Tim Bursch

So, we read more today than ever before. If you are like me you get most of your information and news online. And more and more from blogs.

Reading is great. You can learn a lot. You can hear new voices and discover different paradigms. But here’s the deal, if you are only reading, you might be missing out on a conversation.

More content being created today is not just out there with the hopes of being read. Not only is that one-way, it is just plain dull. We all want comments. We want to be heard and have it reflected back to us or challenged.

I have personally made some new connections and met awesome people through commenting and engaging in the conversation.

So, next time you read a blog, try sharing a comment. No, it doesn’t have to be ego-stroking or a pat on the back. Just be honest. Use your voice. Connect. We need you in the conversation.

Image by: Emborg

Tags: comments.

I was listening to the radio recently and the DJ was talking about asking her colleague for feedback on a movie instead of just checking Google. She emphasized the value of the human process.

Everyday we have questions and problems, right? How many times do you just Google it? I know that’s where I turn sometimes.

But what about our networks? The thing about the Human Process vs the Google Process is that you get more depth, insight, and that connection of helping each other. Nothing wrong with Googling for an answer. I just wonder what we miss out on sometimes in our rush for an immediate answer.

So, what do you think? How about we try the Human Process this week at least 3 times instead of a search engine?
Are you with me?

Image credit: jamuraa

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All of the cool web tools, social networks, and third party apps are absolutely nothing compared to real people connecting and making the world better.

My contribution to Liz’s idea on collecting social media wisdom.
What would you add?

Image credit: Elvire.R.

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You should be. I tweet about connecting, business, social impact, and share valueable links.

Feel free to follow me @timbursch

You might also be interested in trying out a simple and easy blogging platform called Posterous. I will be testing it out here.

Thanks for checking it out.

Tags: posterous, twitter.

My father-in-law has a favorite saying, “You can’t build up by tearing down.”

So why do so many people go for the subtle (or not so subtle) rips on people in social networks? Is it easier because we are not face-to-face?

I have seen status updates, tweets, etc that are downright mean. It’s just stupid. If you want to build a good brand (personal or business), you need to stay clear of the slime.

What’s your tip on how NOT to build your brand?

Image credit: Wolfgang Staudt

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There was a discussion this week about online vs. offline relationships over at Liz’s blog. I could not join in, but here is what I would have brought to the table.

It’s all real.

Facebook friend= real.

Linkedin connection= real person.

Twitter followers= again, real people.

All online relationships are real. Yes, you might have a difference level of intimacy with people offline.
Do we need to distinguish between online and offline friends? If I meet you on Twitter are you less real? No.
Let’s just work on relationships.

What do you think? Is it necessary to say IRL (in real life)?

Image credit: quinet

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The closed networker might be someone who collects their contacts in secret, keeps a record of favors, and will hesitate to make introductions. The driving question seems to be “What’s in it for me?” The closed mindset tries to hold the power.

The open networker is a connector. They don’t keep track. They are open and generous with their contacts. The driving question seems to be “How can I help you?” The open mindset tries to empower others.

I know some who disagree and feel that the closed networker is necessary in some industries. This might work short term. But if you want to build stronger trusting relationships that last, I think you need to be open.

What do you think?

Related posts:

Growth Squared

Network Check-up

Image credit: Clearly Ambiguous

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I recently had the priveledge of interviewing Rajesh Setty, author of Upbeat, for his virtual book tour:

1. Why did you decide to do write this book?

Tim, first of all, thank you for this opportunity to discuss the topics surrounding my new book.

The book was originally written a few years ago when I was building a startup during the previous recession. It was not easy but it was a great learning experience. It was like being on a giant roller coaster ride. i wrote this book during that journey.  However, by the time I finished writing the book, that recession was over so I packed the book and tucked it away. A couple of years later, we all witnessed (and are still going through) another recession. I unpacked the book and revised a few things to get that published now.

Just like in many other areas, timing is important - so I had to wait for the right time to ensure that the message is relevant.

2. Who will this book benefit?

This is a book for anyone and everyone who are either affected or have a chance of getting affected negatively by all the negative news that is flooding all sorts of media and personal communication. Media and (most of the) people love to talk about stuff that we have no control of. Sometimes we forget the opportunity cost of engaging in those fruitless conversations. By wasting our time in those conversations, we end up having less time to pursue what we can do and eventually achieving less than what we can achieve - finally making this a self-fulfilling prophecy - meaning be a victim and add to the negativity that’s already abundant.

3. What areas does this book cover?

There are two parts of the book. The first part is a narrative making the case for the need to be Upbeat and the second part is a workbook with some tips and tactics to stay upbeat.

The first part has five sections

1. The Trap: Why and How did we end up in this trap?

2. The Discipline: What discipline is needed to get out of this trap?

3. The Network: How can we become stronger because of our network and how can our network become stronger because of us.

4. The Strategy: How can we put together a plan of action to break free.

5. The Action: What actions can we take Now?

The second part is a workbook that will cover the same five sections but is comprised of practical tips on how to make the most of what you read in the first section.

4. Why is this book relevant now?

The book is relevant mainly because of what’s happening in the world today. We are exposed to more negative news than ever in the recent history - companies closing down, scandals, scams, bankruptcy filings, poor economic indicators - you can actually pick your own poison.

It is easy to get sucked into this mess by spending endless hours thinking about things that you have absolutely no control of and having no time to engage in things that you have control of.

This book provides a few gentle reminders and nudge you to focus your time, energy and conversations on things where you have some control and influence on.

The book, I think, is timely now but what is covered in the book should apply very well even in good times.

5. What is your favorite tip for building connections with people?

If I have to pick only one tip related to networking, it would be to “be an opportunity for those in your network.” It really costs less than what you think to be an opportunity to someone and it is fun!

Case in point Tim - you took the time to participate in this blog tour and for me that’s an opportunity that you have created and I am thankful for that.

For those of you who are reading this - think about the people in your network. How can you be an opportunity to one or more of them this week? How can you be an opportunity for one or more of them today?

Thank you Rajesh for sharing your insights. Check out his new book, Upbeat for concise ideas on how to thrive right now.

You can follow Rajesh on Twitter @UpbeatNow.

Tags: attitude, recession, thrive.

So, what if you meet a bunch of quality people now because of the web? With all your Facebook friends, Linkedin connections, Twitter followers, etc your networks have multiplied - and so has your capacity for change and growth.

These tools have enabled us to expand our community. Just think how many more people we meet compared to that of our parents. I hope to grow as a person because of all the new connections I am making.

How about you?
Be Heard.

Image credit: iChaz

Tags: growth, network.

Have you been to the Doctor recently? I’ve recently started going to a natural Dr. and it’s a new experience. I feel heard. I learn more about my whole picture of health and I’m actually given tools to live more healthy. Your health matters and it makes sense to get a check up occasionally.

What about your network? How are your connections and do you have the tools you need?

If you care about the health of your network, here are a few ideas for a check-up:

1- How’s your pulse? What are people saying about you? What is your brand? More ideas here and here.

2- Who are your contacts? Find people you have not connected with (no guilt) and reach out. Email, call, Twitter, whatever. Just check in, ask how they are doing. What do they need help with?

3- Are you cross connecting? (via Keith Ferrazzi, Never Eat Alone) Do any of your contacts need to know each other? Introduce them.

4- Is there a solid structure to your network? Do you have all contacts in one system or are they all over? I still have yet to find a great system to manage all my contacts. Please send me your suggestions.

5- Listen to those around you. What are people struggling with? What themes do you notice in your network? How can you help? Pay attention.

We all know we can’t do much without other people. Our networks are critical today for finding work, new opportunities, and staying healthy.
How do you check your network? Be heard.

Image credit: House of Sims

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