Tim Bursch

One of my long-time heroes and digital mentors, Tim Sanders, just launched a new book: Today We Are Rich. He calls it the prequel to Love is the Killer App. I had the opportunity to ask Tim a few questions about the new book.

But first, a little history…

Back in 2002, I was hungry for knowledge about boosting my career. So, I picked up Love is the Killer App and devoured every word. His generous philosophy infected my work and thinking. Needless to say, Tim has made a big impact on my personal and business life.

Tim is an author, consultant, and speaker. He’s a modern day Dale Carnegie. Learn more about him here.

Read on:

1. So, what is Today We Are Rich about?

The book is about a set of confidence principles that my grandmother taught me a child. These hard to stick to principles turned my life around twice – the 2^nd time propelling me to a top executive role at Yahoo in 2002.

I consider it the prequel to Love Is The Killer App, my first book on knowledge, network and compassion sharing. In the new book, I divulge that the underlying secret to being an abundant and generous person is Total Confidence in one’s outlook. And that’s not just a matter of will, it’s the result of thoughtful and rigorous lifestyle design.

2. What made you decide to write this book?

I wrote the book in response to the fear I saw in people’s eyes in the Fall of 2008. Everywhere I went, it was like 1991 or 2001 all over again: Boom, crash, uncertainty, scarcity-think. I said to myself, “write your book on Abundance, tell Billye’s story!” Much like Napoleon Hill did in the 1930’s I felt compelled to write about how we must cultivate confidence from the inside so when things fall apart, we can be the Phoenix and not the fodder.

3. What is one thing you hope readers walk away with?

That you can own your outlook on life and success, instead of letting it own you. You can break through your Sideways years by redesigning what you feed your mind, the conversation you propel and the difference you are bold enough to make. It starts with principle one – Feed Your Mind Good Stuff. It’s free to read at http://twar.com

4. Why is this book relevant now?

People are still on tender hooks from the Great Recession of 2008. We are living one step forward and one step back, out of control when it comes to our mind diet. Because of smart phones, social media and our email addiction, we start each day out in a way that leads to depression and fear. Those that break free from this will ultimately be remembered as the Phoenix types that actually prospered in 2011 and beyond.

One other point: The book’s main star is my grandmother, a remarkably confident person who’s still alive and healthy at 96. In our BLEEP My Dad Says Culture of mean spirited humor and disrespect, I want to challenge all of us to learn from and appreciate the Great Depression winners before they are just a memory.

5. Favorite tip for connecting people?

Sure, network to give, not to prospect for future returns. You shouldn’t screen people first to see if they can be of use to you, you should screen yourself to see if you can be of use to them. Make it an obsession to always connect 3 people each week that should meet – and expect zero in return. It’s like open source, your network will grow exponentially through your investments.

Thanks Tim! Buy the book or download an excerpt here for free.

What are you feeding your mind?

Tags: books, interview, mentor, networks, Tim Sanders.

If you are like me you have joined a handful of social networks. Think about how much time you really spend on each of them. Yeah, probably not much except for a few favorites?

In my experience, I get an invite to a new network, usually from a friend. I might join, set up a profile, add some friends, follow some people, make a few connections, and then bookmark for later. The challenge is the later part. I’m finding that I don’t go back very often if at all.

It’s not the topics or the user experience. Those are all pretty good. I think it’s the activity.

I end up going where the action is and where I’m connecting most with people. We tend to invest time in relationships (and networks) where we are noticed.

What do you think?

Tags: networks, time.