I'll pass and pay attention to those that really have something to teach. I stopped watching after this gem from Ferazzi: “Lives my life helping masses of individuals transform their lives and be more successful”. I don't know anyone successful that would talk that way.

I'll pass and pay attention to those that really have something to teach. I stopped watching after this gem from Ferazzi: “Lives my life helping masses of individuals transform their lives and be more successful”. I don't know anyone successful that would talk that way.

As to the issues on whether generosity is greater in the offline or online world, I believe it depends on the level of involvement/experience one has in the virtual world. I think at first people tend to seek out what's in it for them. After they get more involved with online communities, they realize it is just as much, if not more, about giving than it is for receiving. I think people eventually find the online world is a great place to reach many people for whom you can provide some specialized knowledge or expertise. Being able to share that information with people who appreciate it (whether they live in the same town or on the opposite side of the planet) allows you to feel a sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others.

In the offline world, it is harder to find someone who is seeking the help / generosity you can provide because we don't have a big badge hanging from our forehead notifying others 'how' we can can help or noting what type of help we need.

In the online world, we have profiles, blogs, tweets, and other forms of easily sharing this information. I think the online 'vulnerability' and 'candor' allows for greater 'generosity'.

I think social media is a perfect platform for building relationships, and i really think its very easy to find people to be your lifeline as long as you approach them with a spirit of authenticity and generosity. I think this interview coincides very well with Tara Hunt's and when you put the two together, it comes together very well.

I'm really looking forward to reading the book, because it will help me further crystalise this idea, and eliminate any doubts in my mind, but im glad that i have been on the right track so far.

Keith makes an interesting point about the media, and i felt this also when i read Richard Branson's biography, i just felt something was missing, and it did make him look a little like superman, but now it makes sense and adds up. Media hype.

But i do agree that vulnerability plays an important part, and i myself have noticed when i am transparent with people (to a degree) they in turn want to be the same back, and places like Twitter really help you re-affirm faith in mankind. Twitter is a great vehicle for that in my opinion.

I'm very passionate about this topic, as im sure you can tell. Andrew , do you think Keith would be interested in any feedback or discussion with someone like me?

I would love to brainstorm with him. Ive had so many discussions with people on these very topics already, and its very close to my heart.

I really think that people always seek lifeline relationships with someone that is slightly more successful than them. Not too successful because they feel small, but a little bit more so its something they can comfortably aspire to. And whats great about places like twitter is that its so easy to engage people and get an idea of how much you have in line or in common with them just by following their tweets and responding to them and engaging them. Like yourself (with the software editing example), by being generous & transparent i have also had interesting opportunities and i look forward to more.

But i think, if someone in a position of success was to do a live case study with someone that isnt doing so well, for all to see publicly and help them with their problem, that would have the single greatest impact. this is just my 2 cents. Their should be a vehicle for that.

Andrew, is it ok for me to mention my mastermind group here?
If there are people watching these videos, and they are looking to meet like minded people, who are going through the same struggles as them, personal or business, they are welcome to join our group. It takes places once every 2 weeks on a saturday over skype. Its a semi-informal meeting, and people can discuss any issue they like with a view to brainstorm and progress forward by unlcoking their most creative and authentic potential.

Its only been running a few weeks, and so far there are only 3 of us, but we have already benefitted from it.
We have what i like to call “let me fall and catch me” system going on, which i think works great.

Anyway, sorry for going on, but this is a favourite topic of mine :)

Great interview. Looking forward to the book.

This is a very helpful comment.

And I hope everyone who reads this post goes to Keith's blog:
http://www.keithferrazzi.com/blog