How to get a TEDx Talk? You can get yours the way I got mine. | Raj Shamani | TEDxBabsonCollege

Summary

The speaker recounts being labeled as 'useless' during school, which led to low self-esteem. However, they turned this perception into motivation, building a global network by focusing on giving value to others rather than seeking it. This approach led to opportunities, including a TEDx talk and a successful business. The key takeaway is the power of offering value first to build meaningful connections and achieve success.

Takeaways

• 😔 Being called 'useless' and lazy during school years led to low self-esteem and self-belief.
• 😢 A teacher's rejection in tenth grade was a significant blow, but it also sparked a realization.
• 🤔 Many kids are labeled negatively by those who don't understand their mindset, leading to depression and self-pity.
• 🔗 Building a human network is crucial; connecting with people can open up unexpected opportunities.
• 📱 Reaching out to influential people on social media, despite initial rejections, was a turning point.
• 🌐 Attending a business networking conference in Mumbai was a pivotal moment, even though it started with some challenges.
• 🍽 Offering value first, like suggesting a local food spot, can create meaningful connections.
• 💡 The advice to 'give value first' rather than always asking for more became a life-changing principle.
• 📝 Researching how to offer value to admired individuals led to significant opportunities and global networking.
• 📈 Consistent, value-focused outreach, like messaging one person a day, expanded the speaker's network and opportunities, including a TEDx talk.

Q & A

What was the speaker called during their school times?

The speaker was called a 'useless kid' during their school times.

How did the negative labels affect the speaker?

The negative labels resulted in low self-esteem and a lack of self-belief for the speaker.

What specific incident in tenth grade significantly impacted the speaker?

In tenth grade, the speaker was ridiculed by a teacher when they asked for an opportunity to host the annual school function.

How did the speaker initially try to connect with influential people?

The speaker initially tried to connect with influential people by stalking them on social media and expecting them to reply.

What event did the speaker attend that changed their approach to networking?

The speaker attended a business networking conference in Mumbai, India, which changed their approach to networking.

How did the speaker manage to attend the conference despite not having a business?

The speaker made up a business name, Shivani Industries, and applied for the event under that name.

What key lesson did the speaker learn from the president of a youth organization they met at the conference?

The key lesson learned was that to connect with someone, you need to give them value first rather than just asking for help.

How did the speaker use the lesson about giving value in their networking efforts?

The speaker started researching people they admired to find ways to offer them value, such as helping to publicize a tour for an entrepreneur.

What strategy did the speaker use to build their global network?

The speaker built their global network by messaging one person a day, seven people a week, and 365 people a year, either through social media or email.

What impact did the speaker's strategy have on their career?

The speaker's strategy expanded their work to 18 countries and led to them delivering a TEDx talk.