Axiom 44: Networking

"The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work." -Robert Kiyosaki

"Poverty, I realized, wasn't only a lack of financial resources; it was isolation from the kind of people that could help you make more of yourself." -Keith Ferrazzi

Networking is one of the most critical things that everyone should do that somehow doesn't get the priority that it deserves. This world really is about who you know just as much as what you know.

So why don't people put more emphasis on networking if the potential payback is so great?

I believe there are a few misconceptions that put up an internal barrier preventing active, outgoing networking: 

The first misconception is networking appears to be something that only extroverted, smooth-talking sales people can be great at. The truth is that we all meet new people in business each and every week. Just take a little extra time to reach out and remember these people and make sure that you are memorable in their minds as well. Being sincere will go along way and you don't need to put a sales pitch on everyone you meet just to win them over.

The second common misconception is that it requires a good amount of time and resources to become a great networker  The truth is that now with the advent of online sites like LinkedIn networking is free and easy. There are also more traditional networking opportunities in the form of joining industry organizations, attending trade shows, visiting customers or vendors, receiving trade magazines, and so on. Many employers are willing to cover the costs of these traditional networking activities if they see a benefit to the company from it.

The third misconception is that you need to network with really successful people to see results. The truth is that we all started at the bottom. Networking at the bottom will pay off eventually. The man or woman you take the time to help when they are starting out may be indebted to you someday if they become successful down the line. Everyone is trying to move up in this world so don't devalue a connection because of their current experience.

Really successful people have numerous connections across multiple industries. Make today the start of trying to actively build your professional network. If you do this successfully you'll never find yourself without a job, without a client base, without a favor you can call in, and most importantly you'll never find yourself without the resources to bounce back in tough times.  

My Review of Katz's Deli in New York City

Until this year I had been to New York a couple times before but never made it to Katz's Deli. 

"I've been to Carnegie Deli, that's close enough," I thought. 

This trip was going to be different. I was going to go out of my way and head down to the Lower East Side to Katz's to see what all the buzz was about.

I left the touristy glitz of the Theater District and caught the F train down to Houston Street. The neighborhood looked a little sketchy. Still I continued a to walk a couple blocks over to Katz's where I saw a long line around the building. This was a good sign.

In line the I overheard someone saying this place was a tourist trap. After about a 10 minute wait I got inside to what reminded me of organized chaos. I was handed a pink ticket and told to get in one of the six lines to order. The place was packed.

I was a little put off by the crowd, the confusion of the whole process, and the comment that I overheard in line that I was at a tourist trap. I was starting to expect disappointment.

Then I got to the front of the line and ordered a pastrami sandwich on rye. The guy cut me a sample piece and gave it to me. "Holy S**t!, Amazing!"

Then the guy next to me in line said, "I'm from Queens. When I want the good stuff, the really good stuff, this is the only place to come."

And he was right. This sandwich was amazing. Better than any other sandwich I have ever had. It was worth the trek out here. All I could think was that I was glad I didn't cop out and go to Carnegie instead.

So if you're in NYC mark this down as a definite stop for lunch. This place has been around since 1888 and they are still here with a line out the door for a reason!

Katz's Delicatessen - 205 E. Houston Street - katzdeli.com 

Axiom 43: Serendipity Through Meditation

"Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice. Better than knowledge is meditation. But better still is surrender of attachment to results, because there follows immediate peace." -Bhagavad Gita

"Meditation is the dissolution of thoughts in Eternal awareness or Pure consciousness without objectification, knowing without thinking, merging finitude in infinity." 
-Swami Sivananda

Many successful people meditate. Steve Jobs meditated. Many large companies in silicon valley now have meditation rooms. Meditation is no longer a religious activity or some obscure backroom hobby - it has gone mainstream. So, should you try it?

For one, meditation offers you a stress-free release from the world. It allows you to clear your mind, relax, and gain mental clarity and control. It teaches you to block out the useless noise in our modern world.

Some of the other side-effects may not be noticed for weeks. Solutions to problems may just come to you as you get use to clearing your mind to focus in a different way. You may notice that the things at work that use to stress you out no longer bother you.

It all sounds great, right? So how do you meditate?

Here are a few beginner guidelines:

• Block out about 30 minutes 2-3 times a week to start.
• Find a quiet spot where you can comfortably sit up straight on the floor with your legs crossed.
• Buy a meditation music soundtrack from Itunes to listen to while you meditate.
• Close your eyes, have controlled deep-breathing, and clear your mind.

You must remember to totally clear your mind. Try not to think about anything. It can be really hard starting out to do this but practice will improve this. Just focus on your breathing and concentrate on the area between your two eyes - this helps keep the mind clear.

Try meditating for at least one month and judge the results for yourself. You should find that your overall stress and problem solving skills will improve.