Small Is the New Big: and 183 Other Riffs, Rants, and Remarkable...

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 352 pages
• Published by: Portfolio Hardcover August 17, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1591841267
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1591841265
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Weighs: 12 ounces

From Publishers Weekly
In what's likely to be the next in a string of bestselling marketing guides (after Purple Cow), Godin compiles entries from his popular blog. Many are only a few paragraphs long, though he also adds longer entries, from his Fast Company column, to the mix. The pieces are arranged alphabetically by title rather than chronologically, leading to occasional choppiness, but Godin's ability to hone in on key issues remains intact. Following up on the themes of his earlier books, he reminds readers that the first key to successful marketing is to produce something remarkable and let it grow. "If your idea is great, people will find you," he advises. "[I]f your target audience isn't listening, it's not their fault, it's yours." He urges people to take control of their creative lives by taking responsibility for tough decisions and pushing themselves to make bolder choices. (His advice to McDonald's, for example, includes free wireless Web access at every restaurant.) The appendix contains two lengthy essays on Web design and blogs that were previously distributed as e-books. These are a more polished than the casual main entries, but still exhibit the spontaneous energy that has earned Godin so many loyal fans. (Aug. 17)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile
This audiobook will last all year, or perhaps, a lifetime. Godin is a skilled and dynamic presenter, and his originality and spontaneous style come across perfectly in audio. SMALL is truly a catalog of ideas from Godin's books, PERMISSION MARKETING and THE PURPLE COW, and his blog, as well as articles in FAST COMPANY. It's alphabetized by topic, and SMALL's subtitle, "Riffs, Rants, etc.," tells you what to expect. Godin kindly says, "Don't listen to this program all at once. It will give you a headache." True enough, even short listening hits may well spur listeners to absorb a kernel of an idea that could lead to remarkable things. Godin's enthusiast-self is the perfect irreverent marketer of his own ideas. Whether two sentences or twenty minutes, the topics provide thought exercise for anyone interested in the culture of innovation. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Reader Reviews
Many say you shouldn't give away your work for free if you wish to sell it. Nonsense. Seth Godin has got a big idea with his new book Small is the New Big. This entire book of riffs already exists for free in places such as on Seth's blog or via his Squidoo lens. I've read most of the stories in the book already. Yet I pre-ordered the book on Amazon for overnight delivery because I wanted the content, again, in the new package. I want to take it to the beach. I want to have it on my desk and pick it up now and then. "you're smarter than they think" Yes, I'm a Seth Godin fan. Reading his stuff contributed to a life change for me. Back in the late 1990s, I had ideas about how content drives action on Web sites. As the VP Marketing of several reasonably large public companies, I realized that I had "power" and "a good job." In most people's eyes, I was successful. But I just didn't have the right platform to tell the world about my ideas. And I was not fulfilled. Seth Godin's writing always focuses on getting people like me, those with a fire in the belly to take action. "I've been betting on the intelligence of my readers for almost a decade," Godin writes on the back cover of Small is the new Big, "and that bet keeps paying off. They just don't get it. Now you, you get it... And I'm, betting that once you're inspired you'll actually make something happen." For me, the big moment was when my company was acquired by a huge organization and I was shown the door. I chose not to take the "safe" route and find another VP Marketing job, but instead to strike out on my own. The "I dare you" messages from Godin were an important part of my life changing decision. Wow. I work much harder than before, but fewer hours. I attend very few meetings. I choose the terrific companies I want to work with and tell the idiots to take a hike. I've never missed one of my daughter's swim meets because of work. I have dinner with my family most evenings. I'm helping people make a difference because of my ideas rather than saying "I wish I had..." or "I could, but...". Read Small is the New Big. It is an important book. And no matter what you want to do to make a difference, listen to Seth's advice. Just get out there and make it happen.