“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 massive tipping point for The 4-Hour Workweek at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference held in Austin, Texas. Two or three days played a key role in the book becoming a worldwide bestseller in 40+ languages.
So what exactly happened at the event? How did I optimize those 2-3 days?
The below audio is a presentation I recently gave about a better, more effective way to network. My suggestions might surprise you or seem counterintuitive–the best way to build a world-class network quickly is to spend very little time networking, at least not in the “ugh, gross” sleazy sense of the word.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How SXSW played a role in the success of The 4-Hour Workweek
- How you can “stack the deck” for your own product launches
- Simple biohacks for handling booze overload and sleep deprivation
- Why it’s so important to meet people in person to build your network
- The most common mistakes people make when attempting to “network”
- How to interact with A-listers (or opt not to)
- How to enjoy the ride and not end up exhausted with a pocket full of business cards that do nothing
- And much, much more…
If you are able to apply a few lessons from this talk, you may find that you never have to network again.
There is a better way.
- Listen to it on iTunes.
- Stream by clicking here
- Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear a podcast relating to mental performance and stamina? — 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 part 1 here and part 2 here to download):
Still looking for more? — Listen to my conversations with Pavel Tsatsouline on the science of strength and art of physical performance (stream below or right-click here to download):
This episode is brought to you advertisement-free. Want this to happen more often?
Every Friday, I send out a very short email called 5-Bullet Friday. It includes the coolest things I’ve been playing with that week, such as favorite articles, gizmos and gadgets, movies, and other stuff you can use immediately.
Sign up for a week and give it a try. It’s 100% free, super short, and a small dose of awesome to kick off every weekend.
You can see a lot of people are excited about this on Twitter. Please check it out here!
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What’s the most important lesson you’ve ever learned about “networking” or interacting with big wigs? Please share 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