Is There Still Time to Catch Up?
Growing up on an Iowa farm, Everett watched his father stubbornly resist using new hybrid seed corn, even though it offered a 25% higher yield and was resistant to drought. At the height of the Great Depression and during the Iowa drought of 1936, Everett’s dad finally realized the error of his ways. With a pained look and a depleted bank account, the hard-working farmer watched his crop wither and die while the hybrid seed corn stood tall and healthy on his next-door neighbor's farm.
The phrase “early adopter” was first coined in 1962 when American sociologist Everett Rogers wanted to know why people like his Dad react the way they do to new ideas and innovations.
Curious to know more about how ideas get embraced by the masses, Rogers synthesized research from 508 different studies from diverse fields such as anthropology, sociology, education, industry, medicine and others. The theory and Bell curve Everett developed explains why innovators and early adopters were eager to reject 45’s and LP’s in favor of cassettes, CD’s, Sony Walkman’s, iPods and streaming.
Everett’s findings help us understand why some people and organizations cling stubbornly to the status quo even when it’s clear Elvis has left the building.
History has repeatedly shown that when the future arrives on your doorstep the spoils are there for the taking if you can figure it out faster than the next guy.
In the field called “marketing”, the Yellow Pages were first created in 1883 when a telephone directory printer in Cheyenne, Wyoming ran out of white paper and used yellow paper instead. For more than a century, the Yellow Pages enjoyed tremendous profitability with a business model regarded as virtually indestructible since local businesses would “always need the yellow pages”. But, the collapse of many 20th century media institutions now creates bushels of opportunity for those who can see the wisdom of establishing solid roots in the fertile and globalized Attention Economy – without being held hostage by traditional media gatekeepers.
If you’ve been wondering how to steer your brand-building efforts in a direction much more aligned with the future, join me on the front porch and discover why there is Still Time to Catch Up on this episode of Leaders & Legends.
“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away” ELVIS PRESLEY
Video Production: DEFIANT ASTRONAUT MEDIA.
Kick sand in the face of status quo. See what's possible @ https://defiantastronaut.com/
p.s… At last count, the NIKE video entitled “Make It Count”, which was produced by Casey Neistat in 2012 has racked up more than 29 million views. That sounds like a lot until you realize Casey’s YouTube channel has generated in excess of 2.68 BILLION views. Not bad for a single dad and high school dropout from a Connecticut trailer park who moved to NYC in 2001 with only $800 dollars in his pocket and a burning desire to make movies. Since making a strategic decision to become his own media, Neistat has amassed over 11.6 million subscribers and is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost authorities on digital marketing and film making. In the meantime, Dan Martell, who was also mentioned in the above video, continues to expand his digital footprint with a YouTube channel that now has over 38,000 subscribers. In one of his most recent episodes, he sits down with his brother Pierre of Martell Custom Homes to discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, embracing change, family dynamics, re-branding a company and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
Introducing ... BIG LITTLE LEGENDS!
The language of brand speaks to humans in a way that is metaphorical, meaningful, emotional and symbolic. The language of business communicates in a way that is logical, literal, mechanical and analytical. How then, does a business leader – in any industry – any product/service category become fluent in BOTH of these vitally important languages?
This unforgettable keynote/workshop (and preview of the forthcoming book) is designed to challenge accepted notions of how long-term brand-building really works these days. It forces leaders to re-think what's possible and the role they play in creating modern-day legacy. It's entitled BIG LITTLE LEGENDS - How Everyday Leaders Build Irresistible Brands.
Planning a Speaking Event?
The wheels of business are turning faster each quarter and your company or industry association may be busy making plans to stay ahead of the lighting-fast relevance curve. In that spirit, we are knee-deep in booking events for 2020 and 2021 with organizations like Vistage International, Raptor Mining and the National Truck Equipment Association to dramatically rock their next conference with keynotes and workshops that inspire audiences to acquire “STADIUM-SIZED PERSPECTIVE”. For booking inquiries, feel free to reach out and contact us.
Other Resources for You to Explore:
If you are a CEO, Senior Executive or Business Owner who has attended one of our speaking events, consider this as an open invitation to schedule a 20-minute Discovery Session. It's a great, no-strings way to bounce ideas just to see where they land.
Purchase the critically-acclaimed, NUTS, BOLTS AND A FEW LOOSE SCREWS. Available at Chapters.ca and Amazon.com.
Get daily updates and continue the DISCUSSION on FACEBOOK or visit www.gairmaxwell.com
"Everything you can imagine is real" PABLO PICASSO