Can Someone Please Send This to Keith Ferrazzi?

Posted by Jonathan Hilley · Topics: Networking,Startup Stories · 4 Comments

Keith Ferrazzi is my role model.

Why, you ask? Well, there are many reasons.  Here are just a few:

+ Keith is a power networker – a great one. In fact, he’s the world’s best networker. To become the world’s best networker requires a Tiger-esque focus and android-like work ethic. Both of those qualities are the fabric of Keith’s being.

+ Keith’s story is the “archetypal American story.” Born the son of a steel worker and a cleaning lady, Keith Ferrazzi is living proof that you can do, and be, anything you want in this world.

+ Keith stays hungry. Despite his great success, Keith does not rest. Each and every day, he continues his maniacal schedule in the hopes of reaching one more person with his message: relationships are the key to success in life.

Now that I have told you why Keith is my role model, I must come forth with a confession:

I EMAILED KEITH. AND I BROKE THE GOLDEN RULE.

Keith Ferrazzi

You see, 3 weeks ago I wrote Keith Ferrazzi. And my email was selfish. It was exactly the opposite of the Golden Rule. And now it is time to repent.

Here is my original email to the world’s most connected man:

Mr. Ferrazzi,

I’d like to engage you to be on my Advisory Board.  I’ll pay you with an equity interest in my company.  This will take little to none of your time on a weekly basis.

Why you?

Well, frankly because you and I see eye-to-eye on so many issues, especially when it comes to the “who you know / networking” mentality.  TAG’s business model is so synergistic with your teachings / writings that it would be silly for me NOT to ask you to join my team.

Why me?

Starting out, I didn’t have the right connections and I didn’t belong to the right social circles.  But with a mercenary work ethic, I made it to Goldman Sachs.  Then I made it to a deep value hedge fund, all because I “cold-networked” my way in front of the right decision makers.  Now, I have started TAG to help students do just what I did – build their network to achieve their career dreams.  I am 27 years old.  More here.

Why TAG?

TAG is a service that connects students with professional leaders. Using TAG’s unique mentorship program, students gain an unfair career advantage.

  • TAG is unique – no business model like it exists today.
  • TAG adds value – we offer a turnkey solution and help students fulfill their career dreams.

  • TAG changes the game – now, students from all schools can cross the divide and create a network with successful professionals in their chosen career field.

    I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss this in further detail with you.

    Bonehead

    WHY WAS MY EMAIL SO BONE-HEADED?

    Why was my decision to hit “Send” so wrong? Well, because I didn’t add any value to Keith’s life. Because I didn’t think about what is important to him. Because I was selfish.

    This, friends, is the antithesis of the Golden Rule. And it’s a lesson I will never stop learning.

    And to Keith Ferrazzi, I apologize for being so selfish.

    P.S. If you know Keith, please forward along this message to him.

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    06 Oct 09

    Join the conversation, but follow the rules!

    Remember what Don Johnson was like? Cool. That's how we're gonna be -- cool. Critical is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Tim Ferriss for the inspiration)

    • Hi Jon - I work with Keith as his social media manager. I saw this link from your comment on our blog and I have to say this is a great way to get someone's attention! Your "mistake" is a very common one. Often times people forget the "Build It Before You Need It" mentality, and simply reach out to people with an "ask". In this case, you were also offering Keith something that could be interesting to him - a board seat and equity in the company. That's certainly a form of currency. What you may have failed to consider is that Keith gets offers like these constantly - probably on average one per day. So that insight devalues this form of currency a bit.

      Now this blog post, on the other hand, is a much better way to get his - and "our" at Ferrazzi Greenlight's - attention. You're being completely transparent, authentic and you're being generous in that you're teaching others through your mistake.

      I can't speak to Keith's interest in your company, but I can say that you've done a very good job getting our attention with this blog post and have opened the door with the "gatekeepers" that may eventually lead you to your goal.

      If you or any of your readers are interested, Keith put together a free report that discusses the tactics of gaining access to VIP areas and targets. You can download it here: Gain VIP Access in Minutes!

      Also, be sure to be a regular on the blog. We'd love to see you around: http://www.keithferrazzi.com

      Cheers, Jon!
    • TAG
      Thanks Ryan...appreciate the valuable insight.

      I particularly like how you described the "build it before you need it" mentality...this is great advice - advice that most people (myself included) need to constantly be reminded of. Look forward to continuing the conversation...
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