The book is a study of the reasons why some businesses and trends explode into mass hysteria and why other great ideas never take off. Gladwell explains that there are three key people who can make things happen.
The Connector (people who know people), the Maven (people who know the details of the topic and speak with passion) and then Salesman (people who have charisma and persuasion). If even one of these people were involved in a situation, the product in question can skyrocket in public.
Gladwell uses many illustrations from Sesame Street, to the New York Subway Vigilante (a fabulous story) to Hush Puppies shoes. He also has many surveys to hammer home each concept. I guess that’s when I bailed. As compelling as his stories were, at the halfway mark I grew weary of his studies and surveys. I got the point, but “oh no, here’s another survey”. He exhausted me. The book didn’t seem to introduce anything new. However, up to that point, I loved theories.
While reading, I thought of my situation and how the Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen might have applied. Starting and managing LIFE 100.3 is, so far, the highpoint in my career and my life and I can see each of those people-types involved at various times helping make LIFE the success that it is.
Which am I? Probably the Connector. I know a lot of people in different areas of interest and lifestyle and levels of success. I like being the Connector. I’m a bit of a Maven when it comes to radio and artists. And if it’s about me (haha), then I can be the Salesman but to a limited extent.
Did you read the second half of the book? Did I miss anything new?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.