L is for Lizard Brain: This is a huge impediment to getting what you want, and finding your calling in life. What some call the lizard brain is the part of your brain responsible for anger, revenge, fear, and anxiety (and also possibly reproduction). It's the original brain, the one that wild animals possess. The voice of the lizard: it's the resistance that holds you back, that causes doubt.. The resistance rationalizes, hides and sabotages your best work. Recognize your prehistoric lizard brain when it starts to kick in...then work to beat the lizard!
M is for Meatball Sundae: “Gotta get me some of that Social Networking. Blogs, e-mails campaigns, facebook updates, twitter posts, Google AdWords…”
STOP. As traditional business communications go away, the new digital tools seem irresistible. But they don’t work for everyone! Boring products (what I call “meatballs”) like Cheerios, Ford trucks, or beer only distract us with efforts to be socially relevant. When Budweiser spends $40 million developing “BudTV”—that’s a meatball sundae. Dressing up a boring business with bells and whistles no one wants and that lead to no new customers. The point is: avoid creating a meatball sundae. Use social media in business when it actually enhances your efforts.
N is for NOBS: Otherwise known as the new order business school. My rant about this points out that for most people, a traditional MBA is a waste of both time and money. The two biggest benefits--the selection process of getting in, and the social process of networking--could be accomplished without any classes at all. You can read more about this in my earlier post of April 2010 .
O is for Orangutan: I could have used the word 'monkey', but I already had an M listing, plus I love the way you spell Orangutan. Anyway, the primate is the best way to think about how people interact with websites. They're like monkeys in a psychology experiment, looking for the banana. Where's the banana, they ask? Keep this in mind if you are ever in the position of creating your own websites, for work or personal purposes. If your website offers a banana, people are going to click on it and respond. If they don't, they'll leave.
P is for Permission: Seth Godin's company, Yoyodyne Entertainment, is all about fun and games. But its mission is serious business. Godin and his colleagues are working to persuade some of the most powerful companies in the world to reinvent how they relate to their customers. His argument is as stark as it is radical: Advertising just doesn't work as well as it used to - in part because there's so much of it, in part because people have learned to ignore it, in part because the rise of the Net means that companies can go beyond it. "We are entering an era," Godin declares, "that's going to change the way almost everything is marketed to almost everybody."
The biggest problem with mass-market advertising, Godin says, is that it fights for people's attention by interrupting them. A 30-second spot interrupts a "Desperate Housewives" episode. A telemarketing call interrupts a family dinner. A print ad interrupts a blog. The interruption model is extremely effective when there's not an overflow of interruptions, but there's too much going on in our lives for us to enjoy being interrupted anymore.
The new model is built around permission. The challenge for marketers will be to persuade consumers to volunteer attention - to "raise their hands" to agree to learn more about a company and its products. Permission marketing turns strangers into friends and friends into loyal customers," he says. "It's not just about entertainment - it's about education."
Q is for Quitting: Sticking things out is overrated, particularly if you stick out the wrong things. In fact, I think you'd be much better off quitting most of what you do. The old saying is wrong--winners do quit, and quitters do win.
Every new project (or job, or hobby, or company) starts out exciting and fun. Then it gets harder and less fun, until it hits a low point-really hard, and not much fun at all. And then you find yourself asking if the goal is even worth the hassle. Maybe you're in a Dip--a temporary setback that will get better if you keep pushing. But maybe it's really a Dead End, which will never get better, no matter how hard you try.
What really sets superstars apart from everyone else is the ability to escape dead ends quickly, while staying focused and motivated when it really counts.
Winners quit fast, quit often, and quit without guilt-until they commit to beating the right Dip for the right reasons. They realize that the bigger the barrier, the bigger the reward for getting past it. If you fight the right fights, you'll get more than your fair share of profits, glory, and long-term security.
R is for Remarkable: For years, marketers have talked about the "4 Ps." Sound familiar? This has become the basic marketing checklist, a quick way to make sure that you've done your job. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but it used to be that if you dotted your I’s and paid attention to your 4 Ps, then you were more likely than not to succeed.
No longer. It's time to add an exceptionally important new P to the list: Purple Cow. Weird? Let me explain.
While driving through France a few years ago, I was enchanted by the hundreds of storybook cows grazing in lovely pastures right next to the road. For dozens of kilometers, I gazed out the window, marveling at the beauty. Then, within a few minutes, I started ignoring the cows. The new cows were just like the old cows, and what was once amazing was now common. Worse than common: It was boring.
Cows, after you've seen them for a while, are boring. A Purple Cow, though: Now, that would really stand out. The essence of the Purple Cow -- the reason it would shine among a crowd of perfectly competent, even undeniably excellent cows -- is that it would be remarkable. Something remarkable is worth talking about, worth paying attention to. Boring stuff quickly becomes invisible.
The world is full of boring stuff -- brown cows -- which is why so few people pay attention. Being remarkable is the art of building things worth noticing. It is a plea for originality, for passion, guts, and daring. Not just because going through life with passion and guts beats the alternative (which it does), but also because it's the only way to be successful. Today, the one sure way to fail is to be boring. Your one chance for success is to be remarkable.
And that means you have to be a leader. You can't be remarkable by following someone else who's remarkable.
76 comments:
Prof. K,
Your blog is most interesting. You kind of got me hungry, with the meatball statement (just kidding). I like the analogies, and how you incorporate your experiences with your management profession. ( Remarkable). I found the quitting section quite funny, and educational. It is true that people are content with what they do, because they "settle". And you strongly encourage not to settle, but to move on to bigger and better things. I really found your MBA section super interesting, because I was actually thinking of Grad school because I am so close to Graduation. But it is so true that networking, and knowing people can in fact cancel out extra work and time in and MBA program. You have really made this class an inspiration. I have never made so many friends in one class due to your in class exercises, and your ability to stretch our minds beyond what we could imagine. This blog assignment has been on of the best things. I have never enjoyed doing homework like this, and homework that I know I will remember. I know you might think I am sucking up or what ever you want to call it, but Thanks for this great semester.
-Marco
Ps. I did the McDonald assignment. And I got them to put Big mac sauce on the receipt.
When I read some of your blog entries, I feel like I'm in Rednekistan. I have to say "THANKS" to Marco for writing in his comment what he felt and what I feel as well-this blog and class have been great motivators. Your ability to connect two points that otherwise do not relate to each other is amazing(I mean your alphabet). Your blogs, this one included, promote leadership, creativity and open-mindedness, which is a motivator in itself.
Purple Cows are great. If I use the previous sentence in a random conversation in the supermarket line, they are going to think I'm nuts. I think this applies to most, if not all, aspects of our lives. When I first started teaching tennis, due to my lack of experience (basically being a cow, a boring cow at that) my lessons were very repetitive and one-dimensional. Then came expertise, workshops, camps, tennis meets, seminars, etc. I can say, that I reached transitional state, where my lessons took many different directions and learning techniques. As you mentioned in your Intro to Rednekistan, sometimes we are defined by the people and situation around us. Sometimes, we have to get out of a situation in order to grow and become....purple.
My wife is in process of getting her MBA and I'm not going to share the NOBS with her.
Professor, with Quitting, how do we prioritize? What personal tools do we use? I ask, because sometimes we quit due to lack of the support around us, or fear, or simply, as you mentioned - we get bored. Quitting due to uncertainty would be a Lizard Brain. I was interested if there is an elimination process or do we use our intuition and prioritizing!?
There is this song where Orangutan is used..."don't talk like Orangutan, look like Orangutan"...there is no connection to this blog whatsoever...I don't even know what that means. Thanks Prof. K, for providing space for my thoughts.
Cheers.
Too often does my Lizard Brain make Meatball Sundaes! It seems that my Lizard Brain always comes out in situations in which my pride is threatened. Its like I feel that I'm cornered so I revert to some primalistic action, such as anger, to make up for my fear of uncertainty. Then, trying to impose my will, just as you described Budweiser was with BudTV, I make a meatball sundae out of the situation by trying to patch up something I already boofed up. I guess I shoud just q is for quit at that point. Great Blog!
N is for NOBS - New Order Business School...Interesting Prof. K. Some people don't realize the power of networking hardcore. With connections a job can be found, a dream job...Going to get an MBA doesn't guarantee anything. I am sure a handful of people do waste two years and realize they will not get their first choice job out of business school. But hey, business schools make money through enrollment so the marketing will continue. I myself am considering getting a post baccalaureate degree but strictly for teaching purposes (phd?). If anything I will aim for a CFA and get professional licenses. Though I might go get an MBA if it is really necessary and the benefits for my reason to actually get one outweigh the costs. Every situation is different.
That negative voice that comes in all of our minds has to be removed immediately like you said. It's what hinders any of us from moving forward in life and becoming better all-around individuals attaining new heights in life. Once we are secure with ourselves and just like anything in life, the more we do it the better we become at it. The more we learn to have confidence in ourselves, the easier it is to get rid of that negative voice. As for the"Meatball sundae," I just think that if these companies didn't have social media outlets tied in with their company, then there would be a problem. Everyone would wonder what was wrong with them, it is considered almost natural these days and common place to have some type of social media connection regardless of which one it is. I agree that there are tons of people making money without taking classes, but for the rest of us it feels like an insurance on our livelihood. Nowadays, that reassurance of getting a job with a college degree is slowly but surely diminishing anyway. Either way, it is what hand you get dealt in life. Neither way is wore than the other, just depends on if it was meant for you or not.The mixer drink Tang comes to mind whenever I think of orangutang's lol Thanks for the rekindling of childhood memories. As for Seth Godin, he is just thinking out of the box which explains why he is so successful. He explained exactly what is going on in the world from the marketing perspective and realized the solution to the problems, more power to him. As for quitting, it is almost necessary to succeed. You have to sometimes realize when you have made a bad investment in whatever it maybe and cut your losses before you waste anymore time, money, or energy. The last section of your blog is my favorite, you hit the nail right on the head. It is not just about thinking outside the box, it is about living it. Everyone is different, so if we just worked on trying to be better at who we naturally are instead of trying to change ourselves to please other people, we naturally become that "purple cow." C'est la vie!!!!
I am a big fan of word usage as well and found many of these to be fascinating; maybe they will become assets to my vocabulary! Everyone has a “Lizard Brain” in them; you just have to learn how to beat it! Those thoughts of anger or anxiety sometime consume me but I feel like with age and experience I become better able to defeat the thoughts.
I like the use of Meatball Sundae as I feel it is extremely pertinent to the cyber age in which we live today in the twenty first century. Social media has become an increasingly important device for companies to use but many times they don’t exactly know how to utilize it most efficiently, hence the Meatball Sundae! Like you said it is critical that companies develop meaningful and worthwhile business practices to ensure they are efficiently using their time.
NOBS: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” Unfortunately this is the reality of today’s times and quite often it will occur that the right people aren’t in the right places. However, I do believe in the power of an education and more specifically continuing education for personal growth. It’s discouraging when you see people without an A+ degree in some of the top positions but I believe it can only be a positive, disregarding the time, energy and money that must be funneled into it!
I am quite fascinated by the definition of Quitting as I feel much the same way. We are always taught to follow through and never give up from an early age, buts sometimes that is exactly what should be done. Goals may no longer be suitable for one’s lifestyle or a vision may become less pertinent with time, it is therefore necessary to know when to stop. We often attach negative connotations to things that aren’t negative at all. It is important to be able to identify this and move forward based on your OWN instincts.
The concept of Permission is quite true and something I look to explore in my own career in marketing in the future. With so much advertising it becomes hard to look at it with an unbiased eye. Rather, we immediately look at it as a nuisance before even giving it a chance. Permission is a much better way to go about it, it means that the market genuinely wants to become a part of it rather than feeling forced.
Being Remarkable is what we should all be striving for. It isn’t always easy to create your own path but THAT is what will lead to excellence, not always blending in or doing what is considered to be safe. Those who we consider to be Remarkable by today’s standards may share characteristics of other Remarkable people, but they are individual, unique and have a vision that cannot be likened to any other great mind.
Where do you get all these words professor??? It's quite interesting how you come up with "lizard brain" or "meatball sundae" (which by the way gives me a queasy feeling whenever I try to imagine it... haha!). Nevertheless, I find your blog appealing and exciting to read.
Q is for Quitting: I believe in choosing your battles, not only in the workplace, but also life in general. Quitters aren't losers all the time... Ironically, I think quitting takes more courage than not quitting. It's the ability to accept that some things are just not worth fighting for. Some people think that quitting makes you look weak or incapable, which I think is not the case. You're only human, and being human has its limitations too.
I agree with the concept of "Lizard Brain". The most important thing in our life is, as you mentioned, "to find our calling in life", our place in life and our goals. In order to establish ourselves as human beings we should put away our "lizard brain" and follow our "logic brain" which differs us from animals and moves us forward.
I also agree that " a traditional MBA is a waste of both time and money". I personally know many people who don't have MBA but they are very smart, intelligent, and experienced in their field. Experience and knowledge come with practice!!!
O is for Orangutan. Be creative and unique in everything you do!!! "Offer a banana" which is something new, useful and attractive for the people because only in that case you can be successful in your business and in your life.
CAN I GET SOME PERMISSION!! To jump forward slightly, being a consumer I have caught notice of those rude companies. Just as you mentioned, we are so accustomed to the thousands of brands, images and commercials that we have become experts at ignoring them. Advertising has become so hackneyed and common that these proposed advertisements have grown into subliminal messages "Dont buy! Who cares! You already have that in blue." What an oxymoron! We need more "remarkable" thinkers to add to the o so important 4P's!! As open minded business people, we need to be innovative and not probable!
Lizard Brain, O Lizard Brain.. I hope I now can defeat you now that I know you are there and I will be better!
Qutting the most important letter from this posting for me. I tend to enjoy the current excitement of something new or something I excel at but further in i tend to get bored and distracted. I dont ever quit just reprioritize or procrastinate it. So I guess having the "banana" is something I NEED or a consumer like me!!
N is for NOBS: Nowadays, most of the people will get their MBA. I know there is very hand for study. For me, I might get my master degree done. But I want to finish my baccalaureate first, and then find a job to get some experience. That will more helpful for me to study master degree. Because I hear someone said, the master program need to see your GPA and the work experience. So, I hope I can achieve the goal to get my master degree.
Many people these days, I think, have lizard brains. The world has become much more advanced, competitive, and rather intimidating, which is why people resist so much. We do need to beat that lizard brain inside of us so we can grow and show people who we really are and what we can do.
It's very important in this day and age to offer people "bananas," if that's what they're looking for. On a website,if people don't get what they're looking for, they're put off and will most likely never look back to where they didn't get what they wanted. If we give people what they're looking for, we will get what we are looking for as well.
I agree that ads are very "in your face" these days. It would be a good idea to somehow come up with a way where the consumers are volunteering their attention to see what companies have to offer.
I also agree that the world full of boring things, but it is the job of innovators and creative minds to make boring things exciting, or come up with something completely new and original. That will attract and interest people, and you will be known for your success. I think being remarkable in some way is everyone's dream; we just need to open our minds and pull out something amazing.
Just was reading over my comments, and of course you can borrow my quote. I love to add a lasting impression on my postings.
Reading your blogs are truly like staring at purple cows. Never a dull moment between the combination of words and phrases. A remarkable way of looking at things. "Q" for quitting is an ideology that I have believed in for a while already. Not closing shop when it gets hard, but close while you're ahead. Those entrepreneurs who soon do not move to new ventures will be left behind in a race. Sticking it out with the old mission is not always the best idea. One will get restless, enjoyed, and will certainly loose interest. Those common factors are similar to if one will fall asleep behind the wheel, only disaster will come.
I like how everyone agrees to what you have to say, some people have Lizard brain, Some agree to the term "meatball". It must make you feel great right? Not saying I don't but after reading your post I feel like people that are successful have to havestandards. These words are your guidlines that you follow or theories that you believe while you carry on your success. To me human are very emotional features at times we often make bad decisions because we are emotionals. But for those whom follow their morals, standards and theories, they shall succeed.
I agree with your take on brown cows. Once a certain skill or process has been mastered, it quickly becomes invisible. The industry standard becomes boring, no matter how bright it first started. When the next purple cow is found, the cycle starts all over again. I think that's why firms that constantly seek and invest in potential 'purple cows' are headed in the right direction - the only one that will keep them alive in the long run!
I couldn’t agree more about the meatballs! Companies are spending so much money to get more customers but the incremental increase for the large effort they are putting into it doesn’t outweigh those efforts. Stick to your guns and specialize in pleasing your target market instead of everyone. Some companies need to refresh themselves on the fundamentals before moving forward so quickly.
I can’t say this is something I have thought about before. It has always been set in my mind to go to grad school. It still seems to me like it’s not an option to not go! I can’t say this part of the blog entry was convincing but I am open to hearing more because I don’t want to waste time or money (but more importantly time)!
I agree with the saying that sometimes winners do quit! Before my big interview for a promotion, the interviewer (my bosses boss) saw me outside smoking and said “smoking is bad for you.” I replied, “Yeah I know, I tried to quit but I’m not a quitter.” Of Corse that made him and laugh and yes I did get the promotion. It is important to recognize that the amount of time and effort you put into something should be reflective of what you get out of it. If you are putting an enormous amount of time and effort into convincing some to buy your product, wouldn’t it be more efficient to focus your attention on someone who will?!
Pro K.
I found the guide entertaining and educating at once.
First I would like to the Lizard brain. Most of us really act as lizards and act instinticly rather than rationaly when someone trigger us.
As for the Master degree vs networking (Nobs), there is no doubt that if a person will dedicate 50% of the effort he put into earning a Master into networking he will get great benefit from it. Knowing a person in the right position makes the difference from getting an average position to a really good one.
Lastly I would like to respond to what Godin said that
mass advertisment fights for people's attention by interrupting them.
It is so true, I just thought about it a few days ago while i've listned to a radio station enjoying music and than I heared an annoying commercial of Raymour&Flanigan. I thought to myself, I am so angry of this company now,why would I ever buy something from such an annoying company?!
Very interesting read indeed professor! The one that i took most account into is this:
Q is for Quitting: Sticking things out is overrated, particularly if you stick out the wrong things. In fact, I think you'd be much better off quitting most of what you do. The old saying is wrong--winners do quit, and quitters do win.
Every new project (or job, or hobby, or company) starts out exciting and fun. Then it gets harder and less fun, until it hits a low point-really hard, and not much fun at all. And then you find yourself asking if the goal is even worth the hassle. Maybe you're in a Dip--a temporary setback that will get better if you keep pushing. But maybe it's really a Dead End, which will never get better, no matter how hard you try.
What really sets superstars apart from everyone else is the ability to escape dead ends quickly, while staying focused and motivated when it really counts.
Winners quit fast, quit often, and quit without guilt-until they commit to beating the right Dip for the right reasons. They realize that the bigger the barrier, the bigger the reward for getting past it. If you fight the right fights, you'll get more than your fair share of profits, glory, and long-term security.
I beleive this is an important aspect to learn in life. Quitting is not always a good thing. Why stay at a job that would no longer bring sedimental value to you or your life? I apperciate you bringing this up because at one point, i did doubt myself after quitting a job that i once possessed. Now after thinking about it, i do not regret it one bit. I believe it is definitely okay to quit, keep quitting until you find something that satisfies your taste. Although it may be a long and hard road, the old saying, "do what you gotta do" must come into play eventually in a persons life
I've been hearing a lot about this lizard brain thing. I have no idea what it means. It's used for marketing too, to attack that part of the brain because if you get that you have someone hooked for life pretty much, but it's an amazing concept. No clue why they pick lizard though...
Everybody at least once in their lives thinks about who they will be in the future. Most successful people have clear goals and plans to achieve them. That’s why thinking about future is very important.
I find interesting the way the words are described. Some points are really interesting. First, "advertising", i agree with the fact that it does not work for everyone.It is not only interruptive and annoying but it is also misleading. Sometimes when I watch some of them I see them as part of a pattern; it is like they imply that products are more important than people. Then it creates artificial needs, but that it exploits our very real and human desires. I do not remember how many times i found myself going to Dunkin Donuts or Taco bell just to get the new product that they advertised earlier on Tv. So, I would like to see how the "Permission" model will work. Another point is NOBS: I agree that you need a network to get to some places or get certain jobs. However, i still believe that going to class and get your MBA is still beneficial. Having a networking is a plus combined with your education, guarantee you a good position for sure. Finally "R" and "M", if you start being remarkable you stop doing boring stuff. As remarkable business, you stop making boring product, in other words you stop making meatball sundae.
I found these words to be quite entertaining. I definitely believe that we need more purple cows. It seems like many people today just do as they are told and would rather be followers then leaders. Eventually, this gets boring and people want to replace your average cow with a purple one. Someone who can add innovation and creativity would be a major asset to most companies. People who are able to think creatively and develop their own new ideas will go far, people who are not will eventually become boring. And I have to agree with the mass marketing idea, when people get into a show and are interrupted by a commercial, they may begin to resent a company and not wish to support them. It kind of shows a bit of a selfish aspect common in these times.
I think in our age, where all the marketing companies are being overly aggressive and the amount of commercials, pop-ups and print ads are too overwhelming, the new approach of advertising agencies to consumers is needed. Treating people with respect is the best way to earn their attention. Permission marketing sounds like a good plan. I know from my own experience that I get deaf and blind to all the commercials that are being thrown into my face against my will a million times a day. It irritates and annoys me and, definitely, doesn’t make me want to buy a product. I do want to know about the alternatives of some products out there, but I want to choose, I want to request specific information of a specific product I need. I want to be in control, because it’s less time consuming and it’s more productive. I am glad the marketers finally realized it about consumers and came up with the permission marketing system solution. I hope it will spread.
I hate beer, Ford trucks and I never ate Cheerios! I would love nothing more than to come across some good Sundae recipe. Sometimes I want to trow my TV out the window when the "meatballs" are being thrown at me without my consent. Thanks to "meatballs" I quit visiting some of my favorite websites. Advertising is turning into a dictator of what, where and when, social media is wrapping us tight like mummies and one can't run away from it. Blackberries, blueberries, apples, windows phones - oh boy. I wish we had more fruits in our diet instead of means of communication which we are depended on so much that some of us are getting kicked off the plane for texting. Whatever happened to Less is More?
P.S. I just spell check my passage above and google spell check didnt recognize word "texting".
Q is for Quiting. I think the point of picking the right fight is the key point here. So many times companies are at risk because they refuse to give up on a project that only seems to get worst. Cutting a loss can be just as good as making a profit. Sinking more funds into a failing project can ruin an entire company. As a avid poker player I have come to learn that quitting before things get out of hand can very often be the best decision because before you know it, you're ALL IN. Sometimes you just gotta fold'em.
I really liked the "O for Orangutan"; If you don't have the "banana", they'll look for it elsewhere. You don't want to be overlooked by an employer or co-worker because you don't have that special niche that sets you apart. You want people to stay interested and to never be boring. I support Seth Godin's idea of advertisement, there is just too much of it. You see ads just about everywhere and it is embedded in our daily lives. You can't go on with your day without encountering at least five ads. I think improving customer satisfaction and their views of your company is necessary and in the long run it is going to be beneficial. If a company values their customer, they can establish customer loyalty and etc. I don't know if I can agree with this line "The old saying is wrong--winners do quit, and quitters do win." I just can't give up and not give my 100%. I always stick it out until the end. It does raise a valid point of quitting before you reach a dead end; this new idea of quitting is something that I have to ponder and think about.
TRULY AND HONESTLY, I had been a VICTIM OF THIS TRADITION advertisement. It is sad that i realize many companies abuse the tradition advertisement that they atually put false statements to trick their customers. there are many small advertising companies merge with big companies like Verizon and National Grid, and these small companies will call you day and night to try to sell their products. at the end, i've found out that their services are not as same as their advertisement promises. those few hundred bucks teached me a lesson that i will never trust the tradition advertisements like phone calls, or a salesperson pops up in front of my house and knock my door etc...
Remarkable, I like that word.
When I think of the word remarkable I think of innovation, success and fame. It was very smart of you to finish your blog entry with that word; it motivates them to do bigger and greater things.
It’s funny that you mention meatballs and social networking since I have a great story about that. In a little restaurant name "Rao's" in East Harlem (where I leave) that's all they do, eat meatball and network. I had the pleasure of been invited to one of those social events and it was the best night of my life. That is what's called traditional business communication, right there, in a little restaurant in east Harlem among senators, business people, celebrities and (one) student.
True story!
If your a purple cow, could that lead to you attracting some unwanted attention?
I mean, its good to be different but if you make a radical change, wouldn't that 180 degree turn throw your people off track or even maybe attract some unwanted attention. Someone or some company with a lot more power than you, tries to take your idea.
I read in Forbes 12/6/10 issue about Francis Manganaro, chief executive of Nova Biomedical, a private company that makes blood testing equipment for diabetics. In short, they make cell phone size devices that measure your glucose by taking a tiny drop of your blood. Thats your purple cow. But he has spent $31 million defending himself from the big dogs like Abbott Laboratories and others who claim he infringed on their patented technology or stole their trade secrets.
I think purple cows might get turned into delicious steaks if they don't watch where they tread.
I have to say that quitting was my favorite. I have quit at things but. I tried my best to stop. Not just because I'm stuck its, the challenge I like of getting unstuck, and I been learning how to continue on ideas even though I get stuck. I think the obstacles are fun once you have gotten over them. Not quitting means believing the end when you don't see it just yet.
Not quitting is a tough game to play. My boyfriend was trying to find ways to make some extra cash, after his salary pay in the financial institution he worked for took a downturn as well as the stock market. I witnessed the most ridiculous attempts of soliciting, cold calling and other failures, after which I would personally have given up. But he showed resistance to failure and extraordinary patience that helped him to land a job in sales, which is his absolute passion. It only showed to me how important your own determination is and the power of mind.
I absolutely agree with the NOBS philosophy. Unemployment has resulted in a massive pool of hungry young workers who know they are up against many of their peers, and are willing to do anything they can to seem competitive. For example in my industry, it is assumed that after a 2 year stint at a Bulge Bracket bank, you will go on to complete an MBA at Wharton/Harvard/Stanford, after which you typically come back as an associate. The catch is that all senior employers know how much of the experience is qualitative networking, and therefore have started to look towards programs like India’s IIT for more quantitatively inclined employees. (and quant consists of the majority of new hires in Finance). Although a top tier MBA program definitely has its merits, cheaper more knowledge based certifications like the CFA (which I'm in middle of) can often be the optimal route.
This post got me thinking about so many different things. The meatball sundae reminded me one of my favorite videos I once saw on Youtube from TED Talks (it's a bit long but so interesting). It is about "what we can learn from spaghetti sauce'. I hadn't thought about this video since I saw it almost a year and a half ago but when reading this it came to my mind almost immediately, and not just because they both have to do with Italian food. The video has author, Malcolm Gladwell taking about the fact that not everyone can fall into one category and it discusses how the commercial food industry used to think about customers and tried to put all consumers into a "universal" category and create the "perfect" product. It wasn't until they realized that there is no one perfect product that we started getting variation in the market. Not everyone will like one specific type of spaghetti sauce and consumers must figure out what they really like and what they really want, to find their own perfect spaghetti sauce. This is essentially what you are saying with the meatball sundae, what may work for some will not work for everyone and if you do not understand what you want, then you will not know what works so "boring" companies can't always jump on the bandwagon and become relevant overnight.
The other video on TED Talks that this post really related to was Seth Godin's talk about "Sliced bread". He also discusses a purple cow and I think that it is really an interesting concept because it is so true. No one stops for the pigeons in New York City parks because everyone sees them all the time and they are gross little creatures that we consider pests. They are just normal parts of our lives and people only stops for remarkable things. It is the innovative creations that we care about that we want to see.
"My A to Z guide to today's best "success words": L to R"
I will start off with my con of quitters are more successful. I totally disagree I call this “jumping ship” when it seems like the ship is sinking you jump over board, but is the ship really sinking. Let’s begin with some examples, my first will be a sports, I am passionate about sports, it only takes a touchdown, a goal, a shot, an ace, a homerun to win a game. You may be behind all game but if you stick to it if you ride out the storm you may just be successful. Now let’s look at this quitter from a career perspective. You are at a job and nothing goes your way, but if you are passionate about your job and work hard give it your all you might just get that promotion that raise that authority or whatever it is that satisfies you. Besides job hopping is not a good idea it is not stable and employers look for the most reliant stable normal employees. Employers are looking for long-term relationships with employees because this fuels productivity and is less cost effective. Another example is a relationship, if you’re in a relationship not every stumble block the relationship is faced with you’ll pack your bag. As the wedding vows rightfully says, “To have and to whole to death do us part for richer and for poorer in sickness and in health till death do us part” Maybe the quitters account for the high divorce rate in the United States.
The pros, Remarkable is being able to differentiate one self. Going back to the S to Z blog about the worldview and the ones that set expectations or the innovators they are the ones who when the cows become brown and boring has ideas that will take them out of that valley or recession into the mountains and boom. This remarkable characteristics is applicable to businesses as well lets take a look at this: When I think innovative one company pops into my mind immediately Apple, what helps Apple as a company maintain a competitive advantage is its innovation. As a company you cannot have a comparative advantage forever this is where it is important to have a purple cow. The market becomes saturated when competition enter into the market and as a product reaches close or to the end of its product cycle, so I think this is where a purple cow is essential to success.
You got very creative with the names this blog professor. All of your points seem to hold alot of truth. Starting with L is for Lizard Brian, i agree that natural feelings such as anger, revenge, fear, and anxiety do hold you back from your full potential many of the times. They take your focus off of the main goal or make you doubt your capabilities, at the same time however it seems as if occasionally these same feelings would be able to fuel you to a new level pf performance. Acting in anger or fear might make you push yourself that much harder in a specific task producing better results then if you didnt have these feelings. I also found Q is for quitting to be a good one. Ive never really heard that quitting was a god thing, you usually hear people tell you to push through difficult situations and never give up, but as we see in this section of the blog that isnt always the best decision sometimes it is better to quit early and take a minor setback then to keep trying and waste alot more.
I think my Lizard-Brain is keeping me from Quitting. I would argue that My Lizard-brain also holds on to old out of date formality and customs. That I would get worried or anxious if I left this job or I broke up with that girl (even if both might be sucking the life out of me). That it is this old thinking that says "settle you have enough! Settle! Its not the bad who cares if your miserable you have it better than some". My Lizard voice talks a lot and I have been working to soften his voice.
R is for Remarkable. I agree with you "Today, the one sure way to fail is to be boring. Your one chance for success is to be remarkable." We live in a world of competition. People look similar and you have to emerge from the group to be remarkable. People sometimes say it is difficult to find a job in the business area due to the higher supply compare to demand, but if you have something unique, you act as a leader you are remarkable and you have higher percentage to get what you want. Also, we need to stop following remarkable people by creating our own way of accomplishing our dreams.
The one letter that I resonate with the most is M for more than obvious reasons. Let me first say that when I see Meatball sundae I cant help but feel my stomach turning and losing apetite because those two words should never go together. As for the reasoning, I agree because their are a lot of companies that think they need to be on every social networking site out to increase customers but more often than not the opposite occurs. It's important that companies go outside the box but not be too creative because that can also hurt a company.
The lesson I learned from this post is to be different or unique (remarkable) by overcoming your lizard brain but also be careful not to create a meatball sundae (which sounds unappetizing by the way). After reading the last three posts it is clear to me that the words you choose in each post tie into each other in one way or another and that is how I am going to remember them. I’m making up these little sentences to remember each piece of knowledge I gain from each post. Nothing should hold you back from becoming successful (especially your own brain) and your should always use your ideas appropriately or else your setting yourself up for failure.
"Q is for quitting" makes a good point. Quitting does not always mean that you failed or bailed out. I used to major in architecture and I decided to quit it. My family and friends were worried about me (esp. my mom) because they thought I had given up. I just knew I couldn't continue with architecture so I began to look for a new major as soon as I made that decision. Now, I am able to look back at that 6 months in my life and give advice to people and to myself when I find myself in a dilemma.
As for "P is for Permission", I think more marketers should start using the new model. When someone decides to interrupt my life, they are basically saying that that I have chosen to do is less important than what they have to say to me. I then (sometimes unconsciously) put the company my my "dislike list" and this, of course, is not beneficial to a company that wants my money.
Wow, that is interesting! I'm intrigued to learn more about the Lizard Brain! Maybe that is what is in the way for me currently, when I'm not quite sure what career to go with. I'll do my best to resist the lizard! I'm definitely going to research this more!
Meatball Sundae is a very innovative term! Some ad campaigns really do not work sometimes, and could surely be distracting. Seems like these companies are forcing an idea and putting too much into it. Sometimes a simple but good idea could be better, rather than a bunch of "bells and whistles" on a product that has an annoying result and becomes an unwanted product. However, maybe some people find these products and campaigns appealing, but probably not the mass population overall. Great concept!
We should all offer bananas! Another great concept. A banana could be the creative leading point of our business!
N for NOBS - I'm curious to know more about why and how you think that an MBA degree is a waste of money and time. We can surely learn a lot even outside of the classroom to be successful in the field, and even learn more as we go, but even if we were to get in through a selection process and networking, would a company actually hire someone without the MBA degree vs someone who has one? Does that happen often?
I'll read more about this in your earlier post from April.
Sometimes advertising is overwhelming, when companies are looking for attention. The permission model sounds better than the interruption model! People overall won't be as annoyed with ads popping up everywhere, interrupting our current task, what ever that is. There should be more permission-based advertisement, where we can decide if we want to see it or not. On the other hand, how would companies advertise their products if most people would reject the permission to view it? Maybe they will need to find other ways to reach customers, with more success, in new and innovative ways!
How do we know if we're in the middle of a temporary setback or a dead-end situation? We probably will need to analyze each situation and learn to recognize the differences. You're right - we should keep searching until we find and commit to overcoming "the right dip for the right reasons" and keep going strong. What an interesting new way of defining winning and losing!
I like your way of describing the cows. Something we see a lot of changes meaning after a while, so we need variations or unexpected factors once in a while to spice things up. A purple cow would definitely be a remarkable cow among the other "regular" cows. Let's find the purple cows within us! We should stay original, and not try to be like someone else. At some point while growing up, many people strive to be like others or to not stand out, but growing up more and more we realize that it is actually better to be unique and original, and strive to be ourselves!
R is for Remarkable - I found this to be the most interesting part of this blog post. It's in our blood to block out the ordinary and boring so that we can be delighted with something that is new and amazing. Innovation is always a hard thing, and it may even be harder now that we think modern society has grown to a point where many things can be called satisfactory. If you can really be unique and think of something new that is useful, then you deserve to be rewarded handsomely. I don't think anyone will fail to notice a purple cow.
I was reading this blog but I stopped at Q "Quitting". I was raised in a culture where quitting is never acceptable. My parents always pushed me to go through things and never quit. It never mattered if I liked them or not. But this semester I realized that quitting sometimes can be the best decision. I recently changed my major eventhough I did lose a few classes. The more I was studing it the less interested I was getting in it. I am now studying Human Resources Managment. At first my parents where very disappointed at me, and even at this day they are never over the fact that I quit something that they liked. Quitting is not a failure. Quitting is the open road to something more beatiful something more enjoyable. And as you described it I have now gained a long term security. I quit something, but I started something new. I started something that I like and that I enjoy doing.
Quitting is such a hard concept for me. It is very helpful sometimes, but I feel like I would have a hard time doing it. Just because of my personality, I would not be able to consider myself failing so it would just be so tough for me to quit because I would always think I could turn things around.
The social networking thing is very true. I feel like many of the companies that advertise on social networks like facebook and other social networking sites have no business in being there. Like car companies advertising their cars that cost a fortune, that teenagers and college students do not have. They are truly wasting alot of money.
N is for nobs is an interesting concept for me just because it sounds so appealing to me. If there is a way I could pull off 3 years less of school, I would. I am 100% sure I am going to take a look at that blog post of April 10.
The “lizard brain” is something we all have to overcome. I think it’s the lizard brain that separates the good from the remarkable you were talking about. If people are constantly held back, how can they achieve their highest potential? They have to disregard that fear they have and those voices of doubt and push on forward. Only then, can they become innovative individuals and true leaders of society. It is these remarkable people who do not fall into the “follower” group but instead in the “leader” group.
Sometime my lizard brain causes me to doubt myself about the work I've done. But that's okay. That's part of being human. I've seen too many companies attempted to use web 2.0 to their business advantage. But often business don't think if this concept fit their business model.
I wish I could agree with NOBS, but unfortunately a lot of jobs have a requirement of master's or PHD degrees. But because the job market is so competitive we need to have this papers - degrees, that prove our ability to learn and comprehend new material.These paper's make us more marketable. For example, getting a degree in financial mathematics can never heart. Passing CFA exam may result in promotion and better career opportunities.
Now, it's true that a lot of people see MBA as a networking chance in the first place. And if that's the only reason why they want to get into, say Harvard, then I agree with you that it's a waste of time and money. But if the original purpose of a degree to improve your knowledge and deepen it - then MBA, as well as PHD will not heart.
I think that these were all really interesting. howevere i had a question about the quitting, how do you know when to stay and when to leave. should i just quite and not write my english paper thats due tomorrow becasue i no longer see the point in his class? well im still trying todecied on that acctualy but i have a feeling that i will wirte the papaer.
i mean i think that there are a lot of things i stuck with still they got better and i would never regret staying with them. if i took your advice and quite with out really thinging it though and going to the next thing i think i would be a really sad person.
i can see how you mean it though since its a new form of inovation, sometimes you need to jump around so that you find what it worth the fight, but i dont think you hsould just quite when things get hard.
Wow, I have never heard the expression Lizard-brain but it is a quite interesting thought that it is our more primitive state. We need to forget those feelings that cause wildness in favor of those that will keep us moving forward.
Totally agree on the Meatball Sundae, quite clever I may add. The internet, as it is growing to insane heights, does have billions of useless junk floating and companies feel pressured to use this to some advantage of their own.
Orangutan offers a psychological interaction of people and finding an interest on a website.
All in all, this post is about standing out for a business or personally. It is quite inspiring as written and fascinating to read. I plan to lead and quit dead ends, in an eventual run to victory
I like the post about Quitters and agree that winnenrs do quite and quitters do win. How? I think winners know when to quitt and be a winner at the end. Like to think of myself in that category
It is about Meatball Sundae. I think it also for creative. If the traditional product didn't change the outlook or didn't use the technology to promo, these business are not successful. To satisfied consumer's need, the company should be open-mind.
Remarkable-unique.
Our unique personality sets us apart, just as purple cows. Being unique means having that "extra" piece, open-mindedness and ability to understand the things that we can change. I like the quote by Maya Angelou, "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain".
L is for lizard brain. Fear can be a major obstacle in an individual’s life. Fear of encountering failure could hide the greatest idea. Therefore, in a time where innovation in necessary to succeed, we must leave behind our fears and present our ideas to a world that is starving for fresh, new concepts.
O is for Orangutan. I believe that this comes down to the simple notion of: “Give them what they want.” If we put ourselves in the shoes of the users of our system/website, we need to take priority on exploring what they want and how to successfully give it to them. Critical thinking.
Q is for quitting is so true that I had to read it 3 times!! I have not looked at quitting as something good when it pushes you to do something better. I always heard the whole speech about quitting is for losers and do not start something that you cannot finish blah blah but when you really look at it the people who are happy with what they are doing had to quit something at some point to do what they are doing now. But since they are happy or in a high position of some kind people do not tend to look at it as quitting but maybe as something that they had to change in order to be where they are today. But now I know that it was just something as simple as quitting to make them want to push beyond that point and go further.
Q is for Quitting:
I must say that very interesting to see such arbitrary view from a professor. Although i can see the logic behind your views and arguments, i disagree with the reasoning. Although it may be true that winner quit more often then not, I think it is important to remember that the art of knowing when to jump ship or quit can only be fully mastered through failure. The type of failure that does require sticking it out until the very end on most cases. The appropriate analogy to explain my argument is falling and getting up. it is better to fall hard once, learn from the pain of the fall and get up once, then it is to trip on every other step on the road to success.
ooohh man. definitely agree with P-Permission. as a graphic communications major who wants a career in advertising, it gave me a good read to see how other advertisement companies are handling the new era of information and how the internet changes the ad game, for better or for worse. it definitely revolves around permission now considering advertisements try to dig deep into consumers' psyche to agree and educate them, whilst trying to entertain them.
I wanted to create my own list for these letters:
L-LOSER- don't be one, when you fail, get up and do it again, till you WIN.
M-Muscle. Put your best muscle forward, always. If you're good at working with people, use that to your advantage
N-Newcomer. Pretend you are new to everything and listen to everything that everyone has to say. Chances are you learn lots of new stuff just by paying attention to things you might think you already know.
O- Ill stick with Orangutan
P-Pessimism- any that you have in your life, cut it out!
Q-Quitter-. don't be one.
R-Review- Review all your work. Take a second look, fix your mistakes, and things will look better after some changes.
L is for Lizard Brain:
This essentially can also be called human instinct. These feelings stem from our animal instinvt within us. But is it all bad? should we beat? or shouldn't we instead learn to let it free and learn to tame it? since it is given to us for our survival, we should perhaps welcome it in our lives and instead adapt an almost mechanical way to react to it. An Example would be to create an image or recite an inspirational quote to remember to keep us in control.
I think the purple cow analogy is a good one. I also think being remarkable is not only helpful in strictly business per se, but also life in general. If there is something different about you that stands out- people will remember you. And I think it would be a terrible thing to be forgotten by someone you rememeber. As far as business goes, I think that for every catagory of product there are a dime a dozen retailers and that to really capture a loyal customer base you need to have something totally different about the way you operate or what you sell.
QUITTING IS GOOD! Finally someone hears me.
I've grown up hearing "don't be a quitter" and "just stick through it" my whole life. I've always disagreed. Why stick something out if you know yourself well enough to understand you will not benefit or gain anything from it? From work to school I've at one point or another made the choice to quit. Sometimes weary, I'd ask for someone else's opinion on what to do. But essentially, always doing what I had though of initially.
Those mindless sales jobs I had when I was 16, my friends kept them for five years. I lasted 6 months. After that I went on to build a resume that is pages long. I work jobs at my own pace, when I have time. I do events, and therefor don't have to take crap from bosses making minimum wage and folding piles of clothes that don't need to be folded. I've gained the experience of working with Artists, sports figures, jewlery designers, PR executives, and even been inside the NYSE to promote a new sports series on HBO. WHY did I gain all this experience? Cause I QUIT my boring position when I was 16. Handled craigslist, and went on my way.
So yea, i quit. and now I get to work events that pay me five times as much, all while booking them at my own speed and working just a long enough length of time with each company that I don't need to quit!
N is for NOBS: I really like the argument on MBAs being a waste. In the CIS major at Baruch, there are always talk over how this major is the one major that a MBA is just not something you need. What is more important is getting certificates and licenses to use certain software and hardware, and then building up your experiencein the field. However, when I'm talking about job hunting with friends, I have heard that the MBA might as well be the new high school diploma, what with the job market being the way it is now.
P is for Permission: This is really interesting. Mass-market advertising is really slowing down as the world becomes more globalized. There are so many ways to communicate with a lot of people easily, and we get used to it, so consumers end up ignoring the advertisements. For this new model built around permission, it seems to require more personal marketing, one that aims to make the consumer feel like they have a special connection to the product or service.
R is for Remarkable: The purple cow and meatballs sundae, along with the fact that it's almost lubch time...Oh why am I a vegetarian!? Maybe the first purple cow will catach your attention, but what happens when all the cows after that one are also purple? Dealing with software and ethics, I often hear about how there is so much plagiarizing and copying in todays world. Sure, there were and will be alot of remarkable things in the world, that make people go "Wow, thats amazing" when it debuts, but how long until all of the opportunists decide to create similar products and offer it at a lower price? How long until remarkable works fall into the mundane? However, I do agree that leaders need to be remarkable in one way or another.
-David Ng
In a business field having fun while your working is one thing but getting things done is not an option. if you want to succeed, you always have to stay on top of everything, as you already know. When I look at big companies I think to myself what kind of design or style do they use to run it effectively, than I look at theories like you have stated here and put one and one together. But the thing with knowing and the thing with acting on it, is totally different. So a good manager would have to decide what actions to take.
There are definitely too many meatballs out there. They take the "latest" trends and by the time it gets utilized, it has already been too old for the rest of us. I hate it when I see television shows that try to be hip and new using internet memes...
I feel that quitting is dangerous path to go down. Quitting can lead you down a slippery slope one that you may never be able to fix. The moment things get hard is when you should stick things through. that way you know you gave it your all and that it was not a waste of time. If you find a project to be a failure at least you know how not to do something and you will learn a lot more than by quiting.
Thank You professor for bringing up the Meatball Sundae topic:
I actually heard about the guy ( Seth Godin) and his books before. So many businesses are using Facebook, blogs and other types of the social media. What is so right now is that most organizations fail when they try to use this scattershot approach.
Business have to be really aligned with the new marketing approach to be successful.
researches have shown that we can only use one part of our brain at a time. For example, when we are watching a soap opera or an emotional drama, the commercial has to evoke a strong emotional response as well. Otherwise, our brain will disregard the add as unnecessary.
Same thing with the social networking. Plumbing company should not be using Facebook or blogging for their promotions unless they want to have a meatball sundae:-)
I want to know who the superstars are to you. I guess everyone has different role models. They all have a different personality and philosophies. But I think many great people in the history were not success in overall. As bible says, “What benefit will it be to you if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” so I want people to keep in mind that there is something that they should not stop to think about.
As I read other students comments, I cannot help think there's something wrong with me. They seem to be amazed at how you come up with these various words. Although the words are interesting, the concepts are not new to me. Aren't these the sort of things people normally think about? Maybe I've spent too much time looking at all the cows...
i agree with the fact that companies are using more of the funds than creativity. As given example was from budlight which used enormous amount of money for advertising. It is essential for them to know that in this new technological era going with the latest trend is more beneficial than just spending more money in unfruitful matter. As a matter of fact in these modern era especially youth are turning to internet sites such as facebook , twitter, youtube and others for entertainment. So companies focusing more on these for marketing would be useful rather than spending on advertisements on TV's.
Haha. Lizard brain is quite the clever expression. I can't agree more this this point you've made. Considering what you've said regarding this "lizard brain" I can definitely recall plenty of times when I've experienced this. Proud? no, of course not, but we're all humans and we all get angry and frustrated. and like you said, when we do realize this is coming over us, we need to do something about it to prevent it from taking over us any further.
I found your "Q for quitting" very interesting. I've never heard of quitters being winners as I've always been taught by parents and teachers that no matter what the task you MUST complete it. But it was nice to read that sometimes, its okay to quit and its not always necessary to be so hard on yourself.
"N is for NOBS" -- I am so so so glad you posted this Prof K (considering you're a professor and all). The way I see it is that you don't need school to succeed.. you need ambition and motivation. You can be dumb as hell but still succeed if you have the right details to create something great. A traditional MBA just shows that one knows how to go to class for attendance and participation, do homework/ classwork and get a good grade. However, what really makes you successful is how much dedication and passion you have for your "goals".
"N is for NOBS" -- I am so so so glad you posted this Prof K (considering you're a professor and all). The way I see it is that you don't need school to succeed.. you need ambition and motivation. You can be dumb as hell but still succeed if you have the right details to create something great. A traditional MBA just shows that one knows how to go to class for attendance and participation, do homework/ classwork and get a good grade. However, what really makes you successful is how much dedication and passion you have for your "goals".
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