First off, I want to say this is a great board with a lot of wisdom. For you students out there trying to step up your game, pay attention to what people say here because there's a lot of guys on this board that definitely get it.

I'll try to keep this question brief. I met this kid through a friend of a friend, and he's pretty bad off. Very little game. He's able to act the part when dealing with women, but only for a short time, maybe minutes, before I see him start to make problems for himself...you know what I mean. One of the girls I hang out with sees it too, and has told him repeatedly to come to me for help. I think the message finally got through because he's started asking some questions.

I want to help him because it seems like a fun project, but I don't know where to start. I've only ever given advice to guys that already at least kind of get it and just want to step up their game. I've never really dealt with a blank slate from the beginning like this, but I can certainly see the seeds of a great PUA within him.

My first inclination is to just start teaching him one-on-one, but I think I need to get him acquainted with the basics, so I'm tempted to have him start by reading or watching videos.

My question is for you guys that started from zero (or very close) and have improved a lot, whatever that means to you, or guys that have helped other guys out from complete darkness.

What has helped you the most in the beginning, or looking back on your "training" WOULD have helped you the most - reading books, seminars, videos, one-on-one help, these forums, etc?

Like I said, I want to help this kid, so any help would be very appreciated.

1 on 1 instruction.

When I first got into pickup I started to read a lot, watched videos, etc. It all helped, but 1on1 instruction is what made everything 'click'. I was able to not only learn concepts, but apply them and know the reasoning behind it. In addition, if I was unsure about something I could ask questions and get immediate feedback.

Reading is good after you get the basics down, but to start off it needs to be highly interactive. That can only be done through 1on1 instruction. It also avoids waiting months before he even tries to approach. He may have the mentality a lot of people do when it comes to the first approach (that's me! haha) -- "I'll learn *everything* and be invincible!" Then it's who knows how long later and he'll still do no better than if he dove into it in the first place.