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Read The Third Door by @AlexBanayan cover to cover last night from 11:00 pm to 3:30 am. Loved it. Putting some take-aways and thoughts below.
Quick Summary: @AlexBanayan omits no embarrassing details from his quest to learn from the best in the world. The USC frosh premed vibes didn't light the fire under his ass his parents hoped it would, so he dreamed up something cooler.
Summary Cont: Why not learn from the best in the world??? Alex wrote a dream list: @BillGates, Grandpa Warren, @tferriss, @ladygaga, Spielberg.
Summary Cont: Alex realizes this would take some dollars. Why not just win @PriceIsRight the next day? Alex pulls this off by dressing bizarrely, asking around for tips, and trolling the internet for tips.
Summary Cont: With money and a list of names, Alex sets out to do his interviews. The following lessons from the story stuck out to me the most.
1. Pick up the phone.
A phone calls beats an email.
It's uncomfortable, it sucks, it works (sometimes).
A phone calls beats an email.
It's uncomfortable, it sucks, it works (sometimes).
2. If you don't ask you don't get.
It's up to you to ask the question. People can so no. So what? Ask to shadow somebody, don't expect them to offer. Ask someone for advice or help. Don't expect them to offer. Of course, be tactful when doing so.
It's up to you to ask the question. People can so no. So what? Ask to shadow somebody, don't expect them to offer. Ask someone for advice or help. Don't expect them to offer. Of course, be tactful when doing so.
3. Warm up the gate keeper.
Don't annoy secretaries to death. Bad idea. The person that controls the calendar makes or breaks your chances. Make them your friend. Buy them flowers or something.
Don't annoy secretaries to death. Bad idea. The person that controls the calendar makes or breaks your chances. Make them your friend. Buy them flowers or something.
4. In person beats digital. (not timely rn but still true)
People can read your intentions better in person. They can look in your eyes. They can tell if you have the right spirit. An email is a blip on a screen and forgettable.
People can read your intentions better in person. They can look in your eyes. They can tell if you have the right spirit. An email is a blip on a screen and forgettable.
5. Following blueprints only get you so far.
Reading and copying @tferriss or @ThisIsSethsBlog works until it doesn't. Let the success of others inform your strategy, but don't count on a 10-step plan to solve all your problems. At some point, figure it out yourself.
Reading and copying @tferriss or @ThisIsSethsBlog works until it doesn't. Let the success of others inform your strategy, but don't count on a 10-step plan to solve all your problems. At some point, figure it out yourself.
6. When it’s in front of you make your move
Overcoming hesitation is hard, this is what Alex calls the Flinch and is the message of @YesTheory concept of Seeking Discomfort.
You have to conquer the uncomfortable situations.
Overcoming hesitation is hard, this is what Alex calls the Flinch and is the message of @YesTheory concept of Seeking Discomfort.
You have to conquer the uncomfortable situations.
7. Borrowed Credibility Changes Things
It's easier to interview one celebrity once they know you've already interviewed ten others. Social proof makes a big difference.
It's easier to interview one celebrity once they know you've already interviewed ten others. Social proof makes a big difference.
8. Have a Pipeline.
Don't obsess over interviewing Warren for 6 months and not try for anyone else. Some things won't fall into place, but others might. This is really just a lesson in probability.
Don't obsess over interviewing Warren for 6 months and not try for anyone else. Some things won't fall into place, but others might. This is really just a lesson in probability.
9. Persistence vs Being Annoying vs Getting Blocked
There's no definitive right answer, but there are definitely wrong answers. Don't email Tim Ferriss 31 times. Leave Warren alone after 2 hand-written rejections. Think about #8 a little more.
There's no definitive right answer, but there are definitely wrong answers. Don't email Tim Ferriss 31 times. Leave Warren alone after 2 hand-written rejections. Think about #8 a little more.
10. How to Cold Email
Don't say "can I pick your brain." I used this exact wording with @nateliason, he didn't reply. Rightfully so. Be specific. The book has better templates. Tim has templates. Find a sweet spot. Take both 8 and 9 into consideration.
Don't say "can I pick your brain." I used this exact wording with @nateliason, he didn't reply. Rightfully so. Be specific. The book has better templates. Tim has templates. Find a sweet spot. Take both 8 and 9 into consideration.
Wrap Up: What's the 3rd door?
Life's a nightclub.
Most of us inch forward & wait at the front door.
Some have money or fame & get in the VIP line (door 2)
The success pattern Alex discovers is the 3rd door.
Make friends, find an open window, & be crafty
Make your own door
Life's a nightclub.
Most of us inch forward & wait at the front door.
Some have money or fame & get in the VIP line (door 2)
The success pattern Alex discovers is the 3rd door.
Make friends, find an open window, & be crafty
Make your own door
Last Word: Book Review
Extremely enjoyable, a lot of great lessons, super easy to read. Highly recommend.
Thank you for writing the book @AlexBanayan and sharing the lessons you learned with the next generation.
Extremely enjoyable, a lot of great lessons, super easy to read. Highly recommend.
Thank you for writing the book @AlexBanayan and sharing the lessons you learned with the next generation.
