Monday, March 11, 2019

Basketball Post: Fast Five - GODIN UP from Purple Cow to First, Ten

"To create something great (or eventually huge), start extremely small." - Seth Godin
Seth Godin is a blogger, author, and thought leader. He has written 18 books and his blog was named by Time as one of the top 25 in 2009. Purple Cow sold over 150,000 copies. His ideas often cross disciplines. Studying his work helps us think about thinking. 

1 In Purple Cow he discusses "Not enough Ps." Among those that apply to basketball:

Product (how we play) 
Personnel 
Positioning (Spacing)
Promotion
Publicity

He adds, "Purple Cow" because unlike other cows, the Purple Cow is remarkable. The Purple Cow needs to be seen. It extends the Wow Factor discussed by management author Tom Peters and Ted Talks. The Purple Cow helps develop brand and customer loyalty. 

2 What would make our team a Purple Cow? What's worth watching, that younger kids want to join? Godin points out that barriers include money, time, and desire/need. Do 'fans' have the money, time, or interest to follow/become invested in our program? 
Godin has more concepts than the Purple Cow. 

3 In Tribes, he shares the interconnection between tribes and good leadership. He explains that, generous and authentic leadership will always defeat the selfish efforts of someone doing it just because she can.”

4 "Send someone a thank you note tomorrow." Everyone likes to be valued and appreciated. 

Spawn ideas, lots of them. Bad ideas lead to good ideas.

5 "First, Ten." Find ten influencers to spread your message. If you find ideas to steal and pass along, share. 

Lagniappe (Something extra): 



Concentrate on strengths
Climb (improve)
Collaborate (team player)
Calm (in face of pressure)
Chaos (bring to your opponent)