How to Get into TED? It’s Like Applying to College—Again and Again – Businessweek

How hard is it to get into TED? Even at a cost of $7,500, the Technology, Entertainment, Design idea-fest, which begins Tuesday in Long Beach, Calif., is always oversubscribed. Organizers carefully vet applications to choose the 1,350 who get in.

Kate Brodock applied to TED conferences for eight years straight before being accepted in 2010 to TEDWomen, one of the occasional thematic offshoots of the main TED gathering. Brodock, who is chief marketing officer for the nonprofit Girls In Tech and social-media director at Syracuse University, says she didn’t pick her pursuits to get into TED, but recognizes that her profile has become closer to that of the typical attendee. “If I am doing the types of things that these really inspiring speakers are up on stage talking about, then I’m on the right track,” she says.

The application has six, short college-essay-style questions: How would a friend describe your accomplishments? What are you passionate about? Share a story from your life that shows what makes you tick. Applicants are also asked to provide websites that will help conference organizers get a better sense of who they are, such as their blogs, academic research, or company websites.

Who you know counts too. TED requests at least two references, and asks if those vouching for applicants have attended the conference in the past. While it notes that “it isn’t necessary that they have,” Brodock says that a referral from a TED attendee, speaker, or high-profile name “significantly helps your cause.” Above all, she says, “you can’t fake it on a TED application.” Organizers look for people who are leaders in their fields and will sniff out padded, pandering resumes.

via How to Get into TED? It’s Like Applying to College—Again and Again – Businessweek.

Strange Random Difficulty Quote:
“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist, 1803-1882)

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Dan Pink on the surprising science of motivation – TED Talks

Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don’t: Traditional rewards aren’t always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories — and maybe, a way forward.

Strange Random Motivation Quote:

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar (American motivational Speaker and Author. )

 

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TED Talks – Tim Jackson’s Economic Reality

Image by chinadialogue.net via Flickr

As the world faces recession, climate change, inequity and more, Tim Jackson delivers a piercing challenge to established economic principles, explaining how we might stop feeding the crises and start investing in our future.

Strange Random Economics Quote:

“Economists are pessimists: they’ve predicted 8 of the last 3 depressions” – Barry Asmus

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Thomas Thwaites: How I built a toaster — from scratch (TED)

It takes an entire civilization to build a toaster. Designer Thomas Thwaites found out the hard way, by attempting to build one from scratch: mining ore for steel, deriving plastic from oil … it’s frankly amazing he got as far as he got. A parable of our interconnected society, for designers and consumers alike.

Strange Random Design Quote:

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they go by.— Douglas Adams

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Gotta’ Share! – The Musical – TED Talks Best of the Web

About this talk

At the onstage introduction of Twirlr, a new social-sharing platform, someone forgets to silence their cell phone. And then … this happens. (Song by Scott Brown and Anthony King; edit by Nathan Russell.)

About Improv Everywhere

Improv Everywhere is a New York City-based prank collective that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places

Strange Random Sharing Quote:

“Whenever I found out anything remarkable, I have thought it my duty to put down my discovery on paper, so that all ingenious people might be informed thereof.” – Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (Dutch Biologist, 1632-1723)

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