Pay it Forward is one of the greatest movies of all time. Why? Because it isn’t just a movie. It’s an idea. It’s a call to action within a work of fiction. And I am not the only person to be inspired by its message. In fact, since the book (and movie) were released ten years ago, a real-life social movement has emerged, not just in the U.S. but worldwide. What began as a work of fiction is now much more.

And thanks to some groundbreaking research, this once untested idea now has the weight of the scientific community supporting it.

Earlier this week, researchers from UC and Harvard published research that proves that cooperative behavior is contagious and that it spreads from person to person to person. When people benefit from kindness they “pay it forward” by helping others who were not originally involved, and this creates a cascade of cooperation that influences dozens more in a social network.

“Pay it forward” really works!

So now that we know paying it forward pays off, one question remains:

WHO WILL YOU HELP TODAY?

P.S. The idea behind “pay it forward” lies at the heart of TAG’s Golden Rule of Networking, which simply states: “To build a powerful connection with another person, you must give value first.” You can read more here.

Caption: This diagram illustrates how a single act of kindness can spread between individuals and across time. Cooperative behavior spreads three degrees of separation: if Eleni increases her contribution to the public good, it benefits Lucas (one degree of separation), who gives more when paired with Erika (two degrees of separation) in period 2, who gives more when paired with Jay (three degrees of separation) in period 3, who gives more when paired with Brecken in period 4. The effects also persist over time, so that Lucas gives more when paired with Erika (period 2) and also when paired with Lysander (period 3), Bemy (period 4), Sebastian (period 5), and Nicholas (period 6). The effect also persists at two degrees of separation, as Erika not only gives more when paired with Jay (period 3), but also when paired with Harla (period 4) and James (period 5). All the paths in this illustrative cascade are supported by results in the experiments, and it is important to note that if Eleni decreases her initial contribution then her uncooperative behavior can spread and persist as well.

Credit: Courtesy James Fowler, UC San Diego

This 4 minute video from Tom Peters holds one of the greatest quotes of all time:

In the long run, the A students work for the B students. The C students run the businesses.  And the D students get the buildings named after them.

~ Tom Peters: Educate for a Creative Society

What do you think? Let me know!

Six weeks ago, we faced a huge challenge: an increasing number of students were writing and calling in with the same questions: “What exactly do you guys do at TAG? How will your service help me?”

We quickly realized that we needed something stronger than words to communicate our message. We needed a killer video, and we needed it fast.

So we approached a number of different film companies with an incredibly difficult challenge: explain TAG’s service in a way that will make people say, “Ah ha! I get it.”

Note: I write “incredibly difficult” because nothing like TAG’s service exists today. We’re creating an entirely new industry within ‘Educational Services’. Explaining an entirely new concept in a clear, concise way is, as I have discovered, incredibly difficult.

After a fair number of interviews and much deliberation, 1/29 Films was chosen to execute our vision. And execute they did! They delivered our project on time, on budget, and with fantastic client support. And most importantly, they delivered a bodacious video! Take a look for yourself and let us know what you think…

A special thanks to the guys at 1/29 Films. Well done.

P.S. What do you think? Z5P3FUGYP6FX

At TAG, we’ve come a long way in a very short amount of time. So as we begin the next stage of our growth, I thought it would be interesting to take a trip down memory lane and show you the evolution of TAG’s website.

Date: November 2008

Design Company: Explosive Image

TAG Remarks: Really bad experience with these guys!

Date: January 2009

Design Company: Webraven

TAG Remarks: Yet another disappointing experience!

Date: April 2009

Design Company: Logic by Design

TAG Remarks: Third time was not a charm! …

Tons of articles have been written about the power of professional connections. The real-world need for a powerful network has also been validated in the world of academia.

But there is one crucial concept that is strikingly absent from this mansion-sized pile of research. There is one gaping hole that has yet to be filled…

How do you build a powerful network of your own?

A proven roadmap for intelligent networking doesn’t exist. Not one that goes beyond the mindless drivel of “reach out to friends and family.” Nothing has been created that is truly helpful for those that want to master the art of professional networking. Nothing, that is, until now.

Today, I am announcing the unveiling of TAG’s Intelligent Networking Guide. Developed in conjunction with Mark Richards of Candidate’s Chair, this guide dives deep into the mechanics of professional networking. In it, you will discover:

• How to initially reach out to a networking contact (email templates are provided).
• How to prepare for a networking meeting, including what to bring.
• Which questions you should ask (the questions are provided).
• How to structure your meeting to get the most out of it (a minute-by-minute meeting template is provided).
• How to follow-up after a meeting (email templates are provided).
• And it also covers the Golden Rule of Networking – this alone will fundamentally change the way you approach relationships, both personally and professionally.

______________________________________________________________________

I decided to release TAG’s Intelligent Networking Guide for two reasons:

1. Networking is one of those critically important skills that sadly does not get covered inside the classroom. This is an educational travesty.
2. There are some huge misconceptions about networking that should be cleared up, once and for all.

The sad reality is…

Most people confuse “having coffee” with networking. This is simply not true.

There is a huge difference between “having coffee” and “getting things done over coffee.” It’s the difference between talking about a Ferrari and driving a Ferrari. One is passive, the other active. (I should know…I wasted months “just having coffee” before I realized how to take charge of a networking meeting and get things done.  It was only after learning this skill that I was able to build a valuable network of my own.)

TAG’s Intelligent Networking Guide is like giving you a Ferrari. You get all the tools you need to start building a career-enhancing, dream-job-getting network…all you have to do is start driving.

And the best part of all…you get this “Ferrari” for FREE. So check it out on the website and let me know what you think.  I have only one request…

If you find it valuable, share it with your world!

P.S. If you go to TAG’s main site, you can also view the Intelligent Networking Guide by clicking the words “Knowledge Center” in the footer below: