I'm just getting into a new book by author Seth Godin. The book is entitled, "Tribes" Just wanted to share a paragragh or two from the book. I'll no doubt, be sharing some more in the days to come. The book is a business minded book, but some of the principles apply to all of us. In lieu of church, ShadowLand, and much of what I'm involved with, these words had a strangely familiar sound to them. From page 32-34 in "Tribes"
How Many Fans Do You Have?
In an article posted on his Technium Web site, Kevin Kelly brilliantly described the world of “1,000 True Fans.” A true fan, he argues, is a member of the tribe who cares deeply about you and your work. That person will cross the street to buy from you or bring a friend to hear you or invest a little extra to support.
An individual artist needs only a thousand true fans in her tribe. It’s enough.
It’s enough because a thousand fans will bring you enough attention and support to make a great living, to reach more people, to do great work. It’s enough because a thousand fans, true fans, form a tribe.
A true fan brings three friends with him to a John Mayer concert or to the opening of a Chuck Close exhibit. A true fan pays extra to own the first edition, or buys the hardcover, instead of just browsing around on the web site. Most important, a true fan connects with other true fans and amplifies the noise the artist makes.
A corporation or a nonprofit or a church may need more than that-perhaps a million fans if your Starbucks, or fifteen million if you’re running for president. But, it’s beyond doubt that there’s a number-you can figure out what it is- and it’s probably fewer people than you imagine.
Too many organizations care about numbers, not fans. They care about hits or turnstile clicks or media mentions. What they’re missing is the depth of commitment and inter-connection that true fans deliver. Instead of always being on the hunt for one more set of eyeballs, true leaders have figured out that the real win is in turning a casual fan into a true one. (Emphasis mine)
Fans, true fans, are hard to find and precious. Just a few can change everything. What they demand, though, is generosity and bravery.
Your thoughts!?
You can take a look at Seth's blog here
2 comments:
I love this concept, I was thinking of Jesus's "fan" following in the scriptures. i think that we as a church could really benefit from this.
That's what I was thinking too! Jesus, had the original 12, and the three closest to Him, and changed the world...literally!
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