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Purple Cow

160 pages, 2004

business & management

business & management

1082 books
design

design

194 books
self-improvement

self-improvement

909 books
technology

technology

392 books
Takeaways
Description

Award-Winning Bestseller. You're either a Purple Cow or you're not. You're either remarkable or invisible. Make your choice. What do Starbucks and JetBlue and Krispy Kreme and Apple and DutchBoy and Kensington and Zespri and Hard Candy have that you don't?

 How did they confound critics and achieve spectacular growth, leaving behind former tried-and-true brands to gasp their last? Face it, the checklist of tired Ps marketers have used for decades to get their product noticed -- Pricing, Promotion, Publicity -- isn't working anymore. There's an exceptionally important P that has to be added.

It's Purple Cow. Cows, after you've seen one, two, or ten, are boring. A Purple Cow is something phenomenal, something counterintuitive and exciting and flat-out unbelievable.

Stand Out or Fade Away

In Purple Cow, Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of being remarkable. In today's crowded market, being good just isn't good enough. You need to be a 'purple cow' - something so extraordinary that people can't help but notice. So, take a look at your business or product. Is it a purple cow?

The Power of the 'Otaku'

Godin introduces the concept of 'Otaku', a Japanese term for people with obsessive interests. He suggests that these are the people you should be targeting. They're the ones who will be passionate about your product and spread the word. So, find your Otaku and cater to their needs.

The End of Traditional Advertising

He argues that traditional advertising methods are no longer effective. People are bombarded with so many ads that they've learned to tune them out. Instead, Godin suggests focusing on creating a product so good that it markets itself. So, stop wasting money on ads and start investing in making your product better.

The Risk of Playing It Safe

In Purple Cow, playing it safe is the riskiest move you can make. If you're not standing out, you're blending in. And in today's market, that's a recipe for failure. So, don't be afraid to take risks and be different. It might just be the best decision you ever make.

The Importance of the First Followers

Godin stresses the importance of your first followers. These are the people who will take a chance on your product when no one else will. They're the ones who will spread the word and help your product take off. So, cherish your first followers and treat them well. They're more important than you might think.

Quotes 5

Purple Cow is a transformative book that compels us to rethink our marketing strategies and stand out in a world full of ordinary.

Guy KawasakiGuy Kawasaki - Marketing Specialist

Godin's Purple Cow is a wake-up call for businesses, pushing them to dare to be different and make a lasting impact.

Malcolm GladwellMalcolm Gladwell - Journalist, Author

Purple Cow is a must-read. It's a game-changer that challenges conventional business wisdom.

Tim FerrissTim Ferriss - Entrepreneur, Author

Purple Cow is a blueprint for businesses to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.

Gary VaynerchukGary Vaynerchuk - Entrepreneur, Speaker

Purple Cow is a powerful book that challenges businesses to be remarkable and leave a mark.

Simon SinekSimon Sinek - Motivational Speaker
Guy KawasakiMalcolm GladwellTim FerrissGary VaynerchukSimon Sinek

Recommendations

7
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authorJohn D. Saunders

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