Enchant 'em...

Two weeks ago, (oops!) I wrote about 'dem purple cows. And how it might be a good idea to become one. So exactly how do you go about doing that?

I think one of the ways you become remarkable, the essence of a purple cow, is that you learn how to enchant people. No, I'm not talking about witchcraft or the occult. I'm speaking of being able to engage your audience or customer or interviewer in such a way that they become positively in-tuned with you. It's part of the bedrock of influence and persuasion.

Guy Kawasaki writes in most recent book, Enchantment, speaks of two necessary qualities needed to enchant others. Likability and Trustworthiness. Said another way, Personality and Character. Style and Substance. Carnegie and Covey. (For you book lovers out there, that's a nod to How to Win Friends and Influence People, and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.) I mean, let's face it, shady jerks aren't in the enchantment business. Any remarks they gather aren't of the positive sort.

Next post I'll write a little bit about Likability. Maybe I'll learn something about it and be able to engage my zombie customers at the World of Wally in such a way that they won't eat me for dinner...

Grape Flavored Moo Juice

Greetings, Space Fans, or Space Fan, whomever you are!

Recently I read an extraordinary book by a marketing expert by the name of Seth Godin, Purple Cow. The premise of the book is this: If you're driving through the countryside, and come across fields full of various cows, you know, brown cows, black and white cows, etc., at first you might think, 'Cool, cows!"...this would last about, let's say, 5 minutes. Then the invasion of cows would quickly lose your interest.

But, what happens if you come across a Purple Cow strategically placed within the throng...



Undoubtedly, you would have to make a remark.

"Wow, do you see that! How cool!"

"How did that cow change his color like that?"

"I want one!"

Someone might take out their cell phone and take a picture, and send it to a friend. Someone else might call a friend and say, "You won't believe what I am looking at while we speak..." Your kids might jump out of the car, jump the fence, and touch the cow. You would then have them pose for a family picture with this celebrity cow.

This cow would truly be REMARKable.

Seth says that to compete in today's market of mass produced products sold to the masses, it is a must that you design your product as a Purple Cow from the get go. Beginning in the design phase, not as an afterthought.

I could elaborate on this for hours, but here's my take away, and my send away...How can you make your life a purple cow? What can you do in your life that would make you REMARKable?
How could you stand out, be enchanting to others that you meet, in such a way that you are genuine and authentic, yet dynamic at the same time? I think this idea is especially helpful for those who are job hunting, or considering a career change. As well as those designing their personal brand.

This is my random pondering for this week. Until we meet again, next week...

Pax...

Resurfacing

I've been gone for quite some time, I know. Part of the price I pay of not having internet at my apartment. You should see a regular post from me on Wednesday evenings or very early Thursday mornings.

I've been doing some serious research on a possible career change. I'm at the point to where I can barely tolerate the environment at my current place of employment. I know I possibly put myself at risk by making that public, but so be it. It's not like I'm being disloyal, or involved in under-handed dealings. Just being honest with where I'm at.

This career change could also be tied in with a move to another location as well. I think I need a change all around. Anyway, time will tell over the next few months.

Also a change, possibly , of where I worship. Some of you Parksiders might not like to hear that. Sorry. Nothing personal. But the distance is starting to take a toll financially.

Tune in next week....