Can’t Afford a Research Assistant – or Even a Virtual Assistant? Give Gist a Shot

Posted on December 21st, 2010 by Keith Ferrazzi

Want the answer to information overload? You'll find it in your network - if you can harness technology to get directly to the information and opportunities you need. Members of my Relationship Masters Academy were lucky to get help straight from the horse’s mouth on this one: T.A. McCann, CEO of Gist, the company and cool new business tool, gave a 30-minute masterclass presentation on how to use the application to stay constantly on top of what's important to the people who are important to you.

People always ask me how I prep for meetings and I feel a little stupid telling them, “I have my relationship management assistant pull together a 1-page dossier.” Clearly an assistant’s not in everyone’s reach (although you should look into virtual assistance a la Tim Ferriss – surprisingly affordable!). So I was so happy to hear about Gist - this is the best technology I’ve seen so far to help you aggregate your contacts’ online imprints so that you can DO YOUR HOMEWORK with ease. It doesn’t replace my assistant, but it makes it a lot easier to get the “gist” of what my contacts are up to at any point in time.

Here are three of T.A. McCann’s top strategies for leadership success, almost straight from the pages of NEA:

1. Be a connector. Introduce people. Technology makes it so easy!

2. Make yourself "public" and interesting. The more people can get to know you online, the more they’ll be interested in finding out what you’re up to – and helping you make it happen!

3. Create "thought leadership" through content and connections - think Twitter, blogging, and podcasting.  Again, compelling content wins you respect and interest.

Who out there’s using Gist? Cool tips, hacks, or feedback for T.A.?

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5 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. Keith,

    Thanks for the post and the inclusion on the program. We are eager to help your community connect and build stronger relationship and hear their ideas for making Gist even better. We are listening...

    T.A.

  2. Definitely agree -- thanks for helping to spread the word about a great product.

  3. Such a timely post! I just finished Keith's book "Never Eat Alone" and was thinking Keith would have been all over Gist if it was available at the time:) A match made in heaven!

  4. As a GIST fan (and fellow Seattleite) since the Fast Company blurb a few years ago... and a KF fan since the month Never Eat Alone was first published... and professionally associated with the Global Outsourcing industry, you guys are thought leaders at the very nexus of all that is important to me.

    I just had to speak up and let you know that your ideas are grounded and creating a lot of unexpected value both personally and professionally. Job well done and happy holidays to T.A., Keith and to each of your wonderful teams!

  5. You've hit the ball out the park! Indcrieble!

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