DISQUS

The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss: Networking Tips from the White House

  • Joerg Weisner · 2 years ago
    Thank you very much,
    Tim for asking this questions
    Christine for these great advice,
    you seem to really live a life full of Job&Joy.
  • Todd · 2 years ago
    Great tips here...focus on "palm up" networking is great advice. :)
  • Johnnie · 2 years ago
    Please stop with Bill f'ing Clinton. You have no idea how much you lose crediblity in the "take this guy seriously" department when you reference a liar and swindler like that. Yeah fine - let's hear all those who hate Bush chime in the same - exactly... that's why you don't list politicians if you want to be taken seriously as someone decisive and above the usual bullsh*t. Clinton is the opposite of that. You've lost a great deal of credibility by sucking up to his ilk.
  • Alex · 2 years ago
    Excellent - I really enjoyed this. Clinton's networking skills are legendary. I've seen snippets here and there, and some anecdotes about Clinton in college, but never a real study of charisma.

    Tim what are some of you favorite networking books/tools?
  • Alex · 2 years ago
    Excellent - I really enjoyed this. Clinton's networking skills are legendary. I've seen snippets here and there, and some anecdotes about Clinton in college, but never a real study of charisma.

    Tim what are some of your favorite networking books/tools?
  • Michael · 2 years ago
    These "3 unorthodox but critical recommendations"...great, first two are regular practices of mine, the third will be!
  • franke james · 2 years ago
    Christine has recently joined our Advisory Board -- your interview was a treat to read with excellent questions that drew out some terrific responses. Your publicist should contact me about reviewing your 4 hour work week book.
  • J Sandifer · 2 years ago
    Thanks for the interview and content. There really is some terrific advice in there. The idea of giving, matched with follow through would do everyone wonders!
  • Jack Tackett, Jr. · 2 years ago
    Great Post Tim. As a high school drop out too its inspiring to see what others can do. The 'supreme self-confidence' is something I need to practice more - as an INFP - with an extreme I rating (always 100% in every test I take) it can definitely be painful to approach people I don't know and chit chat with them. Hopefully practice makes perfect....

    best,
    --Jack
  • David · 2 years ago
    Tim, thanks for this post. Christine's book looks great. I just ordered it.
  • Shaine · 2 years ago
    Great post. I've often heard similar reports about Bill Clinton's great networking skills. Even people who don't like his politics are quoted as saying he's a very likeable guy. I appreciate you sharing this.
  • MsJ777 · 2 years ago
    Okay, okay--last week I got my e-newsletter from Jack Canfield's Success Principles about Christine's book, and I went almost all the way through the online purchase process until I noticed that the book wouldn't be out until September, so I backed off and figured I'd just wait. Now I after reading this interview--from yet another respected source--and seeing the effect of the very connections she speaks of in action, my interest is more than simply piqued. I went back and ordered the book and am looking forward to its arrival. Good interview Great connections = Highly effective marketing technique!
  • James Greene · 2 years ago
    Thanks Tim for another great interview. I enjoy learning about these famous networkers. I hope to use these simple strategies enhance my network of connections. I enjoy the blog and keep it up!
  • Don · 2 years ago
    My sister was invited to the White House and had the same experience. He had the ability to make the least guest feel like he was really there to hear what they specifically had to offer. He seemed to literally thrive on meeting people and encouraging them to do more with their projects. I only ran into the guy leaving restaurants a few times so I got waves. I saw the first President Bush twice and Reagan three times and both times got "campaign waves." 7 years into this administration I never hear about W going to one single restaurant in town, never seen him, never been invited to the WH. As soon as the weekend rolls around, he disappears. I have no idea what he gets from his isolation, but it must appeal to him somehow.
  • cliff · 2 years ago
    This is excellent advice! I'd always found networking events a necessary chore at best -- I'd never thought of framing them as opportunities to 'fall in love' with people. :) I'll try that from now on.
  • Walter B · 2 years ago
    Christine's advice to "introduce yourself and ask what business they are in" is soooo utilitarian. I hate people who are too stupid or self-seeking to ask that question first. It immediately reveals that they are about to make an assessment of your potential usefulness to them. It is incongruous with a "palm-up" attitude.
  • focsa · 2 years ago
    thanks for this post
    good job!
  • rabsteen · 2 years ago
    in these times, it's hard not to love Bill.
  • Jon · 2 years ago
    Very interesting indeed. I just need to get to some decent events to network now! I am trying to get something up and running in my town for designers / developers / web marketeers, so fingers crossed...

    I think Walter makes a valid point, you could be taken for someone looking for a useful person and perhaps not genuine / authentic. If the conversation comes round to this naturally, then all the better, but as an opening, I am not sure.
  • chris Batseth · 2 years ago
    Great blog entry Tim!

    Another great resource for the power of networking is, Work the Pond, by Darcy Rezac who is the head of the Vancouver Board of Trade. In this book Darcy talks about the power of positive networking: asking what you can do for someone else first before asking for something.
  • Aaron Bennett · 2 years ago
    Fantastic article, Tim. This is what networking should be - helping others get what they want. Thanks!
  • timferriss · 2 years ago
    Hi All!

    I don't really use any tools for networking (e.g. I don't really use LinkedIn for business, but for connecting with cool people), and I can't really recommend any books on the subject.

    In my experience, in-person meetings rule, and non-profits are a great place to meet the real movers and shakers. Volunteer for reputable and well-run non-profits at their events.

    I don't think Christine means that she opens with "what do you do?", just that it's one of the main questions to determine if you can help them. I usually like to find some other common ground first, and you can do this by asking:

    "So, what do you do outside of work?"
    "Where are you from?" followed by "What do you do there on the weekends?"

    So on and so forth. Learning how to "bridge" from topic to topic in conversations in crucial. Good interviewing books, as well as any media training for TV/radio, can give examples of this. Since I dig sports, I'll often ask someone what sports they play or take a stab at a guess. I'm about 80% correct, and it opens up the conversation to something more interesting than the 9-5.

    Hope that helps!

    Tim
  • Paul Pichugin · 2 years ago
    Hey Tim,

    Just finished reading your book, so I know you probably won't read this comment for at least a week, if at all. I'm in the middle of trying to get out of my 8-5 with 2hours of commuting and develop my own business. I love the concepts in your book and have already implemented several of them into my business.

    I'm also in the process of starting a "muse" in my niche, with 2 products so far. They are both electronic products and I should be able to automate the entire process, thanks to the tips in your book.

    Thanks for such a great book, a real eye opener in many regards. I particularly like the story about the mexican fisherman and the american business man, just shows the mentality of the majority of the west.

    Thanks again

    Paul Pichugin
  • Jo · 2 years ago
    Hey Tim,
    Thanks for featuring female role models... on the blog in the book.

    It may seem like a no-brainer, but there's so many books by guys who forget to connect with half their audience!

    The tools in your book are excellent for entrepreneur Moms who went into business with the dream of spending more time with their kids.

    Cheers,
    Jo.
  • Dr. Jason · 2 years ago
    Great work once again Tim! Your information has and will change my life. Kudos to Clinton as well....if only he were here right now we would be much better off. Can't wait 'till this kook we have now leaves. :>
  • Victory Darwin · 2 years ago
    Here's my PALM UP NETWORKING OFFER (brilliant advice so I'm going to give it a try!) I have a Ning site which is an open platform for niche topic networking. (Ning staff have said it's one of the best examples on Ning of this concept.) I would like to offer a reader here the opportunity to admin my 4HWW group.

    Also opportunities for some to suggest their own group to admin. Ad revenue is shared and SEO/SEM benefits are huge. See for yourself, Google search: 4HWW entrepreneur
    You will see we are positions 1,2,3,4,5 on page 1.

    While you are there, check out my "World Vision Entrepreneur" project. There's big reciprocal benefits for anybody who wants to help promote it.

    You will see the 4HWW philosophy and techniques have been infused into both of these projects!

    ~Victory (click my Name above for the link)

    p.s. Thanks Tim for turning me on to Ning in the first place, and for letting my use my posts here for 15 seconds on the soapbox!
  • Carl of PseudoPower · 2 years ago
    Wow! I love this post!!!

    I know networking is extremely important and I've definitely butchered it in the past.

    My question is that some people are just needy for some companionship, but you really don't have that much in common or they might even annoy you. Should you keep spending your time talking to them? I guess you have to unfortunately drop some people out of the network for your own sake.

    Anyway, we all can learn a lot from Bill Clinton. I wonder of the scandal made him more likable because he seems more human due to making that mistake.
  • Amber Bristol · 2 years ago
    Isn't it interesting, when we feel small we try to make others feel small?

    It seems like, the true leaders produce within us a "feeling of significance." So many of the of self help books like Executive Charisma, tell us to "accept people as they are, not as you would like them to be" or "Regardless of how people treat you keep a relaxed smile and look them in the eye."

    If you've ever tried to follow ALL of their suggestions you really gain an admiration for the ones who get it right.

    Inspiring article. Thanks,

    Amber Bristol
  • Eliffio · 2 years ago
    Hello Tim. Thank you very much for sharing this post with us. It is one of those that instantly inspires us. Maybe you can find some similar articles in the web, but THIS one has that "I dunno what" that keeps you sticked to it and makes you feel and act better after reading it.

    By the way, I live in Peru, and I bought your book a couple of months ago. It´ great, congrats...!

    The best for you.
  • Rebecca Thorman · 2 years ago
    This is an extremely valuable post. Thank you. I especially like that you've responded that philanthropic involvement is a key networking tool. I couldn't agree more. Volunteering helps your career, makes you feel good and is good for society- what more do you need?! :)
  • Christine Comaford-Lynch · 2 years ago
    Thanks for all the feedback, everyone! I am not an expert on networking--not by any means--Tim and my riffing simply settled on that topic. Walter, my main point re: networking is to connect with others, to learn about them, to get to know who someone is as a person aside from their title/positional power/temporary role in life. A sincere question/comment is what you want to offer. If you can't, talk with someone else!

    I vary the questions I ask when meeting people depending on the setting. I talk with people all the time, and the more I pay attention to others, the more I learn and remember that the world is full of tremendously diverse perspectives.

    For more info on networking, business-building, etc. I also recommend you take a look at the resources on www.rulesforrenegades.com.
  • Christine Comaford-Lynch · 2 years ago
    One more thing... a few of you have commented on isolation. GREAT point! As someone who couldn't ask for help until I was a 32 year old totally burned-out workaholic, isolation is something I know just a wee bit about.

    I really (seriously) thought I could live as the Lone Ranger, that I could do it all myself. I had to resign as the General Manager of the Universe to get over my isolation/control freak schtik.

    Prior to joining the world of business (quite late, I might add) my life plan was to meditate the incarnation away, helping humanity by essentially avoiding it. After 7 years as a monk I realized this wasn't the right path for me. I had to get down, get into society, hang with people, that's how I would contribute most. All the networking things I talk about (the Drive By Schmooze, etc) are ways I made this awkward social ritual fun, instead of what it used to be for me: excruciating.

    One of the many reasons networking is so transformative is because it is often so awkward and uncomfortable. That's why tips on how to make it less so are crucial!
  • kimberlycun · 2 years ago
    great, eye-opening article! thank you, tim.
  • Shine With Grace · 2 years ago
    Thanks for the post, Tim. Particularly appreciate the self-confidence part - I think that's the source of charisma - attracting the right people into your life..
  • Akhil Shahani · 2 years ago
    Great article.

    It's amazing how the good old fashioned values of being nice & helpful to others are still the best route to success in today's cynicism driven world.

    Maybe my mother was right ;-)
  • karrie · 2 years ago
    I have somehow never heard of Christine before reading this post, but I'm off to learn more about her after I hit submit.

    Every person I know who has met either Bill or Hillary has described a similar experience. Politically I'm more liberal than Hillary, but she has my vote.
  • ed · 2 years ago
    Great stuff, be a giver not a taker is what this is about.
    Giving and receiving are one and the same.
    Ed
  • Lissa Bergin-Boles · 2 years ago
    What a phenomenal post! Thanks for following the impulse to have, and share, your conversation with Christine.

    One thing life has - and is still - teaching me is that being likable comes naturally when I'm authentically interested and really listening to the people I connect with. Especially the people I feel pulled to connect with vs making straight for the 'VIPs'.

    For me, I go where there's spark, chemistry, pull. Like between actors, it's either there or its not. When it's there magic flies - its palpable and it can't be faked.

    That kookily uncomfortable scene from Groudhog Day just popped in my head - the one where Bill Murray's TRYING to recreate the exact, and natural, connection between himself and Andy McDowell. I cringe every time I watch it.

    The lengths we got to to manufacture what's magic and natural if we just follow the flow...

    Chemistry pulls at the box office. And chemistry build's Fortune 1000's and Presidential Teams. Maybe it's time something we've been putting down to 'new age' frou frou' we admit is 'now wise'.

    When I focus on and follow where the chemistry leads, sparks fly - and I don't have to work so hard. Chemistry (and follow-through - Christine's right on the money there) work for me. Not to mention networking becomes a pleasure.

    Theree's less game-playing and score-keeping and a whole lot more blessing-counting.

    When you think about it it's pretty self-evident - I mean, who wants to be 'hunted', 'leveraged' or 'played'? But it sure feels counter-intuitive sometimes when you're starting out, uncertain or hungry.

    Love her reference to supreme self-confidence: a great term! I realize that it assumes likability and trusts the wisdom of chemistry, doesn't it? Supreme self-confidence shakes off (without the edgy affront that can cause friction or damage connection when you don't want it to) self-doubt when we're 'looked past' cause folks are hunting and can't see what's right in front of them: unique and real value.

    What I hear Christine talking about is essentially that - value: seeing and knowing our own, finding, seeing and appreciating value in the people around us, finding, seeing and valuing the chemistry in connection.

    Her focus is on value, and the accent of value is on the benefits of connection and chemistry in and of themselves, all while trusting additional benefits will follow without manufacture. It means, in the end, not on going for the benefits our connections will give us before connection is actually and genuinely established.

    In our work we call this 'premature intimacy', and like the other premature problem, things tend to fall flat when performance and results are the focus and not intimacy itself!

    For myself, when I (remember to!) live driven by value I find myself tapping into the 'unshakable core' Christine talks about. Sparks fly and magic happens. I am likeable. I live in and am lead by value.

    And - like you Tim - when I'm there, I am (more often than not) solid in my sense of things, and square with myself, whether people love me or hate me.

    Please keep the great posts coming. You're live learning - post 4HWW publication - is teaching us all, and your posts about it all as its happening is providing us with a kickin' forum for us all to notice what's happening, how it's happening, build on it together and take it up notch by notch.

    Sounds like 'palm up' living to me!



    lead and live from it.
  • Don · 2 years ago
    I have very little interest in what people's favorite TV Shows are or their sports teams or their hobbies. I find that information is a drag on the conversation and a drag on me. I ask about jobs, friends, parenting, last-books-read, philosophy and business management. This does mean that my brother-in-laws friends find me "utilitarian." They've said it to my face. But on the other hand, how do their discussions about sports predictions help them in any way? How are they better people because they wish a reserve quarterback would play against a particular opponent? How do they create more, how are they better parents, how do they make more money, how are they more creative, how to they develop new skills, how are they better-informed citizens and how are they more motivated by whining, complaining, or lamenting sports losses?

    Now, how many people, when I ask what they do, have alerted me to new experiences, new business ideas, new clients or suppliers, etc? I think at least 12, maybe 20.

    I am called utilitarian all the time, but I only have one life to live and I'm not going to end up working until I'm 82 like my father unless it's doing something I love.
  • R. Kuja · 2 years ago
    I'm with you Tim! With regard to Walters particular situation, a good starting point is another part of Christine's advice: focus on loving the people when you walk in the room, then maybe you can open with what you appreciate about one of a persons qualities. If all else fails you can just restate the obvious, "Sharp suit, that really looks great on you!..."

    Christine,
    Another Homerun! I can see why President Clinton wasn't letting go of your hand!
  • Karl Schmieder · 2 years ago
    Tim - Another fantastic post. Great interview and great tips. Keep interviewing movers and shakers. You definitely have a knack for it (small understatement) and your interview subjects respond in-kind. Look forward to the next posts.
  • Dominic Hrabe · 2 years ago
    Tim -

    You have really outdone yourself on this post. What value?!

    I'm buying her book as I write this, if you can imagine the unparalleled magnitude of this multi-tasking.

    Once again, thanks for all the effort, my friend.
    You have one stellar vision. And an even brighter and clearer strategy for carrying out that vision.

    Cheers (back at you),
    Dominic Hrabe
  • FT · 2 years ago
    Clinton was indeed the best networker the whitehouse has ever seen. Clinton is very charismatic and people are naturally drawn to him. Those are traits that are God given, imo.

    Even after his error in judgment ;) his approval rating was at an all time high. The man definately had/has "it".
  • Erika Moore · 2 years ago
    In my view, you have in fact GAINED credibility with the Bill Clinton reference (though you had plenty to begin with). Whether or not there is agreement with every decision the man made, he is a master at connection -- we can all learn a great deal from him. It is also to your credit that you clearly don't delete posts that attack. Again, well done.
  • Tom Anderson · 2 years ago
    It seems to me that most recent presidents are good at networking. I don't think you can win an election without having a solid network behind you. I don't care for Bush's ideals but I've heard that he is very "charming" in person. But if I had my druthers I'd rather network with Bill. ;-)
  • Teena Mason · 2 years ago
    Great Advice....This is an awesome site! Thanks!

    Teena E. Mason
  • Teena E. Mason · 2 years ago
    Thanks for this incredible post. Your book is great too!
  • CoachKip · 2 years ago
    What a great article. The acting with supreme confidence was great. It can be a lot of fun to. My Father taught me this. We used to walk around campuses after football games. He would just start trying doors. If it was open he would walk in and start looking around. He told me that if you see anyone just act like you are supposed to be here.
    One time we stumbled onto the biology department. They took us into the labs in the back and we feed and played with a whole bunch of exotic snakes, lizards, and other creepy animals. It was great!
  • chrisse morton · 2 years ago
    Hi Tim:
    read ur book of course. utilized many suggestions and ideas with great results already. Just wanted to let you and your readers know that there are a ton of (really) old motivational books, about 50 of which I forgot I had and read about six years ago. I dug them all out and am now reading the Magic of thinking Big by David J Schwartz. Although this was first published in 1959 (a year after I was born, yikes!) it still has some of the best advice that still makes so much sense today, although some of the $$ bits and bobs seem a bit 50's! Another great author is Dr Wayne Dyer, I have read most of his many books too and although there is a lot of spiritual reference it holds up whenever you are having one of those days! which I am sure despite your great success, you still experience them once in a while!
    As for confidence, if you have nothing else going for you, that will get you just about anywhere you want to go.
    Keep up the good work!
  • Yamil · 2 years ago
    Thanks for this post, the "palms up" concept is something that I practice but I just realized that I need to go out there and network, in person. Most of my clients are somewhere in the US and our communications are basically over the phone and email. I do make it a point to make a "personal" connection as much as possible and have been pretty successful with this approach but I definitely want to try the live networking more.

    This was super! Thanks!
  • Alex (Intellimind) · 2 years ago
    this is some of the best advice i've heard in a while, thanks for this enlightning post
  • Kate · 2 years ago
    Aloha Tim!
    You are brilliant and 4HWW reignited a lot in me after some years of being stuck in society's reality. I don't really know what the online etiquette is but I wanted you to know that I refer to you a lot on my website (which is brand spankin new and still under construction). I hope that's okay:)

    Thank you for writing that book! Truth is- I am not even done with it but makin big changes...

    Kate
  • LC · 2 years ago
    Let me tell you. I am a negative and bitchy person. I was blown away by how beautiful this woman's suggestions are. I think my life has changed forever. Thank you!
  • Diane · 2 years ago
    I am in the middle of reading your book. One of the steps I am taking as a goal is to write to you and ask what method you consider as the best one to get my book published and if self published, which groups do you like.

    Thank you.
  • Matt Bailey · 2 years ago
    Hey guys,

    I'm curious if anyone here has taken or knows of the Dale Carnegie course and if you recommend it. Im asking because it is very expensive (1800 cnd) but if it has worked then I will dive intoit.. pleaselet me know soon!

    Thanks!
  • Matt Bailey · 2 years ago
    Hey guys,

    I’m curious if anyone here has taken or knows of the Dale Carnegie course and if you recommend it. Im asking because it is very expensive (1800 cnd) but if it has worked then I will dive intoit.. pleaselet me know soon!

    Thanks!
  • Eliffio · 2 years ago
    Hello Matt. My wife took the course 17 years ago in Panama. She says it was great, it helped her improve her relationship with people, work teams, etc, it also helped her to eliminate the fear of interacting with people, making her a better "speaker" and, the best of all: she is a person who smiles all day long. That was something she was born with, but it was "reinforced" with the course.

    Hope this helps.

    Regards.

    Eliffio.
  • Matthew Cornell · 2 years ago
    What a great interview, Tim. Thanks a ton!
  • Dan · 2 years ago
    Tim, do you get involved with politics? Are there any candidates that you support? Can you talk about how politicians could use tactics that you have used to get a following of your book and your blog?
  • VagabondoDigitale · 1 year ago
    Very Good.. ;)
    Thx and happy new year !
  • Curtis · 1 year ago
    Thanks Tim! This is great. I personally personally don't like Clinton, but i think credibility and wisdom is really shown when we can learn from both those we don't like as well as those we do. Great post, very helpful, I'm definitely going to apply all these points to my life.
  • Brie · 1 year ago
    I now genuinely enjoy people after a lifetime of being "stuck-up".

    What made the difference? I finally grew up and realized that people really do need people (for any hope of happiness in this world)!

    Think about it!

    Brie
  • Jerry Howard · 1 year ago
    Tim,

    I read your book last fall and have enjoyed it. You mentioned getting into an Ivy league school and doing it without the grades. I would really like to know more to that story. You said you made cassettes to sell, but later destroyed them.

    In short, I put on sporting events for athletes to get "exposure" from college scouts. I do a talk called inside recruiting helping parents and athletes take control of their destiny of college.

    I live near Boulder, CO. If you are ever speaking near Denver, I would love to come and hear you.

    thanks
    Jerry Howard
  • Danielle Bradley · 1 year ago
    NSCS Convention Challenge
    Danielle Bradley
    Update

    Mr. Ferriss,

    I just wanted to give you an update on the contacts I have made. Prior to August 1 I worked hard towards reaching the various "unreachables" but ran out of time in receiving their responses. Since, the first time I posted I have received 2 more responses. Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida called me 2 days ago in response to 2 voice mail messages and an email I sent to him. In response to the questions, "what were your dreams and goals that helped lead you to where you are today?" and "what would you say are the main contributing factors to you reaching your goals?" he said, "I wanted to try to serve others and help the people of Florida" and the main contributing factors were "hard work, being tenacious, and having strong support from family and friends."

    I also received a nice letter from Jack Nicklaus. He said his “career goal was to always be the best-to always aspire to win…more important, however, is my goal to be the best husband, father and grandfather that I could be.” The main factors that contributed to his success on the golf course were “hard work, dedication, and the desire to be the best” as well as “a loving and supportive family.”

    I am still awaiting a reply from Shimon Peres. If you have seen the recent news, you will know that he has been extremely busy with all that is going on with the prime minister. But, when I receive a reply I will post it.

    I realize that all that I am posting is past the deadline, but I want to take this challenge to completion. I feel that it is important for myself to finish it.

    Sincerely,
    Danielle Bradley