How to Build a World-Class Network in Record Time
Photo by Ron Herrman
“Don’t dismiss people, don’t be a dick, and don’t rush. Play the long game.”
– Tim Ferriss
Welcome to a special edition of The Tim Ferriss Show. Back in 2007 I experienced a “Tipping Point” for The 4-Hour Workweek at South by Southwest (SxSW) that played a key role in the book becoming a worldwide bestseller. Ever since then I’ve been back almost every year.
This is a presentation I recently gave at SxSW about a better, more effective way to network. My suggestions might surprise you or seem counterintuitive, but I’ve found that the best way to network is by spending very little time networking.
In this episode you’ll learn:
How SxSW played a role in the success of The 4-Hour Workweek
Why it’s so important to attend events to build your network
The most common mistakes people make at events
How to interact with A-listers
How to enjoy the ride and come away on top
And much, much more…
If you are able to take away a few lessons from this talk and focus on long-term relationships instead of transactions, I hope you find that you’ll never have to network again.
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Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear another podcast relating to memory? — Listen to my conversations with my friend Ed Cooke, a Grandmaster of Memory. In this episode, we discuss mental performance, imagination, and productive mischief (stream below or right-click pt 1 here pt 2 here to download):
Still looking for more? — Listen to my conversations with Pavel Tsatsouline on the science of strength and the art of physical performance (stream below or right-click here to download):
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It would mean a lot to me and I think you’ll enjoy it. You can see a lot of people are excited about this on twitter.
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: In the keynote, I mentioned the importance of going to a single event each year and selecting the most expensive of your options. What event would you choose and why? Please let me know in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Enjoy!
Selected Links from the Episode
Your Memory by Kenneth L. Higbee
Learn more about DonorsChoose.org
Show Notes
Hangovers at important events [7:20]
The three core tenants of successful networking [11:45]
Don’t make an impression, leave a memento [17:00]
Why ignorance can be bliss [18:33]
How to pitch “A-listers” [24:44]
How to pick people out of a crowd [28:00]
What to ask instead of, “What do you do?” [30:00]
How to escape conversations [31:10]
How to play the long game [34:35]
Can you have too many mini-retirements? [36:40]
If you were launching a new company with only $1,000, what would you start? [37:30]
Do you meditate or do yoga? [38:45]
How do you find good events and parties? [39:35]
Now that you’re a big deal, what are your goals at SxSW [40:35]
What thought leaders do you follow? [41:10]
How do you stay focused? [41:45]
What part of your 4-Hour Workweek do you personally find hardest to follow? [42:50]
How do you want people to remember you? [43:45]
What tricks do you use for retaining info? [44:25]
Where is the best place in the world, besides Austin? [46:00]
What are you most excited about for this year’s SxSW? [47:00]
Have you tried polyphasic sleep? Does it work? [47:40]
What’s the most memorable “thank you” note that you’ve received? [48:35]
Are you recording a podcast while you’re at SxSW [49:40]
What animal best describes you? [50:00]
I have a 9-5 job. Can The 4-Hour Workweek actually transform my life? [50:30]
What are the 3-4 best bodyweight exercises for business travelers? [51:25]
What’s the best way to respond to, “Do you have a business card?” when you don’t have one [52:50]
What do most entrepreneurs do wrong? [53:25]
What is the most memorable memento you have received? [54:10]
Advice for introverts [55:25]
What are some of the biggest lessons learned from starting your podcast? [56:00]
What are some tips on executing on all the great ideas gathered? [57:25]
What questions do you use for reflection and why? [58:30]
The NorCal Margarita
Here is a recipe for an excellent cocktail. With this you can reach an appropriate level of intoxication while avoiding the hangover the day after.
2 shots of high-grade tequila
Club soda
As much lime as possible
People Mentioned
Nassim Taleb
Alexis Ohanian
