Matthew Cornell

I've previously mentioned that I'm training myself to be a personal productivity consultant, having become seriously inspired after applying David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology to my life [2]. As an autodidact [3] (because there's no M.S. in Personal Productivity), I'm having to define the field of study for myself. Surprisingly, in addition to the expected subjects (time management, motivation, creativity, etc), my inquiry has expanded quickly to include broader topics like work/career, wealth/money, and personal growth and development. (Thanks again to Steve Pavlina for the great starter list.) And the queen of them all? Networking.

I've written about networking before [4], but after having started Keith Ferrazzi's excellent book Never eat alone: and other secrets to success, one relationship at a time (with Tahl Raz, and found via Ian Ybarra's blog), I've realized that it may be the most important thing I take away from my exploration of GTD, possibly eclipsing the study itself.

Why? Because I'm walking into an unknown area [5], and I know I absolutely must stay open to unexpected opportunities, especially ones that I literally can't imagine. My hope is that, by meeting others, being generous to them, and listening, I'll gain insight into (and help with) defining my path, rather than simply following possibly limited ones I dream up myself. (I'd say more, but Ferrazzi and Raz do it so wonderfully [6].)

Big change! I've discovered a world that, as a programmer, I had no clue existed. I've been living in a 20 year technical cocoon, starting with my first job with NASA, in which I've focused solely on my immediate social environment - my fellow workers, my boss, etc. This has been possible due to the focused nature of the work, and my willingness to be happy with that (frankly) impoverished level of connection with people. However, it is definitely time to change.

How to go about this? A combination of learning and goal setting. First, I'll apply concepts from Never eat alone and How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman (it's a great little book [7]).

Second, I've decided to take a page from Danny Wallace's book Yes Man and try an experiment - for the next year my goal is to meet three new people every week, and connect with them as significantly as possible. It will take work, and will be a challenge (I've already had to call someone back because I was "all business" the first time around), but it should be a wild ride.

Has anyone else had a networking "aha?" Regardless of whether you have or haven't, and in the spirit of the experiment, I'd love to talk with you - just send me an email. Cheers!


References

• [2]: After starting GTD I've cured my insomnia, lost 15 pounds, started a blog, and fixed a severe back problem. And much more.
  
• [3]: Thanks to Ami Wright, who introduced me to the word at the Boston GTD | The RoadMap seminar last year.
  
• [4]: Networking surprises - Some recent unexpected (but successful) outcomes and The most important networking question
  
• [5]: For a great (and short) book on change, I highly recommend Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard.
  
• [6]: The book is full of great insights, like:

  • The more people you help, the more help you'll have and the more help you'll have helping others.
    
  • Autonomy is a life vest made out of sand.
    
  • [The] currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.
    
  • Each of us is now a brand.
    
  • Contribute. It's like Miracle-Gro for networks. Give your time, money, and expertise to your growing community of friends.

  
  
• [7]: A review of "How to make people like you in 90 seconds or less"