TAG's Real World Insight » Startup Stories http://blog.theascendancegroup.org Offering students an unfair career advantage Sat, 19 Jun 2010 01:07:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Can Someone Please Send This to Keith Ferrazzi? http://blog.theascendancegroup.org/post/can-someone-please-send-this-to-keith-ferrazzi/ http://blog.theascendancegroup.org/post/can-someone-please-send-this-to-keith-ferrazzi/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:56:03 +0000 Jonathan Hilley http://blog.theascendancegroup.org/?p=516 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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