Purple Cow by Seth Godin

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi (originally published 23.7.2013)

A Seth Godin original.

Seth Godin is a clear, concise, communicator and marketer extraordinaire. A dot com entrepreneur that has claimed his position as a leader in communication and marketing. A person of influence in the business and entrepreneurial circles. He has created success by making his business and himself visible and being a Purple Cow. That is exactly what he hopes to inspire and encourage others to do one of his all-time best-sellers, Purple Cow.

 

If you are reading this It is unlikely that you haven’t heard of him. However, if you haven’t I’d encourage you to check out some of his content. He is the author of 18 books, speaks at many live events and has a few podcasts out there for you to tune into.

He communicates in a way that makes his content very relatable and understandable. Easy to digest. He will assist you to question rational thoughts by sharing different perspectives on creativity, marketing, business, relationships and life. It is his ability to think outside the box and not to follow the cookie cutter templates when it comes to creating wonderful products and services that set him apart.

Seth’s approach is to turn what is known and normal upside down and view things differently. He wants to inspire others to put a Purple Cow into everything you do to truly become noticeable. Whether it be marketing, leadership, failure or quitting that challenges you, Seth can so articulately define and highlight using examples why and how we need to challenge the status quote, think differently and upset traditional practices that are now obsolete.

In this book, Seth suggests that the old ways of marketing are long gone. Following the four P’s used by marketers and large companies of the past, price, packaging, promotion and publicity, may more likely lead to failure than success. How we capture our customer’s attention, build trust and encourage the use of our products and/or services are critical to business growth and longevity. Follow the what has always been done and what many businesses still do and you’ll blend in with the crowd. Try something different and find ways to stand out.

Nowadays people are time poor, savvy with how they spend their hard earned dollars and desire to consume based on connection, story, meaning as it relates to who they are. As our needs are more easily meet and our behaviours have changed it’s no longer that case of slapping a cheap commercial on TV and expecting customers to come running through the door. To simply go out there and do what the rest of your competition is doing will most likely be a waste of your time, money and efforts. You need to change your approach, think outside the square of what is normal, and reach your market in new ways.

With many examples, Seth shows why being unique and being able to stand out in a world with an overabundant amount of products and services is paramount. We are exposed to so many choices these days that we simply will overlook them, and unless they are a Purple Cow in the sea of brown cows, the will likely go unnoticed.

If you’re a creative type, and entrepreneur trying to capture some attention, in sales and need to break through the clutter this will help question how you would typically do things, inspire new thoughts and ideas, and hopefully lead to innovative strategies to help set your business apart from the rest. A book that gives you everything you need to create and deliver something truly noticeable.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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Further Reading and Resources 

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The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.