Claimed to be the most downloaded eBooks of all time, Unleashing the Idea Virus discusses the transition in today’s economy from farms, factories to idea merchants and explains the factors needed to get your idea out there.
“An idea that just sits there is worthless. But an idea that moves and grows and infects everyone it touches… that’s an ideavirus.” Seth Godin, Unleashing the Idea Virus.
Seth discusses concepts which have been common to modern marketing for some time, but by putting his own slant on things and introducing terms such as “hive, sneezers, virus, and vaccum”, he asks some poignant questions:
- If you’re trying to get your product or company known, is it worth talking about?
- Have you identified the ‘hive’?
- How easy is it for potential “sneezers” to spread your idea?
The basic concept is that if you can get your idea out to the right people, and they endorse it, then they’ll talk about it to others through “word of mouse” (word of mouth online), and that’s how you’ll get your product known and sold. Sounds simple huh?
“You cannot sell a man who isn’t listening; word of mouth is the best medium of all; and dullness won’t sell your product, but neither will irrelevant brilliance.” Bill Bernbach, the dean of American Advertising who was co-founder of DDB Advertising.
Care to comment?
Have you come across any ‘ideaviruses’ latetly? How was this idea relayed to you; word of mouth, email? Write a comment below.
Seth Godin talks about a case where Audi lost market share but trying to retract statements made in a negative PR campaign. I just found this post by Pentagram that embraces that concept for cigarette companies Where There’s Smoke… cool design too, as always.