Understanding Remarkability: The Key to Success and Growth
Introduction
In this blog post, we explore the concept of remarkability as discussed in Seth Godin’s book ‘Purple Cow.’ From the importance of uniqueness and surprise to embracing vulnerability and authenticity, this post delves into the fundamental principles of standing out in business and personal endeavors.
The Concept of Remarkability
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Remarkability has nothing to do with quality, according to the book. It emphasizes the importance of uniqueness rather than just high quality. This different perspective on being remarkable challenges the traditional notion of what makes something stand out.
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Being remarkable means the product or service is worth talking about and shareable. This key point highlights the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and the impact of creating something that people genuinely want to share with others.
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Remarkability is also associated with surprise. The element of astonishment and unexpectedness adds an extra level of remarkability to a product, service, or experience. This surprise factor can enhance the overall impact and memorability of the offering.
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The concept of remarkability is relevant not only in business but also in personal experiences. It prompts individuals to reflect on moments in their lives that were truly remarkable and how that sensation can be translated into various aspects of life, including professional endeavors and personal interactions.
Overcoming the Fear of Judgment
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The fear of criticism often holds people back from entrepreneurship and being unique.
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Desensitizing oneself to the opinions of others is a skill that entrepreneurs must develop.
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Filtering feedback based on the experience of the person giving it is crucial; advice from those who have never been in the same ‘arena’ may not be valuable.
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The man in the arena quote by Theodore Roosevelt serves as a powerful reminder to focus on feedback from those who have experience and to not be swayed by the opinions of those who have not ventured into the same arena.
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Committing to the uncomfortable journey of entrepreneurship and creativity requires a willingness to confront the fear of judgment and failure.
Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity
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Embracing vulnerability and authenticity is key to personal and professional growth. It is important to learn how to share authentically in a safe setting before doing so in a higher risk setting. This involves expressing oneself in a controlled environment, such as with friends, before sharing on public platforms like LinkedIn.
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The fear of criticism often holds people back from sharing their true selves. It’s essential to recognize that the majority of people are focused on their own concerns and are not overly preoccupied with others’ actions. Understanding this can help in overcoming the fear of judgment and expressing oneself authentically.
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Attempting to please everyone is an impossible task. Instead, the focus should be on creating something remarkable for a unique segment of the market. By understanding that not everyone will appreciate or resonate with the message, it becomes easier to embrace authenticity and push boundaries.
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The concept of starting with a niche and targeting a specific audience applies to various aspects of life and career, from applying for jobs to starting a business. Focusing on the edges and aiming for the top end of a market can lead to more meaningful and impactful outcomes. It’s about finding the unique early adopters and serving them exceptionally well.
The concept of Cheating in Business
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The concept of cheating in business is humorously portrayed with examples like JetBlue, Starbucks, and Amazon.com gaining an unfair advantage through their unique strategies.
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Creating something exceptional can be perceived as cheating, according to the author, as it gives an unfair advantage over competitors.
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The idea of ‘cheating’ is also extended to the concept of magic in the author’s keynote speaking, emphasizing the need to continuously innovate to maintain an edge.
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The author aims to connect new pieces of magic to his speaking points to continue ‘cheating’ in his game, as it enables him to stand out in his industry.
The Importance of Identifying Early Adopters
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Identifying early adopters is crucial for creating a remarkable product or service.
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Early adopters provide valuable feedback and shape the development of a product or service.
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They are clear about what they want and are more likely to appreciate and spread remarkable ideas.
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Understanding the target audience, especially early adopters, is essential for success in business and product development.
Conclusion
Understanding and embracing the concept of remarkability is crucial for success in both business and personal growth. By focusing on uniqueness, overcoming fear of judgment, and identifying early adopters, individuals and businesses can create remarkable products, services, and experiences that leave a lasting impact.