Seth Godin: Don't wait to get picked, pick yourself

TL;DR

In today's connected world, waiting to be picked by gatekeepers is no longer necessary; instead, picking yourself and creating your own opportunities is the key to success.

Transcript

hi I'm Brian Elliot welcome to another edition of behind the brand today I'm here with author entrepreneur thought leader Seth Goden Seth welcome to the show thanks Brian it's amazing the light bulb I think has gone on for so many people that that's what it's about I mean uh I think you mentioned in the book too there's this great example of is it ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Playing to the right audience and creating quality work are crucial for gaining attention and success.
• 😚 Gatekeepers, such as traditional media outlets, have lost their power, and individuals can now pick themselves and share their work directly.
• 🤳 Picking yourself does not necessarily mean being self-employed; it means taking control and pursuing opportunities, even within existing organizations.
• 🇰🇼 Waiting to be chosen by others delays progress and hinders personal development.
• 💦 Building a network of true fans who appreciate and promote your work is essential for success.
• 🥺 The fear of rejection often stops people from picking themselves, but taking the initiative leads to growth and opportunities.
• 🛻 Embracing the available communication tools empowers individuals to pick themselves and showcase their talents.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Joshua Bell's story illustrate the significance of playing to the right audience?

Joshua Bell, a talented violinist, went unnoticed by thousands of people when he played in a subway. However, he could fill a concert hall with people willing to pay a high price for his performance. This highlights the importance of finding and captivating the right audience.

Q: What does it mean to pick yourself?

Picking yourself means taking initiative and creating your own opportunities instead of waiting to be chosen by others. It is about embracing personal agency and actively pursuing your goals and passions.

Q: How can individuals pick themselves in the modern world?

With the ease of communication and various platforms, individuals can pick themselves by taking advantage of technology. For instance, creating and publishing content online, starting a business without needing permits, or organizing a community without approval from higher authorities.

Q: Why do some people still wait to be picked by others?

Many individuals still seek validation and security from others' choices. They may fear taking responsibility for their own success or lack confidence in their abilities. They prefer the deniability that comes with being chosen by someone else.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The story of violinist Joshua Bell demonstrates the importance of playing to the right audience and creating quality work to attract attention.

• Picking yourself means taking control of your success instead of waiting for others to choose you.

• Communication technology has made it easier than ever to pick yourself and share your work with the world.