Today I went to
see Seth
Godin.
The day went like this:
For a couple of
hours in the morning Seth spoke about ideas from his books: Permission
Marketing, All
Marketers are Liars, and Purple
Cow. Then we spent just about
the rest of the day going through the attendee’s business ideas, issues, and
websites and discussing them. It was a
great way to see these ideas applied.
We discussed how
you develop your product’s “story” and how you get people to spread that story. It was very clear that one of the most
critical factors is authenticity.
So, I started to
ask myself if I thought Seth was authentic. What is his story? Does he act
consistently with his story? Is it a
story I’d like to spread? Why (or why
not)?
In my opinion, Seth’s
is an intelligent entrepreneur and marketer. He has made some insightful observations about how marketing and
business are evolving and he’s able to explain and apply those observations –
and get results.
That makes him
interesting to me – mostly because my own observations align with his.
What did I get out of this?
I have some ideas
now about how tell my own authentic story. Who am I? What do I offer my clients? Why would you want to hire me?
My goal is to
post it here before the end of June.
Keep me honest!
PS – It was the
best lunch I ever had at a seminar (sushi for me – although there was a
choice).
He even baked
muffins for breakfast!
I got to meet Liz, too.
Technorati tags: Business, "Seth Godin", Seminar
The Art of the Start and My Authentic Story
When I came back from the Seth Godin seminar on June 15th, I said I would publish my authentic story here by June 30th. Well, I’m not quite done yet! During my quest to define my authentic story, I ran
What an interesting time it looks like you had and I so look forward to your version of authenticity. It seems to me even that would change — but the roots may be similar. Interesting post — Thanks Ann — you rock!
But does he always bake?? 😉
It’s always sushi!!!
Authenticity is a slippery term and it is very hard to “tell” an authentic story and have it read in the same vein. As you say, Seth is interesting because his ideas and yours coincide … but a contrary viewpoint might also be authentic, but harder to reconcile with your own experience. I look forward to your own story!
Hi Ed!
I’ve been thinking about my Purple Cow. Seth spoke about how customers decide what’s a Purple Cow – you don’t. Never the less, I am trying to articulate my perspective by the end of the month.
I think authenticity is basically honesty. Honesty that is evident not only in what you say but what you do.
Ann,
Thanks for your reflections on a day with Seth.
I’m curious. Did you come out of it seeing what your Purple Cow is?
I think you are right about authenticity. Of course, that is one of those things that is hard to explain, but everyone knows it when they see.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts about what makes your work authentic.
What a great seminar! It was.