Seth | Big Marketers

Organized bravery

The purpose of the modern organization is to make it easy and natural and expected for people to take risks. To lean out of the boat. To be human. Alas, most organizations do the opposite. They institutionalize organized cowardice. They give their people cover, a place to hide, a chance to say, “that’s not my [...]

As seen on: "Seth"

When execution gets cheaper, so should planning

If you’re going to build a $10 million skyscraper, by all means, plan and prototype and discuss and plan some more. On the other hand, if the cost of finding out is a phone call, make the call. No need to spend a lot of time planning how to call or when to call or [...]

As seen on: "Seth"

Updated: new editions of Stop Stealing Dreams

The free ebook (free as in free to read and share) now has two new audio editions, a French edition, one for readers in Brazil and yes, a bumper sticker that summarizes the book in 12 square inches (what three words would you use?). It’s available to read on your screen, to print out and [...]

As seen on: "Seth"

If your happiness is based on always getting a little more than you’ve got…

then you’ve handed control over your happiness to the gatekeepers, built a system that doesn’t scale and prevented yourself from the brave work that leads to a quantum leap. The industrial system (and the marketing regime) adore the mindset of ‘a little bit more, please’, because it furthers their power. A slightly higher paycheck, a [...]

As seen on: "Seth"

The coalition of No

It’s easy to join. There are a million reasons to say no, but few reasons to stand up and say yes. No requires just one objection, one defensible reason to avoid change. No has many allies–anyone who fears the future or stands to benefit from the status quo. And no is easy to say, because [...]

As seen on: "Seth"

Monetization and fairness

Years ago, before I wrote Purple Cow, purple was just another color, sitting in the back rows with orange and teal and magenta. The success of that book transformed the way the color was treated, and I watched with surprise and then delight as more and more of the world embraced the notion of purpleness. [...]

As seen on: "Seth"

How much for a really small slice?

When the hardware store sells you a single screw for a dime, shouldn’t they just give it to you? Especially if you’re a good customer? Shouldn’t that singer (you bought all her albums) return the love? You’re only asking for a few seconds, a hug, a handshake, an autograph… It’s easier than ever to break [...]

As seen on: "Seth"

"Too long"

You’re going to hear that more and more often. The movie, the book, the meeting, the memo… few people will tell you that they ran short. (Shorter, though, doesn’t mean less responsibility, less insight or less power. It means less fluff and less hiding.) More Info: Click here

As seen on: "Seth"

Nine ideas in search of a blog post

Loud and angry doesn’t make you right. It just means that you are loud and angry. I’m hosting a public event in New York City on May 16th. Save the date, registration opens April 16. More details then. Sore muscles mysteriously respond to being soaked in a warm bath of water mixed with epsom salt. [...]

As seen on: "Seth"

The essential question to ask before extending your brand

Are we doing this because it’s better? Or because we can? As organizations grow, they gain an audience, revenue, cash flow and trust. They add staff and then, soon, they decide it’s time to offer something new. Smuckers decides perhaps it should use its shelf space to offer a peanut butter. A corporate coach wonders [...]

As seen on: "Seth"