PSA: Pay money to have a marketer tell you in person what he already wrote in a book
Snarky headline aside, Seth Godin — marketing author extraordinaire — got clever with his upcoming book tour and will make a fortune from it (further solidifying his staunch marketing prowess). He’ll also avoid being stuck in Fargo, North Dakota sans book sales in the process.
Here’s how it works: if a state populace raises at least $25,000 in pre-purchased books (his new one), Seth will come and speak free of charge to local residents. Grass root ninjas Matt Reinbold, Phil Burns, and Jason Alba have put together an impressive local campaign that’s sure to bring the acclaimed author to Utah. If interested, click here for the salient details on how to participate, or pledge your $50 now.
See also: Seth at Google HQ discussing what I believe to be his best work, All Marketers Are Liars (It’s the storytelling, stupid.)
[Thanks to all who sent this in]
April 13th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Great post Blake! Dead on analysis of the effect of his ‘book tour’. I find it to be yet another brilliant marketing tactic from the master.
April 13th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Thanks, Blake
probably worth noting that the fee includes 5 copies of a $12 book. Hmmm. Not a lot of room here for beach cabanas. In fact, the point of the tour isn’t to make a profit, it’s to spread the word.
April 13th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Seth,
You know just as well as I do that spreading the word ultimately brings profits. The use of “fortune” in my post was sensationalistic, but your approach is smart being that you’re a for-profit enterprise.
Good luck!