Yesterday I began reading the book, Purple Cow by Seth Godin. If you haven’t read it yet, you should definitely pick it up. It’s fantastic. While you’re at it, read all his books! He is changing his world and you would be a better entrepreneur having gone along for the ride.
The Purple Cow is about you (whether you are a brand, business, blog, whatever), standing out from the crowd of other “cows”. It is about what it’s going to take for you to step out and fill a role that few others can or are willing to do.
He associated the purple cow with being remarkable. I touched up a bit on a similar subject not too long ago in my post Is Good Good Enough In Business?
The purple cow symbolizes innovation, originality, courage and stepping outside of the box of your comfort zone and societies’ norms. It is about breaking free of your assumptions and old ways of thinking of how things “should be” and being willing to take risks and stand apart from the pack.
Brief History
Let’s rewind a bit for a moment. A good friend of mine about a year ago, may even have been pre-NewBizBlogger, had emailed me a link to Seth Godin’s article to read.
I recalled clicking on this link and reading his article. It was typical Seth Godin style – about a paragraph long. And you know what? Quite honestly I didn’t get him! I didn’t understand the big fuss. I didn’t get the one paragraph posts. I just couldn’t see what others saw.
In hindsight, I realized I wasn’t looking. I wasn’t ready…
Fast forward, January 2011. I clicked on yet another link shared by a friend of one of his videos. Something in my gut told me to watch it. You know that feeling; when the irrational seems rational.
If I were to say there was a defining moment when I finally “got” him, this was it. I remembered thinking, so this is what all the fuss was all about? Wow!
Anyway … getting back on topic.
As I was reading his book, he asked one question that really struck a chord with me. This doesn’t happen all too often so I was compelled to explore it a bit more.
He wrote, “why is it so hard to be purple?”
That is why will most of us never stand out amongst the meadow of cows? Why will most of us never be the purple cow?
We’ve been drilled all our lives to fit in, be good, be respectful, don’t talk to loud, don’t be confrontational, don’t be too emotional… all in all, to keep the status quo. Fall in line and be like everyone else.
Yes, we have moments in life where we have shined and excelled; but those moments have been far and few. We have been “herded” all our lives to go down the “right” path and stay on course.
No wonder there are so little purple cows…
So how do we change? How do we now, after a lifetime of being black and white, release your fears, assumptions, and doubts and blossom into this beautiful purple cow?
How do we become the Purple Cow?
Well that’s the $64,000 dollar question isn’t it? And I haven’t read the whole book yet; maybe I should of before writing this. Maybe that will be for a later post; just thought of something fun to do! However, I do have my own idea to the answer to that question.
Choice.
You see that is all you have control of in life really… your choices. You can choose to step into the role of the purple cow or you can choose not too. That simple.
The problem is that we’ve been black and white for so long, we don’t know how to change colors; we fear what can happen if we do. We fear what others may think (or not think). We fear we will disappoint. We fear others wont’ get us.
Yes, that might happen. Going back to the my story about my first impression of Seth Godin. He’s definitely purple, yet I didn’t get him… and in all honestly didn’t really think much of him at all at the time. But then one day I looked out and there he was, standing there…purple… and I saw him.
So my advice is this (to you all and to myself), let go of your fear of what others might think. Strive to be purple every day. With everything you do and say, ask yourself, are you being the purple cow?
Look for ways to bring your products, services and messages to a whole new level so that when others look out admist the meadow, they will see you…purple.
Now say out loud: I AM A PURPLE COW, I AM A PURPLE COW, I AM A PURPLE COW!
Image Badger Productions
This is dedicated to Seth Godin. Thanks for being my inspiration.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, please share it and help others become the purple cow!
P.S. If you were wondering which video I watched, here it is. Enjoy!
Hi Michele
As purple is one of my favourite colours…that’s a good start
I have read a couple of Seth’s posts and found them okay.
Had heard of this book and sounds like you have had an aha moment reading it. He definitely is his own person isn’t he? And I definitely agree that it is so important to be ourselves and have our own unique voice.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia@lavender oil recently posted..Can’t Sleep Get Some Lavender- The Rest Is Easy
Definitely an aha moment for me.
They rarely happen, but when they do, they are game changers for me.
Thanks for stopping by Patricia. I always love hearing what you have to say!
Michele,
I was new to Seth’s world when I first saw this video. I found it when I was searching for information on permission marketing.
My first impression was “Who the heck did the staging for this program, it makes his bald head stand out!” Exactly!
Seth is one of my favorites. It is because truth is a pretty good foundation.
My favorite part is how he duplicating your self in order to get things done.
I am such a behind the scenes person that being a purple cow is a tough one. Maybe the mantra will help
.
I AM A PURPLE COW – I AM A PURPLE COW
Sheila Atwood recently posted..The Blog Challenge Gets Headline Advice From Copywriting Heaven
LOL.. you are funny Sheila. Keep that mantra up!
You know, you may be behind the scenes but you are a force to be reckoned with! Don’t underestimate the power of being quietly impactful.
Thanks for the funny comment…if that wasn’t a purple cow moment, I don’t know what is.
Hi Michele,
I personally love Seth Godin’s writing style, and, like you, it took me a really long time to get what all the fuss was about. But once I did, it was like a light bulb lighting up in the back of my mind.
Awesome semi-review, and, in a way, I completely agree. We all have the ability to make choices – whether we choose to act or not, it’s still a choice.
You see, I’m a firm believer that everyone can choose the lifestyle that they want to live and design their own futures. It all lies with the choices that you make and actions that you take. As I always say, without action, there can be no progress.
And to act, you need to make the choice to finally make a difference in your life, get off that couch, and do something with the opportunities that you have – and we all know that the Internet is literally flooded with opportunity. So there’s no excuse not to act and make something of your life.
Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked…
The main point is that your choices now can make a world of a difference in (and hugely impact) your future – or how you live for the rest of your life.
Great tips – and I’ll be sure to check out this book (heard way too many good things about it not to).
Christina
Christina Crowe recently posted..Goals and Achievements – April 2011
Girl you can get sidetracked all you want… keep it coming! Love what you had to say.
Every moment and every choice we make defines what our future will be like. Think about it, one simple choice we make today can alter our future five years from now that we would have never expected! Sometimes you have to hedge your bets when making choices, but at least you are making them. And at least you are in the game.
Thanks again for the wonderful comment. And really glad you enjoyed the article!
I got to this link from twitter. This certainly piqued my interest as I am a purple lover. I am also a big believer in stepping out of one’s comfort zone and taking those unknown and sometimes scary steps. It’s about breaking free and becoming one’s authentic self. I will definitely be getting this Purple Cow book. This will be my first introduction to Mr. Godin. Thank you for a most appealing post.
Hi Harriet,
Welcome! So glad you’ve decided to stop in and have a peak.
As a life coach I can see how stepping out of your comfort zone is a practice you take on regularly. You mentioned becoming one’s authentic self. I think becoming the purple cow is also symbolic of that authentic self. It’s the child in us unafraid to takes risks, yell at the top of our voice and say “hey, look at me… look at what I’m doing”. It’s definitely a place were I want to strive for and I know it’s a muscle that’s going to take work.
Hope you enjoy the book. I can’t wait to see how it end.
Oh, by the way, beautiful website!
Thank you so much – and for taking the time to look. All the best to you.
Harriet Cabelly recently posted..Services
Michele, aloha. Terrific post on being a Purple Cow. As you know, I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of Seth’s and, in fact, have all of his books.
In addition, I subscribe to his blog (1) because of how he so powerfully conveys a concept in so few words and (2) because reading his posts, makes me think about who I am and what I am doing.
Michele, I believe if people read and absorb his books and posts they will almost have to become Purple Cows because he so challenges the status quo. If a person keeps reading his material and they don’t change, well . . . it’s their
CHOICE!
You are so right, Michele. Our life is what we choose it to be. No wonder the video on my Seduce your Lizard Brain post struck such a responsive chord within you. Reading “The Purple Cow” and watching that video is a double whammy or, should I say, ah ha moment?
Already. Michele, I can see your color deepening as you are well on your way to becoming a Purple Cow. Seduce that lizard brain and you’ll be there.
Take care, my friend. Aloha. Janet
Janet Callaway recently posted..STOP! It’s not the What! By Janet Callaway The Natural Networker
Wow Janet! I love it when you stop in. You always leave fantastic comments.
I really love the visual you created with my color deepening to becoming purple; it’s a great way to take on the fact that changes happen over a course of times sometimes and not necessarily over night. It’s a journey.
I will seduce my lizard brain and become the purple cow! LOL
Aloha my friend.
Hey Michele,
Great post, that book is fantastic. Keep reading and you’ll find some juicy goodness, maybe create another post. I love thinking about how people follow conventional and live mediocre lives because of it. That mindset is just odd to me. More people need to challenge the norm, to create something beautiful.
Anyway, loving the site and keep the awesome sauce coming!
Hey Eric,
It’s so lovely to see you here. The mindset is an odd thing isn’t it? Such a mystery sometimes why we do what we do. Intellectually we may understand how things should work and be but we are emotional creatures and more often then not that drives the show.
Time to break free from our inner chains and explore new possibilities…
Anyway, I will do my best to keep the awesome sauce coming.
Thanks again for stopping in. Hope to see more of you.
I really enjoy reading Seth. A few months ago I read Linchpin and I had some questions so I dropped him an email (since he doesn’t take comment on his blog). Guess what? 30min later he answered me back and this started a discussion, in a way a lot better than some of the other A-list bloggers who allow comments but just answer “Thanks for commenting”
I will have to go and read Purple Cow, thanks for inspiring me.
Hi John,
Wow, I must be busy because I totally missed this comment. LOL Very impressive that he got back to you so quickly… it’s very telling about the kind of person he is.
Glad you enjoyed the post… enjoy the book!
Thanks for the article. I will pick up the book also.
you must have something to stand out from the rest A key ingredient in todays online internet content.
VA Homes recently posted..What are the differences between conventional loans and VA loans
Even as a kid, I was always the one going left when everyone went right, I always wanted to stand out and never cared much for convention. My life has not been easy, but it has been full of discovery, fascination and actually success – by being different and seeking an individual voice. It’s time for me to re-read Purple Cow, thanks for a great post!
Billy Kirsch recently posted..Team Building and the Power of Fun
So you’re the one? LOL Hi Billy. Sounds to me you’ve led a authentic and fulfilling life. Must of had some awesome, communicative parents. Being a lefty in a righty world can be challenging I bet.
Almost done with the book. How does it end? Wait…no, don’t tell me.
Talk soon Billy Kirsch.
Hi Michele! You’ve got a very positive post there! I think that everybody is potential to become a purple cow. But maybe the real challenge is how they would maintain being the purple cow. But of course, let’s just cross the bridge when we get there. What’s important is how to begin the journey of being the purple cow. Thanks for the post!
Thanks Michelle. I stopped reading Seth’s blog because I didn’t quite get him either and I thought there must be something wrong with me. Now that I read that you didn’t get him the first time either. I’ve been looking for an inspirational book to read. Now, I know what I’m reading next!
Sherryl Perry recently posted..8 Reasons I Do NOT Follow Like or Connect on Social Networking Sites
Hi Sherryl,
He definitely has an interesting way of seeing the world. Life has a way of presenting us with things as we need them. I doubt highly a year ago I would of viewed his work the same way as I do today.
Thanks for stopping in… always lovely hearing from you!
BTW, haven’t read Tribes yet, but heard it was phenomenal. Something tells this this would something definitely up your alley.
Tribes does sound perfect for me Michele. Thanks for the recommendation. I just put a hold on it at our library. I’m at a point where I really need some direction. Maybe I’ll find it there.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..Where Does Your Website Traffic Come From
I know what you mean Sherrly. In the same boat. By the way, check out this article Breaking Free from Mediocrity and Familiarity . Very inspirational article and I think you may get a lot out of it.
Talk soon…
I watched the video, Michele; however, I still don’t get the blog posts. His books are great. His talks are great. I just don’t get the blog. Maybe I will one day?
The late great Jim Rohn used to say that you have to step away from what everyone else is doing if you want to be successful in life. I guess he would be a fan of the purple cow idea. Don’t do what they do. Don’t read what they read. Don’t watch what they watch.
Find other purple cows and start another herd. I’ll need to be another color other than purple though.
Brad Harmon recently posted..How Much Social Media Does Your Small Business Really Need
LOL, what color do you want to be Brad?
You say some interesting things. I like the idea of finding other purple cows and starting another herd. Goes back to the conversation of collaboration. Why not collaborate with other purple cows, right? That should make for some powerful conversations.
Haven’t heard of Jim Rohn sadly but I get what he(you’re) saying. Although I wonder: aren’t we all in some way influenced by others? How many of us have an original thought? Don’t we learn and grow by taking in what others say and then choosing for ourselves if we agree or not?
Lot of questions for sure. We definitely have to debate about this further one day.
All the best and thanks for your input!
Great question, Michele. Since I’m an Aggie, how about a maroon cow?
Jim’s point was that it’s hard to become successful if you’re hanging around with a bunch of people who aren’t precisely because of how contagious ideas & attitudes are. It’s hard to fly like an eagle when your pecking with the chickens.
PS: Your comment reply notification got caught in my gmail spam filter. I’ve unspammed you for my account, but others may be missing your replies. I just saw this one today.
Brad Harmon recently posted..How to Set Up a Listening Post on Twitter
Noooo…darn spam filters. Boohoo. ;-( Glad it finally reached you though.
OK, got it. Makes 100% sense to me. Surround yourself around those up to (or even better yet, already achieved what you are looking to do) what you are up to in life, will expedite your success for sure! It’s like anything else. Surround yourself with positive people, you will keep a positive mindset; surround yourself with negative people… well you know how that’s going to go.
Thanks for the response back and letting me know about the spam issue. Will definitely look into this.