Tim Bursch

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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Hope you are having a good weekend. These were some of my favorite reads this week:

Kathryn Jennex aka @northernchick talks about listening and watching on Twitter.

Tara challenges us to sit with our questions.

Chris gives away a huge resource on overnight success.

Enjoy!

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1. TWITTER - My personal choice to connect and network with people. Check here for a Twitter tip or two.

2. LINKEDIN - The social networking standard for business and professionals. If you’re not on Linkedin you don’t have a complete resume. Excellent tips here and here.

3. BLOG - Do you have one? Why not? I agree wholeheartedly with Shannon and Terry. It is one way to start a conversation with people about something you care about. For tips on how to start check here or start reading Liz Strauss.

4. GOOGLE - Set up your personal connection command center (more on that soon). Use Google to track, read, and stay in touch.

BONUS TOOL: VALUE - In all of the tools out there you need to give away some value. That could be a resource, sharing your humor, introducing your network, or listening to a new friend.

What tools are helping you connect? Be heard.

Image Credit: Kyle May

Tags: tools.

Have an idea that is burning inside of you? Want to change the world? Now’s your shot to share and help start this town on fire.
Ignite Minneapolis is an opportunity to be heard.

April 22nd, 6:00 PM

Solera, Downtown Minneapolis

You going?

Tags: Ignite, Minneapolis.

This week it’s the recession with a twist of hope.

Working in tech or thinking about it?

Here are 10 ways to make money online via Web Worker Daily.

Have customers?

Throw a recession party and other ideas from Andy Sernovitz.

What good can come out of these trying times?

Some great discussion by Chris Guillebeau.

Be Heard. Share your connections.

Image credit: rightee

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