Seth Godin came up with the concept of the “Purple Cow.” He observed that after you have been looking at cows for a while they all basically look the same. They all become common, ordinary and, dull and boring. But a purple cow is something that would be very different and indeed quite remarkable.
A purple cow would attract attention; it would be the start of many conversations and it would be a draw for people everywhere. It would not be forgotten almost immediately. That is what you need to stand out from the crowd and rise above the rest in business – your own version of the purple cow.
The purple cow gives rise to remarkable marketing — either of yourself or your company. It is the art of building something into the product or service that you sell that will be taken notice of by customers. How you market your product or yourself is not enough. You can use the fanciest advertising you can think of but without a purple cow it will remain invisible. You need to color it purple to get it to jump out and say (or scream!), “HERE I AM!”
Many busipeople do not put the principle of the purple cow to work in their businesses or for themselves because they do not know how to come up with that really magnificent idea that will blow everyone away. This takes work and a few people putting their heads together and coming up with some ideas. Another reason that you see so few purple cows in the marketplace is because people fear criticism, success and being disliked by others. If you are remarkable then you will receive criticism and it will hurt. There will also be whispers behind your back and you will not be liked by everybody. Those who stand out in any manner are always more open to ridicule and scrutiny. It is the price you pay to be truly remarkable.
However according to Seth Godin, the creator of the concept of the purple cow, “In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failing.” He goes on to say that “In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.” Being invisible may be safe but it will not lead to you reaching the top of the mountain. If you want to take a stab at true greatness and excellence then you must resist the urge to play by the rules and be safe. You must be brave, be bold and not be afraid to be unique. Remember the saying, “No guts, no glory”? It is right on the money!
Follow along in these pages as we blog about creating your purple cow and how how you can have a successful Business Made Easy.