Seth Godin Reflection

Since I learned Seth Godin was coming to speak at my University, I anticipated his visit; I researched and read snippets of his books, asked my boss (Marketing Director for CatholicU) about him and mentally prepared myself to learn a lot. The morning of, I woke early to arrive 15 minutes before the “lecture” commenced so I could seat myself front and center with my notebook and pen out not knowing I would be so consumed by his talk to remember to write anything besides:

"tell stories!” “what’s your origin story??” “don’t try to be picked.”

I’m sure I missed some lessons from his talk but from my three notes those are the topics that stood out the most to me. One of the first things I noticed was his ability to make points through stories, he wasn’t boring is what I’m saying, any marketing guru can give marketing or business advice but obviously what seths (get it?) him apart was his ability to incorporate his

voice/personality and stories into everything

(even the way he looks says a lot about what type of person he is: effortlessly cool) I also learned it’s important to be conscious of your origin story because that’s what leads you to become who you should be. Everything that happened to him led him to who he is now, which made reflect about myself and how I’m living and have lived through my origin story. The first thought that came to me was why I picked marketing in the first place... stories. My parents left for America when I was 6 months and safe-guarded me in Ethiopia to create a foundation for me in America before I join them 8 years later. The only way I knew my parents was through the stories my family told me of them and their wedding video I watched every morning. I know the power stories have and hearing him further validate this made me more confident in my decision. Lastly, I have never heard someone blatantly say don’t strive to get picked. Godin pointed out that waiting for recruiters or employers to notice or pick you is basically a waste, instead be the best/master at whatever you are passionate about and make them chase after you. I love the idea of working on my own standards/ideas and having others wanting to follow mine and not vice versa (I assumed that’s the only you way to become a revolutionary, I learned in my management seminar that I’m unrepeatable and if I follow this advice whatever I do it will be unique.) This gave me such a boost because I would spend hours looking at job requirements and other experts work history to force myself to do it like them or to plan how to make those requirements, leading me to stress and discouragement.

After his talk I felt empowered to continue this blog and pursue my goals. I'll link my favorite Seth Godin Talks in another blog post!

Stay Cultured,

Red