3 Business Lessons From Seth Godin

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3 Business Lessons From Seth Godin He's known as America's greatest marketer and the ultimate entrepreneur for the information age. Dave is such a fan, he's called him the best marketing brain on the planet. Last week, we had the honor of calling Seth Godin an EntreLeadership Podcast guest. He spoke with Dave about his work, marketing in today's digital world and small business. Here are a few takeaways from their conversation that you can apply to your company and win. 1. Discipline Is Key There is a reason every Seth Godin book has been a best-seller and his marketing blog remains the most successful one in the world: lots of hard work and discipline. Seth grinds it out every day, even when he doesn't feel like it. In fact, he uploaded his 5,000th blog post last week—that's 10 years of posting. "There isn't one post that I've done that changed everything for me or anyone. [. . .] But over time, the practice of chopping wood, carrying water, and showing up has changed me and changed a lot of people who subscribe," Seth said. What you can do: Your goals tell you how disciplined you need to be, so make sure you have the right ones. Otherwise, all that hard work gets you no closer to your vision. Remember, for goals to work, they must: Be specific Be measurable Have a time limit Be yours Be in writing 2. A Matter of Trust If there is one element every super-successful brand has in common, it's trust. Companies that have it are winning. Those that have violated it aren't around for long. "When I trust you, I'm giving you something that is emotionally difficult," Seth said. "If you violate my trust, I will carry that around far longer than I will carry around the money I lost to you." What you can do: Trust is not extended overnight. It takes time and effort, and it needs to be a factor in every decision you make. Each interaction with a customer is an opportunity to gain or lose trust. You should be as intentional in building trust as you are in building revenue. Prove you are worthy of their confidence by your words and actions each and every day. 3. Share Your Story What prompts your customers to act? Many people buy things based on the way you make them feel instead of price or convenience. And the best way to connect with their emotions is through storytelling. If your story is good, people will spread it for you. What you can do: Every business, no matter how small, has a story. And with social media, it's easier than ever to share. Tell your personal story: how you got started, the obstacles you faced, and why you do what you do. Talk about why you're passionate about your products and share anecdotes about your team. Inspire your customers to do the same. Write a few lines, use images, or make some videos. Just get started and learn what connects with your customers as you go. In today's world, working hard and creating relationships beats out mass marketing every time. As Seth said, "You have everything you need to build something far bigger than yourself. [. . .] My blog is one of the most popular in the world, and it costs me $19 a year to run." For more of Dave and Seth's conversation, check out our latest EntreLeadership Podcast. Share this: To learn more about business, team building and leadership, download our EntreLeadership podcasts, which include lessons from Dave plus interviews with key business leaders from across the nation. Quick Tip By John Felkins EntreLeadership Coaching and Community Your best marketing tool is always a happy customer. They'll expose your product or service to more people than a billboard. Think about the last time you went to the movies or bought a book. Someone told you they liked it, right? It's the best way to get new business and build your brand. You have my word on it. Don't forget to check out a free online coaching session. Download our free digital magazine designed to help business leaders win! Learn more about your DISC profile Herb Jenkins Executive Director of Marketing, Business to Business/Business to Government Ten out of 10 marketers would agree that trust is critical to building a successful brand. Yet for most marketing leaders I talk to, it takes a surprising amount of discipline to make trust a priority. Here's why: In today's ROI-driven marketing world, it has never been easier to let the numbers dictate the day-to-day decisions. Author Earl Nightingale once said, "We become what we think about." I think this is true for our brands as well. If you want a trusted brand, trust must be a factor in every decision you make. You can find a lot of truth in the numbers. But if you're not careful, you can lose your brand there as well. About Herb Herb joined Dave's team in 2012 as Executive Director of Marketing for the company's Business to Business and Business to Government divisions. He passionately serves the Endorsed Local Provider (ELP), EntreLeadership and CORE Financial Wellness brands with strategic marketing guidance and leadership. Herb enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, creating delicious food, and having good conversations.

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