Seth Godin’s TED talk

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.

The annual conference now brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).

Here’s Seth Godin’s shot at it.  Yes, it’s 18 minutes long…but you’ll be glad you watched.  He’s a master storyteller.  Which as you know, is what marketing and branding is all about.

What did you think?  Takeaways?

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10 comments on “Seth Godin’s TED talk

  1. Thanks for bringing this speech to my attention, Drew! He makes it all seem so simple, doesn’t he?

  2. I also thank you for posting this. I’d read and heard other people raving about Seth’s TED Talk, but apparently I was too lazy to look it up.
    Sigh…this is a great example of why I love and hate Seth Godin. He’s so brilliant and makes everything seem so simple and accessible, and yet I struggle every day to be half as remarkable as the cases he presents!
    I think the takeaway from this speech (and almost all of Seth’s work) is that it’s not good enough to be good enough…or even very good. You have to do and be more than your competitors–more targeted, more remarkable. It’s a very tall order!

  3. Chris Kieff says:

    I think it’s easy to point out the purple cows as Seth does. It’s very hard to be remarkable for most products most days.

    In reality Seth failed to be extraordinary for TED, imho.

    Thanks for the thought provoking post.
    Chris

  4. Anne,

    I think one of Seth’s greatest talents is that his stories take the complex and make them simple.

    You’re right, he does make it sound/look easy!

    Drew

  5. Danielle,

    I think every business can be seen as extraordinary if they make the effort. The truth is, most businesses will not. So if someone makes small and consistent shifts, they will eventually be completely remarkable.

    I don’t believe most businesses become amazing over night. I think it is something they grow into.

    Drew

  6. Chris,

    Do you think it’s difficult for businesses to be remarkable or that most businesses just won’t/don’t make the effort?

    Drew

  7. Dina says:

    Hi Drew (and fellow commentators 🙂 )

    Great post. I love your writing style…so clear, crisp, and thought provoking in its simplicity.

    Now to Seth… I’ve seen him speak before and always find him very interesting… to use his word, “remarkable”. He does make it all seem so simple, and in a way, it is. It is basic marketing, I think.

    My take away… talk and listen to your market… and then REALLY talk (i.e. market) to them… and don’t be afraid to be unique, “remarkable”… instead be afraid to not be remarked on…

    Thanks for the fantastic post, and the link to the video. Had me a few laughs with Seth 🙂

    Dina
    direct response copywriting

  8. Dina,

    Thank you for your kind words.

    As someone who writes for a living (I assume) don’t you agree with Seth’s suggestion that it is a far greater sin to be ordinary and not noticed?

    I think it’s basic marketing, but with a twist. It’s following the basics but making sure you flavor it with your personality/brand front and center.

    I believe that most companies are afraid to try that. they’d rather be like everyone else. It feels safer.

    Glad to have you jump into the conversation!

    Drew

  9. Thank you for this post. I really enjoyed watching Seth’s talk both from the standpoint of a marketing writer and a speaker.

    I think one of the key takeaways from this talk is that you not only have to be remarkable, but also marketable–for instance Seth’s music venture failed because it was different but didn’t give enough value to his target market.

    The key is to make something that stands out but still provides clear value to people/companies with money and that can easily transition from the early adaptors to the mass market.

  10. Elizabeth,

    Very true. Remarkable is fine, but people have to be willing to exchange their resources (money, time, etc) for what you’re trying to sell.

    Without that, you’re a non-profit!

    Drew

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