In this post, I am going to share one of the success factors behind; Seth Godin, Robert Scoble and Chris Brogan with you. It’s all about one word; contribution.
A few weeks ago, I had a problem with this blog. So, I got in touch with two experts, who I knew would be able to help; Robert Scoble and Chris Brogan. In no time, both were kind enough to get back to me with some excellent advice and the problem was solved.
For those of you who don’t already know; Robert is the former ‘technology evangelist’ for Microsoft and is now one of the best known figures in technology. Chris is, in my opinion, one of the world’s leading authorities on ’social media.’ Between them, they have a dedicated following of hundreds of thousands of people. These are two very busy people!
Of course, these guys gave their help without a second thought. They also did so privately, OUT of the public gaze; so no one knew how helpful they had been to me, except me. That’s because they gave without expecting something in return. Neither of them know I have written this post or that it will be read by thousands of people today.
Seth Godin and contribution
As marketing expert and best selling author Seth Godin once told me;
“If you have an ulterior motive, your generosity is suspect.”
Wise words – especially as Seth shared them with me freely and in private! That’s right, these were not comments Seth made on a blog or in a Twitter message observed by thousands, to show how smart he is. No, it was just Seth taking time-out from a very busy schedule, to share an idea with me. (Thanks Seth!!)
I genuinely believe that it is not a coincidence, that each of the three people I have mentioned in this post, are at the very top of their chosen professions. For example, I was first made aware of Seth’s work, not by an advertisement or by his marketing blog – but after a good friend recommended him to me. I was first made aware of Robert’s work, after Leo Laporte recommended him to me. Again with Chris, he was recommended to me by a client of mine, who’s a fan of his work.
I would LOVE to think that after reading this post, some of you check out Seth Godin, Robert Scoble or Chris Brogan for the first time.
Seth, Robert, Chris – Thanks!
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All 3 are really amazing. I never understand how they can put out such great content on such a regular basis.
I follow Seth most regularly just because I’m more into the marketing side of things and I like how he keeps things short and sweet.
In a world where style and substance get confused, it’s refreshing to know that there are people out there, like these three, who walk the walk.
It’s always good to know that such busy and influential folks take time out of their day to help people out. I was looking to build conversation on one of my posts last week and asked him to take a quick look..and he, of course, obliged and left a nice little comment. I’ve not had any experience with the other two, but it’s reassuring to read your post.
I’ve always tried to live the same way…give freely of what has been freely given to you.
What I enjoy most about Seth is that he is comfortable with his strategies and sticks to them. He’s not on twitter b/c he says “it isn’t him”. He doesn’t allow comments on his blog, but people still love it… He’s developed his strategy, the way he decided he’s going to reach his tribe and he sticks to it. He’s not easily influenced by the people who make “the rules” of social media and marketing. He’s controversial and that makes him great.
Thanks Jim… I read Seth and Robert every chance I get, but Chris Brogan was off my radar. Can’t wait to dive in.
3 of the must follow – people online. i have to agree with you on how many of us have to share our respect for them. thanks for the great read. and thanks to theses 3 bloggers for sharing their knowledge with us.
I love Seth Godin, my favorite of all marketing gurus.
Some excellent feedback here.
I hope Seth, Robert and Chris get to see the comments you have left!
Reminds me of a saying by 37Signals founder, Jason Fried. He was discussing how to compete in today’s digital world, and he boiled it down to “you must out teach, out share, and out contribute.”
By taking time to help you out, Brogan and Scoble were definitely adhering to that policy, knowing that in the long run it could only help.
I had run into Roberts work around the net and when I got into twitter I started following him. Soon after he tweeted with his phone number offering free pr, I wasn’t sure if this was for real but I called and he gave me some great advice for my web app.
I’m still amazed he put his number out there and I actually talked to him on the phone! I recommend following him as well.
John,
Robert has a VERY open attitude, regarding what he shares online. It seems to work really well for him though.
You know I have heard the names and haven’t paid much attention, only to Chris. I have been subscribed to Chris’ blog, twitter and all that for a while, but today I have subscribed to Seth and Robert’s blog now.
Chris has enough info to keep you busy!
Thanks,
It’s great that even though they are very busy they still have time to help the rest of us. They are all so nice and knowledgeable.
You know, I have not interacted with Seth or Robert, but have with Chris.
I agree – they all put out so much every day. In the end though, they take the time and make the effort to connect in many ways – and personal, direct and engaging communication with individuals is a common trend it would appear that they share.
thanks guys!
Seth,
As you can see, your expertise and commitment to contribution is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Seth!!
One of the things that pains me greatly is not being able to get back to everyone. I will die trying, though! Thanks for the nice compliments.
Hey Robert,
Thanks for stopping by the blog. Like your buddy Seth, you have always been extremely helpful to me. It’s nice to be able to recognise it publicly; as most of what you do isn’t seen by ‘the masses.’
Thanks Robert!!
As a Marketer I have followed Seth for a long time. I never heard of Chris or Robert until I started on Twitter. It didn’t take long to figure out that Chris and Robert were very worth following. I now subscribe to Chris’s blog as a result and really enjoy the personal brand each has developed that clearly comes across in their online communications. Jim – I found your blog through a Tweet from Robert! Great stuff everyone – Thanks
Mr. Godin’s piece of wisdom is just as appropriate in the sales arena as it is in marketing. I see so many small business owners try so hard to close a sale that they lose their genuineness. We all have to learn to just be true to ourselves.
My favorite thing about Seth is that he pays attention, leaves nice comments, and, yes, answers questions for people he doesn’t know. Like me, a couple of years ago.
Stephen,
Seth’s a genuinely nice guy. Great to see him comment here when he does.
I’m not surprised at Seth at all.
The way he writes is very down to earth and apprachable, one on my favourise books is his “Purple Cow” on how to stand out from a crowd and his approachable way is just one of those ways.
Especially in these days when every one wants to do impersonal faceless mass marketing that’s the way to stand out from a crowd.
James Toovey
James,
I hope Seth sees your comment!