The Conversation That Could Change Your Life

The average person has 27 conversations a day. Some you have around the dreaded conversation of politics. Others leave you overflowing with enough inspiration to run through a wall.

Conversations are the backbone of ideas.

They force you to articulate what your jumbled thoughts may be. When talking to someone you string along words into something that makes sense to the other person (much easier and free flowing than writing)

People are the stimulation to creativity that often gets neglected. If you choose your friends wisely they will provide unlimited inspiration for you to shake something up in the world.

The spark that ignited global communication

One converdation can change the world. In 1832, the Sully was a ship headed to New York. Two men were onboard: Thomas Jackson, a geologist, and Samuel Morse, an artist at the time.

One night after dinner the two were engaged in a conversation around the latest discovery in electromagnetism when another passenger overheard the conversation. Out of the blue they asked, “Can an electric current flow down a long wire without being distributed?”

Jackson said of course because Benjamin Franklin showed it could go as far you wanted and fast.

The eureka moment that would change the world.

At this moment, Morse had an idea that would change the world. “If the presence of electricity can be made visible in any desired part of the circuit I see no reason why intelligence might not be transmitted instantaneously by electricity” Morse later said.

From this conversation Morse code was born. The first instant communication to anyone from around the world.

The right person + conversation = creative ideas

Conversations need to be had with people, not just anyone. Being able to have those conversations can be a challenge. Tim Ferriss, who has conversations with people for a living, has 3 strategies for networking.

Use these to expand your network and begin meeting the people that will ignite your creativity in conversation.

1. Never dismiss anyone

Someone might be able to help you one day. 

Tim Ferriss met Jack Canfield through volunteering. Jack would introduce him to his book agent that led to The 4 Hour Work Week. Remember people and have a lasting impact on them.

2. Play the long game

"You have to play the long game, but you can be methodical in how you play that." Ferriss has said.

You have to establish a relationship before you can get any help. The relationship needs to be beneficial to both people. So find out how you can solve their problems.

3. Focus on “Pre-VIPs”

Pre-VIPs are people who aren't known but will be. 

Naval Ravikant said: "The people who I identified as brilliant and hardworking two decades ago are all successful now."

Anyone who has the qualities to be successful will be given enough time. It's easier to meet the future VIPs today, than tomorrow. 

Build a world-class network by meeting the people that will grow as you do. Anyone engaged in learning will lead to interesting conversations.