Made to stick by brothers Dan and Chip Heath explains how to make sure your idea isn’t part of the 99% of ideas we observe but forget every day. The book presents some great formula’s for effective communication. The brothers get their inspiration from scientific theories such as sociology, anthropology and psychology and weaves it in to a perfectly readable story in a Malcom Gladwell’esque manner.

Loved it because:

• The book itself makes it case, by using good techniques to make you remember their ideas.
• Well researched theory – the Heath brothers have certainly done their homework on memory, motivation and observation
• Great stories and anecdotes, ranging from gruesome to heroic, from well known to intimate revelations.

You might not like it because:

• Other than entertainment and to put (new) words to existing knowledge the weathered marketer/PR person won’t find ‘Made to Stick’ overly useful. The book is a must read for managers, designers, inventors and people otherwise active in the creative industry.

Recently I was send a ‘chain-letter‘ through Facebook. Though I rarely look twice at these things, this one had a simple enough assignment. The ‘letter’ simply asked me to answer 15 questions about myself with the catch of having to use just one word per answer.

What surprised me was how seemingly innocent questions like “What is your favorite food‘ suddenly become quite complicated. Continue reading »

“The best way to think of radical cultural changes in society is to think of them as viruses. Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread just like they do.” is the big message of The Tipping Point by best-selling author and anthropologist Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell colorfully describes the factors involved in turning an idea into a cultural phenomena, defining clear roles for each part of the adoption curve, and the thing those small ideas with big impact have in common.

Malcolm Gladwell is also one of the best storytellers of our time. He sometimes he seems to research amusing anecdotes and stories even more than the presented theory itself, making the tales come alive and present his thoughts in nearly wrapped bits of entertainment.

Loved it because:

• Written by one of the best storytellers of the 21st century
• Defining the events that turn small ideas into big cultural changes
• Creating a mindset of being aware of the phenomena of ‘The Tipping Point’ and observing ideas in that fashion

You might not like it because:

• If you’re just looking to read about the theory of ‘Tipping Points’ (how and when small ideas become big cultural phenomena) you might find the sometimes long and abudance of stories and anecdotes a bit much.

Both the book and the author have surpassed the Guru status. In many ways, The Purple Cow was the book that started it all for marketing man of the century Seth Godin. A pruple cow has been adopted by marketeers as a remarkable idea, something that truly stands out from the crowd, and is therefor work ‘making a remark about’. The leightwieght bible for the new era of marketing contains loads of stories, anecdotes and inspirational insights in how to incorporate risk and remarkability into your ideas, as a designer, as a marketer, as a CEO, or anyone with a message.

Loved it because:

• Highly entertaining down-to-earth style of writing
• Quick but inspirational read (one-flight-book)
• One simple message packed in an inspirational book of examples and best practises
• A message that shook up the marketing world

You might not like it because:

• Critics of Seth Godin claim his ‘marketing for the masses’ is the hollywood for corporate strategy and marketing. Godin offers no real, practical advice on how to manage ‘remarkability’ or really transform your business into being remarkable other than to ‘go out and do it – be risky!’.

We’ve all seen them, or at least heard of them. The infamous ‘idea box’. The waste of space somewhere in a corner of an office. If not empty, its often a channel to anonymously vent frustrations – which quickly decreases management interest in ‘employee ideas’.

Personally I think it is a shame such a great opportunity to receive great ideas from the people dealing with your every day to day business is so often undervalued. The following seven steps ensure your employees will generate ideas, feel motivated to share them, and provide real opportunities to your company with the least amount of effort. Continue reading »