Ask Altucher

James and Aaron talk about the importance of effective communication – it can help you with almost any situation.You might think that you already know the basics, but most people forget these simple tactics that could make or break an interaction.Here you will learn the true importance of the following:•    Removing a skill•    Enthusiasm•    Body language•    Positioning•    Humility•    ComedyIf you keep these few techniques in mind, you are on your way to improving your public speaking, interviewing skills, interpersonal relationships, and so much more...

Today's Ask Altucher is a little different. Instead of James and Aaron giving advice to a listener, a listener has emailed 10 ideas that could make James and Aaron money.If you have an idea and want to get your message out to the right person, then this is the show for you. You'll hear James and Aaron point out several things that grabbed their attention and kept them interested while reading the email.These could be million dollar ideas that you could use to leverage your own business.Get ready to take some notes because advice this good is very rare.

Time is important and most people don't like their time wasted.We have all heard it before, "It's not what you know, it's who you know."But when it comes to networking and meeting individuals, what is the best way to approach them so that they will make time for you?James says that networking is extremely important, but most people are doing it completely wrong.Today, he shares several techniques that he has used and that have proven to be successful.Successful people aren't just going to take time out of their days to help you. You have to be able to give them something in return.Plus, find out what "permission networking" is and why it is the most important strategy in crafting relationships.

It's a question that James is asked repeatedly... "How do I find my passion in life?"Whether it's a hobby, a career, or just an overall purpose in life, it's something that we have all thought about at least once.In order to find your passion, James gives some advice that you probably haven't heard before. He shares the real secret on how you can figure out what your passions in life are.If you are feeling stuck or unhappy with your day-to-day routine, then this is the show for you. Don't limit yourself to one narrow path in life. Choose yourself and everything else will follow.

James often says that he doesn't rely on traditional news publications and media outlets to keep up with current events.Today's question comes from a listener who wants to know how James is able to stay current with trends and technologies if he doesn't use mainstream sources.With much of his time spent reading and coming up with practices to improve his life, find out how James is able to receive only the important news and ignore the unnecessary.As James has said before, "Forget the news. All headlines are lies – they are just trying to scare you." This episode will certainly make you think twice about what better things you could be doing with your time instead.

Facebook started as a site used to connect college students and then became available to anyone who wanted to join.Now it is used for almost everything. It has replaced e-mail, photo albums, instant messaging, advertising, news; the list could go on and on.Today, James shares his thoughts on Facebook and where he draws the line. He also shares how he uses the resources the site has to offer.Find out how James has figured out to use Facebook to test out his posts for his blog. It has become his main source of feedback and indicator of which posts will grab the most attention.Plus, James and Aaron discuss a new idea they have planned that could be launched by Facebook.

This episode can be a touchy subject for some individuals, so we ask that you to listen with an open mind.Today, James discusses his position on religion and what he personally believes and follows.We all have our own standards and expectations, but as James describes, we also all have the same golden rule... to treat others the way that you would like to be treated.Find out what he has to say about "the universal bible."

Thinking about changing careers? Or maybe you are looking for your first job?Today, James shares several tips that will help you nail the interview process.Plus, in standard Altucher fashion, his tips are "out of the box" and just crazy enough to work.Listen as James gives some simple tips to ensure that the hiring manager remembers you over the rest of the people applying for the job.Some of these tips might seem like common sense, but surprisingly they are forgotten by so many. Maybe your nerves are getting to you, and that makes you oblivious to what should be standard preparation for an interview.Here is what you are going to learn:•    What you need to do to prepare for an interview•    How to calm your nerves before you make that first introduction•    Tips on how to dress•    How to make sure that you are ingrained in the memory of the hiring managerEven someone that thinks they are a pro at interviews is guaranteed to learn something new from James' tips.Here is where you will gain the confidence and

Angel investing is how you can turn $1,000 into $1,000,000.Angel investing is an alternative to playing the stock market.But what exactly is it and how can anyone get involved?Today, James explains what angel investing is and several examples of when this type of investing could be beneficial to you.Click here to listen.James himself is an angel investor in 28 companies, so he knows what to look for in a company. Plus, if you have a great idea but are lacking the financial means to build your company, James has some tips for you as well.Here is where you are going to learn:•    What is angel investing?•    What is the difference between angels and venture capitalists?•    When should you approach an angel investor?•    What criteria do angel investors use to select entrepreneurs?

We live in a time when the media is a huge part of our lives, and has evolved in so many forms. How do we keep up?Should we keep up?Today, James shares what he has saved on his Internet browser and what he spends his time reviewing.You will probably be shocked with his answer.Most of James' work is done online, but how much time does he spend on social-media sites?James says one of his biggest responsibilities in life is to set a good example for his daughter... here is where you learn how the Internet plays a big part.

We all have our favorite TV shows but what makes HBO's series so good?Today, James shares his first-hand experience of what it was like working at HBO and why they produce the best content on TV.Find out how they started and evolved into an entertainment empire. HBO seems to have figured out the key to success when it comes to creating addictive series.People lose their minds with these shows. Here is where you get an inside look to one of the most successful cable networks.Plus, learn how you can use strategies like HBO to create your own successful company.

Are you a shy person?Do you have a fear of speaking in front of a group?For some individuals, public speaking is the least of their worries – sometimes they have trouble just interacting in more intimate settings, such as a dinner party.Today, James explains how he was able to overcome being introverted and what he does when he is feeling anxious about talking to others.

If you know anything about James, you know how important exercising his idea muscle is to him.Today, James reveals the secret to his idea generation. Are all the ideas good ideas?Does he try to execute all of the ideas?Here, you will get James' personal approach to coming up with good, bad, and great ideas and how to execute those great ones.

Have you ever looked at a job description for a company but failed to apply because you thought you didn't meet the qualifications?Every day, people sell themselves short and fail to apply for a job that they might be great at.There are ways to get noticed without having the exact criteria a job is looking for. Today, James tells listeners several experiences where he was not qualified but was able to go around the gate-keepers and land a job.Life is too short to not go after what you want. This is the episode that will give you unconventional ways to get noticed and prove that you are qualified.

Even in a niche market, you need to stand out in order to get the most business.Today, James and Aaron share several marketing steps that you should be doing to grow your business.Whether you are self-employed or working as an employee in a company, you need to make your own business stand out.James and Aaron go through two different business examples and the steps that you could potentially make in order to grow the businesses to millions of dollars in revenue.If you are looking for a new and unique way to reach your intended audience, then this is the show for you.

Are you feeling pressure to have children? Maybe you are reaching a certain age that people expect you to be raising kids already.A lot of the pressure that you might be feeling is stemming from society, peers, family, or the media. But nobody controls your life. You have to take control and do what you feel is right.Today, James talks about his own personal experience and how timing has nothing to do with having children.There are several things that you will have to give up and, of course, many experiences that you will gain. You just have to decide what is worth more to you.

OK, so you have chosen yourself... now what?This is not the time to feel guilty or sad that you may be ignoring other parts of your life, such as your full-time job. Life is too short to harbor any regrets. You have every right to take time for yourself and go after what you want.Today, James and Aaron talk about how to avoid guilt while choosing yourself. It will inspire you to take that next step when in doubt and go after what you want in life.Start today… Choose yourself and don't look back.

It's completely normal to feel insecure in certain situations, especially when it comes to relationships, where jealousy can sometimes surface.Is there a simple way to avoid this awful feeling?Today, James and Aaron share several things that you should communicate, avoid, and start doing immediately in any relationship.Just remember, no one is in charge of your happiness but you.

James gave a talk at a conference a couple months ago in Dallas. In his talk he said that, "everybody has a book inside of them. You just have to find what that book is and write it."In order to become a writer, and make money doing it, you need to make writing a daily practice.Even if you are a great writer or you have room to grow your skills, this is a great way to exercise your idea muscle as well as possibly start a career.Once you have confidence in your writing, it's only natural to wonder if you could actually make money for a living by simply writing.Today, James and Aaron share several ways that you can make a living as a writer.Find out how you could be making millions by simply writing at a sixth-grade level...

If you choose not to go to college... will you feel left behind as your friends go on to different universities?How can you make the most of your time and feel great about avoiding the cost of college?Today, James shows you just how easy that can be. You don't want to be standard or ordinary; you want to stand out in life. College will give you standardized tests, but won't challenge your ability to grow your skills completely on your own.You might have more opportunities by not going to college... plus, you will be way ahead of your peers financially by avoiding the massive amount of debt.The things you can do with financial stability and zero debt can be worth much more to you than a degree.