one of your posts should be on this list, add it in the comments! I'll be sure to read all of your recommendations.

Here's to a year of fresh insights in 2010!!

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