Comments on: beyond the tipping point

By: hugh macleod

hugh macleod — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 10:57:17 +0000

Then again, Evelyn, I’m not sure if I agree with Timbo. Most of what I “sell” to clients these days, they already have in spades.
I’m really just there to help remind them of that
Often, what they are say they are buying and what they actually are buying are two different things.

By: hugh macleod

hugh macleod — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 10:39:46 +0000

Heh. Agreed, Evelyn, not to mention “gets-it/doesn’t-get-it” sounds a wee bit too much like high school

By: Evelyn Rodriguez

Evelyn Rodriguez — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 09:39:57 +0000

I don't think the world neatly falls into the "Gets It" and "Don't Gets It". And as individuals we don't either - I've been a "Don't Gets It" in some realms of my life. Thank God not everyone gave me up for static. We're all capable of learning - but it's a choice. This is STILL simplistic, but maybe it breaks down to: "Gets It", "Don't Gets It, But Is Teeny Bit Curious", "Doesn't Get It, Don't Even Go There". Timbo is right - you can't sell much to the "gets it" because they already "got it." And it's tough to stay sane selling to the latter. The market is at cusp that chooses to continue learning as long as THEY aren't on the bleeding edge themselves...they know it aches a bit because their stretching muscles are out of shape but they aren't resolutely resigned to the couch like the "Don't Even Go Theres". "In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." - Eric Hoffer

By: brian moffatt

brian moffatt — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 04:57:16 +0000

“Unless one of them is done anonymously or under an assumed name how are your going to separate them? They will find their way back to you eventually. But if it is all for public consumption be prepared for what you share in your personal life to be discovered in your business life and vice versa.”
Pat, they’re going to make shit up about you anyway, may as well make it your own. In fact make it bigger than life. Ever notice how many complete fuckups are huge?
I know so many control freaks so worried about their rep…they’re dying inside. People my age that look twice it. Dying — a slow agonizing private tooth-grinding brain-ulcerating death by shame-based fearful-of-peer-censure ass-out-and-up-for-another-ramfuck ordeal. Cancer without the benefit of symapthy or enlightenment.
Still, put on a mask if need be…but, at least, release the clubhead.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 04:47:38 +0000

Seems to me there is a difference between drawing readers with all the personal stuff and drawing potential business clients who don’t care to know the sexual habits of people they are intrusting their business to.
I believe it depends on your business model. If you are making money from generating hits, then talking about fucking all the time will draw the numbers you need, but if you are looking for high paying clients, then the crowd you’re drawing most likely won’t convert well.
So whether or not to “go personal” depends on the objectives of your blog and who you are wanting to impress.
With all due respect, Hugh, it looks to me like you define “gets it,” as “agrees with me and fuck everyone who doesn’t,” which itself is a viable stance only for the short-term.

By: Jon Husband

Jon Husband — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 04:43:09 +0000

We’ve recently helped a world-class orthopedic surgeon start a blog, where he:
1) provides all sorts of information in very accessible ways to existing and potential clients
2) gets into conversation with people about the ins-outs and arounds of orthopedic surgery
etc. … he clearly sees the value … and ‘cuz he’s a busy guy, we’re providing a hybrid blend of assisted blogging, as he seeks to stretch the envelope in terms of professional recognition and influence.
How many more “professionals” in various fields that depend upon knowledge, being current and offering authentic influence will “get it”.
As Hugh says, i think increasingly it will come to be about surviving and thriving in a creative, conceptual age.

By: Timbo

Timbo — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 04:31:39 +0000

Hugh,
Sounds like working with “Get Its” IS the elusive formula. Safe. And delivers, ’cause they’re the only ones who’ll be left!
Maybe we can add another category: “Get It Enough to Sign the Checks”.

By: hugh macleod

hugh macleod — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 03:28:33 +0000

A child who doesn’t get it? Heh. ALL children get it

By: mom

mom — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 03:23:05 +0000

Hugh,
Do you have children? Did you ever have to sit with a child who doesn’t get it? Either potty training or how to read and write conversations?

By: hugh macleod

hugh macleod — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 02:18:43 +0000

Timbo, my experience with “Don’t get its” is:
1. They invariably sink.
2. They invariably take you down with them.
Long term, I think you’re better off working with people whose ideas and values strongly resonate with your own.
Sounds to me like your looking for a formula that is both (1) safe and (2) delivers.
Doesn’t exist.

By: Timbo

Timbo — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 01:41:36 +0000

True. No one wants to roam in a field of meat puppets. Although most of us put up with that viewpoint just to get paid. Your comment brings up a larger issue I've noticed on the site: The "Get Its" vs. "The Don't Get Its" and what to do about the latter. You've ranted that you don't give a shit about people who "don't get it" and that basically they can sink on their own. I think that's shortsighted. As I see it, part of your value is that you've managed to grasp something most meat puppets haven't. If you only sell to "Get Its" all you're doing is implementing something they already know. It

By: Frank Ruscica

Frank Ruscica — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 01:40:32 +0000

Enter the requisite “arms dealer”, the provider of “on demand”, customized lifelong learning and career services. Details coming online at http://www.opportunitv.com
Thus concludes this little exercise in microbranding

By: hugh macleod

hugh macleod — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 01:12:45 +0000

Timbo, I assure you the cartoons have not been a problem for my business.
They act as a great “idiot filter”, for one thing
If you fashion your brand to appear non-threatening to corporate meat puppets, Congratulations! You now get to spend your life surrounded by meat puppets. Lucky you.

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 00:57:20 +0000

Unless one of them is done anonymously or under an assumed name how are your going to separate them? They will find their way back to you eventually. But if it is all for public consumption be prepared for what you share in your personal life to be discovered in your business life and vice versa.

By: Timbo

Timbo — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 00:42:51 +0000

What I struggle with is whether should I have separate “business” and “personal/creative” blogs. Or should they be one and the same? How much of our private, artistic, non-work selves do we share in a professional context?
For example, Hugh’s cartoons are funny, but as he tries to sell his theories into the business world I think they will become a problem. “Let’s just get together and fuck and fuck and fuck and fuck” may cause a corportate meat puppet to pause before signing a big check. You know?