I want to start out by saying I’m a huge Seth Godin fan! I was turned onto him about two years ago when a co-worker told me about his blog; I checked it out and signed up to receive his blog entries delivered to my inbox everyday. I didn’t give it much thought, but time and again I was shocked at how his blog related to the work I was doing. His blog really made me think about innovative business & marketing strategies and how to re-evaluate and fine tune what I was already doing.
That being said, when his new book, Linchpin came out I was thrilled that my co-worker, Kim ordered a copy and said I could borrow it when she was done. A few weeks later Kim ran into my office elated with a letter from Seth and another copy of his book, Linchpin.
Here is the actual letter Kim received (pushpin holes included… yes, she has it posted in her cube).
Seth believes that “Generosity is a key piece of being an artist.” I couldn’t agree more and I’m so thankful that Kim picked me to pay it forward to! (see the part where he said, “I hope you’ll share this one with someone you care about”… gave me the warm fuzzies, thanks Kim!)
I have to admit I’m not finished with Linchpin yet, but what I have read so far has inspired me to make a difference in my field of promotional products marketing. I love the work I do and I love the products we sell. When I come to the office each day I’m inspired to be innovative and solve problems. I do have my bad days, when what Seth calls the ‘lizard brain’ takes hold of me and allows me to settle for the status quo. (I have decided to name my lizard, Lizzy) Seth writes about how to overcome your Lizard Brain, Fear, and The Resistance that cripples so many of us and keeps us from excelling. I can now identify when Lizzy is in charge and I’ve been telling her to pipe down so I can get back to producing great work.
Like I said, I’m not finished with the book yet, so I’m sure I’ll have more to share as I finish up the second half. I really like what I’m reading so far! Has anyone else read Linchpin? I’d love to get your thoughts on it.
I agree with Seth that there is an artist in everyone and my personal goal is to bring out my inner promotional marketing artist!