Fantastic start Shama. Seth Godin talks about this very concept in his book Meatball Sundaes. He highlights the fact that people aren’t wow’d by “Established 1908″ anymore. They want to know how products and services benefit them right now. They either want products to be very cheap or they want experiences to have extremely high value to them, but they aren’t interested in average. So we have to ask ourselves, “what will make this product or service worth talking about”.
I couldn’t agree more. Some people might even counter by saying, “Well 4 Hour Work Week went viral!” Those people would be missing the point of your message though – it’s convenient that the product is a best-seller, but it reached that status because of the ideas within the book.
It’s funny you should mention creating a viral video – and what it takes for that to happen – since I just created my first video and posted to YouTube…
And my intention is to inspire 1,000,000 people with it.
Amen Sister!
I love this post. Great way to start off the chain of great ideas.
There is nothing more thrilling than the birth of a new idea. If someone is passionate, that passion will come through no matter what it is. If you can create a community, then people will want to be apart of it. It is the basic human nature to want to be accepted and belong. Ideas lead into community and lead into belonging.
You hit the nail on the head there. I hear about people from a traditional marketing background talk about “how can I make this ‘thing’ go viral” or those YouTube videos that companies make about their products, thinking it will turn into the next overnight sensation. You’re right, it never works that way, and you’re wasting your time trying.
The Bike Hero video (http://tinyurl.com/67pwpc) is a good example of how this can go bad. People found out the video was a fake and simply an attempt to “go viral”. Once that happened, the video actually damaged Guitar Hero’s reputation. (of course they had a huge base to start with, so it didn’t hurt them bad in the long run) My point is that you can’t ‘fake’ viral, it has to be organic and based on an idea, like you pointed out in the video.
I started following you on twitter and then came to facbook and then saw your TV videos..I must say I am impressed..you have an articulate way of explaining things in plain english like Lee Lefever..another one of my fav’s..Keep it up girl..these videos are great! I really love the concept you gave in this one. People pick up a BUZZ word and say thats it..thats what I want and never really get to understand the actual concept behind the word..so Shama good work..KUDOS!
I must admit, I was skeptical at first. But this is great, you are doing a wonderful job. Please reveal which camera you use and how much work plus how many people are involved in the making.
When I read this post I couldn’t help but think of the saying “People buy people before they but proudct or service” and where do the ideas come from? – PEOPLE!
I started http://www.Cate.TV about a year ago on a ning platform. Some interviews we did with some .TV folks – hanging out with my “buds” – offliners I call them :} Once we launch http://Gifts.TV I will be vlogging over at Cate.TV as well. Thanks for doing it!!! – Best, Cate & Crew
This is my favorite video so far! I loved the reality check you have given us. It is so true that people throw out the “go viral” phrase all the time but don’t truly understand the psychology behind why it happens and how to connect with your market. I loved the way you simplified it: idea we get behind = a movement = going viral.
Your video hit home. It is what we preach too. I think we’re on the same brainwave and we’re really passionate about it too! In fact, we call our company an idea management company. We ask our clients of their products/services: who are you? what are you? and why should I buy it? And our campaigns always start with us creating ‘the idea’ that differentiates the company’s product from that of their competitors. But, it’s not a stuffy idea.. it’s created with ‘the mind-of-an-8-year-old’ and our ‘i am perception audits.’ A process we’ve developed over the years. By, doing this, we’ve created fun campaigns, for both large and small companies. ‘Stupid’ Stickers. Paper dolls. Sunburn Insurance. Companies that had the guts to differentiate their products. And not just by price. We use traditional media and not… But, that’s just media. Everything needs to start with the idea. And, we have the results to prove our methods work. (FYI, I can see us collaborating in the future…)
Regards,
Rachael Miller
the i am group inc http://www.iamgroupinc.com http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1356987293&ref=name
Shama Kabani (formerly Shama Hyder) has been dubbed "an online marketing shaman" and "a millennial master of the universe" by Fast Company. She is the President of The Marketing Zen Group, a full service web marketing firm. When not working directly with clients, Shama travels the world speaking on social media marketing.
Have a burning question you want addressed on the show? Marketing or otherwise? Ask Shama.
Want to work with Shama and her team? Check out The Marketing Zen Group, a full service web marketing firm, run by Shama and her world class team. Looking for a speaker? Want Shama to come speak at your event? Check out Shama's speaking page.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Fantastic start Shama. Seth Godin talks about this very concept in his book Meatball Sundaes. He highlights the fact that people aren’t wow’d by “Established 1908″ anymore. They want to know how products and services benefit them right now. They either want products to be very cheap or they want experiences to have extremely high value to them, but they aren’t interested in average. So we have to ask ourselves, “what will make this product or service worth talking about”.
Keep up the great work.
Charles
February 9th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I couldn’t agree more. Some people might even counter by saying, “Well 4 Hour Work Week went viral!” Those people would be missing the point of your message though – it’s convenient that the product is a best-seller, but it reached that status because of the ideas within the book.
It’s funny you should mention creating a viral video – and what it takes for that to happen – since I just created my first video and posted to YouTube…
And my intention is to inspire 1,000,000 people with it.
-Chris
http://www.thecoffeevideo.com
February 9th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Great start, Shama! You are an inspiration to me in my efforts to be a successful social media marketer.
Judith Slotkin
The Slotkin Agency
February 9th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Great first two videos. can’t wait to see whats next!!!
William Edward McCormick
http://allaboutwilliam.blogspot.com/
February 9th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Amen Sister!
I love this post. Great way to start off the chain of great ideas.
There is nothing more thrilling than the birth of a new idea. If someone is passionate, that passion will come through no matter what it is. If you can create a community, then people will want to be apart of it. It is the basic human nature to want to be accepted and belong. Ideas lead into community and lead into belonging.
Thanks!!
February 10th, 2009 at 12:56 am
Hell yeah Shama! This site is awesome and looks great! And what a great post too. Your energy is infectious. Look forward to more posts!
February 10th, 2009 at 10:13 am
You hit the nail on the head there. I hear about people from a traditional marketing background talk about “how can I make this ‘thing’ go viral” or those YouTube videos that companies make about their products, thinking it will turn into the next overnight sensation. You’re right, it never works that way, and you’re wasting your time trying.
The Bike Hero video (http://tinyurl.com/67pwpc) is a good example of how this can go bad. People found out the video was a fake and simply an attempt to “go viral”. Once that happened, the video actually damaged Guitar Hero’s reputation. (of course they had a huge base to start with, so it didn’t hurt them bad in the long run) My point is that you can’t ‘fake’ viral, it has to be organic and based on an idea, like you pointed out in the video.
Great job on the new site and good luck!
February 10th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Thank you guys!
Your support will continue to fuel my passion for this stuff! = )
February 11th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Hi Shama,
I started following you on twitter and then came to facbook and then saw your TV videos..I must say I am impressed..you have an articulate way of explaining things in plain english like Lee Lefever..another one of my fav’s..Keep it up girl..these videos are great! I really love the concept you gave in this one. People pick up a BUZZ word and say thats it..thats what I want and never really get to understand the actual concept behind the word..so Shama good work..KUDOS!
February 12th, 2009 at 4:55 am
I must admit, I was skeptical at first. But this is great, you are doing a wonderful job. Please reveal which camera you use and how much work plus how many people are involved in the making.
February 12th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Hello Shama! – great start for sure :}
When I read this post I couldn’t help but think of the saying “People buy people before they but proudct or service” and where do the ideas come from? – PEOPLE!
I started http://www.Cate.TV about a year ago on a ning platform. Some interviews we did with some .TV folks – hanging out with my “buds” – offliners I call them :} Once we launch http://Gifts.TV I will be vlogging over at Cate.TV as well. Thanks for doing it!!! – Best, Cate & Crew
February 14th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Marryam- Thank you! = )
Karin- I am glad you gave it a shot-and enjoyed it! = )
Cate- Cate.Tv looks good! It is quite a ride doing video blogging.
March 21st, 2009 at 10:44 am
Dear Shama,
This is my favorite video so far! I loved the reality check you have given us. It is so true that people throw out the “go viral” phrase all the time but don’t truly understand the psychology behind why it happens and how to connect with your market. I loved the way you simplified it: idea we get behind = a movement = going viral.
Thanks again for sharing your wisdom,
JOY
March 21st, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Hi Joy,
Thanks for joining in! : ) I like how you boiled it down in words : idea we get behind = a movement = going viral.
- Shama
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Your video hit home. It is what we preach too. I think we’re on the same brainwave and we’re really passionate about it too! In fact, we call our company an idea management company. We ask our clients of their products/services: who are you? what are you? and why should I buy it? And our campaigns always start with us creating ‘the idea’ that differentiates the company’s product from that of their competitors. But, it’s not a stuffy idea.. it’s created with ‘the mind-of-an-8-year-old’ and our ‘i am perception audits.’ A process we’ve developed over the years. By, doing this, we’ve created fun campaigns, for both large and small companies. ‘Stupid’ Stickers. Paper dolls. Sunburn Insurance. Companies that had the guts to differentiate their products. And not just by price. We use traditional media and not… But, that’s just media. Everything needs to start with the idea. And, we have the results to prove our methods work. (FYI, I can see us collaborating in the future…)
Regards,
Rachael Miller
the i am group inc
http://www.iamgroupinc.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1356987293&ref=name