I’m just not a “Fan” personality — would rather play 2nd base for the church softball team than watch a pro game or even sit the bench for the Yankees, usually much quicker to share my own perspective on a current business topic than quote the popular gurus, and have a tendency to switch my support over to whoever is dominating a particular field of sport at any given time.
With regard to the business arena: In my defense, I’ve hung out with so many well known, highly regarded thought leaders over the years that I’m a bit impervious to (OK, even jaded about) the new best-seller, sexy acronym, or 4 quadrant model. Though it happens once in a while, I’m rarely awe struck or thinking, “Wish I’d said that.”
I’m often appreciative (there really are some smart, insightful folks out there sharing marvelous work — work that can be very valuable in serving my clients), but have never truly experienced the “jaw dropping, would wait in line during a rain storm to see” emotional response I see some of today’s business celebrities elicit from adoring audience members.
Enter one Seth Godin. I’ve become a screaming school girl, gossip spreading, quote repeating, you tube forwarding, twitter tweeting, all out genuine Fan. I realize I’m late to the party, and Godin’s incredible capacity to contribute won’t be “news” to many of you — but just in case you’ve been hiding under your own rock like I have in many respects . . .
You can find and follow Seth here. I’m sorta new to this whole “Fan” thing — don’t have the kind of stats on this guy that my wife and kids keep on their respective NASCAR drivers and football teams. I don’t know exactly how he makes a living. My guess is that he consults, probably conducts a ton of speaking engagements, routinely entertains book offers, etc.
What I Do Know: He’s well worth following, has a tremendous “bead” and refreshing perspective on some things that really matter to me, and should probably matter to you — like innovation, change, marketing, branding, leadership . . . and . . . common sense.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Seth Godin is the Pioneer to my whole journey. He gets it and was way ahead of his time. I wish I had read Permission Marketing in 1999 when he wrote it. He has a couple of must reads.
- His Blog
- Tribes
- Permission Marketing
- IdeaVirus
- His free ebooks – Knock, Knock & Who’s there (about websites & blogging)
- Free Prize Inside
- The Dip – (about why quitting is a good strategy)
- THe Purple Cow
In that order for me.
I also wrote a post of him and has a must see video of him http://tr.im/rgsx
I totally agree and glad you get as much value from him as I do.
Chad Rothschild
http://www.chadrothschild.com
@chadrothschild
Stone,
Let me be the first to offer….I would love to be the President of YOUR rapidly growing Fan Club. The value and insight you provide for so many make the Fan Experience worth remembering. You have helped me reconnect with my own common sense.
Your Fan,
Amy
OK, I’ve got to admit that I’ve heard the name for a long time but never checked him out before. I just spent some time on his blog, and I have to agree–he is great! I will be downloading an e-book soon. . .
Tara – you need to read Seth’s Purple Cow right away. It will blow your mind and change the way you look at marketing.
I love Seth’s books, too! They stimulate so much thinking of ideas. I haven’t watched him on TED yet, but it’s on my to-do list – as soon as I finish acting on all the ideas I’ve gotten from him before!
Btw – I do love catch-phrases and best-sellers – and hope to have my book (Five Reasons Why Bad Things Happen: How to Turn Tragedies Into Triumph) on the bestseller list soon! (I do have three 5-star reviews
Brownell – thanks for the idea. I will add TED to the blogroll. A wonderful place for brilliant ideas and new thinking!
I have followed Seth for many years. As a trainer I am always looking to learn from others. Much of what I have learned, and taught, has come from the success and failure of implementing some of his idea. The more we try…the more we learn. On another note…C. Richard Wyleman is a great one to learn from if the wealthy are your target market. Thanks Stone for the great resource.