Seth Godin is the author of twelve books that have been bestsellers around the world and changed the way people think about marketing, change, and work. He earned his MBA from Stanford, and was called “the Ultimate Entrepreneur for the Information Age” by Business Week. For more information visit his website or read his blog.
He recently listed 20 reasons why people choose to spread ideas:
- I spread your idea because it makes me feel generous.
- …because I feel smart alerting others to what I discovered.
- …because I care about the outcome and want you (the creator of the idea) to succeed.
- …because I have no choice. Every time I use your product, I spread the idea (Hotmail, iPad, a tattoo).
- …because there’s a financial benefit directly to me (Amazon affiliates, mlm).
- …because it’s funny and laughing alone is no fun.
- …because I’m lonely and sharing an idea solves that problem, at least for a while.
- …because I’m angry and I want to enlist others in my outrage (or in shutting you down).
- …because both my friend and I will benefit if I share the idea (Groupon).
- …because you asked me to, and it’s hard to say no to you.
- …because I can use the idea to introduce people to one another, and making a match is both fun in the short run and community-building.
- …because your service works better if all my friends use it (email, Facebook).
- …because if everyone knew this idea, I’d be happier.
- …because your idea says something that I have trouble saying directly (AA, a blog post, a book).
- …because I care about someone and this idea will make them happier or healthier.
- …because it’s fun to make another teen snicker about prurient stuff we’re not supposed to see.
- …because the tribe needs to know about this if we’re going to avoid an external threat.
- …because the tribe needs to know about this if we’re going to maintain internal order.
- …because it’s my job.
- I spread your idea because I’m in awe of your art and the only way I can repay you is to share that art with others.
So What?
Everyone in ministry is involved in seeking to spread ideas.
- In your experience, what are the top reasons why people have chosen to spread the ideas you shared with them?
- Does your list of top reasons why people pass along your ideas look the same today as it did ten years ago?
- If so, how has social media changed how people pass along the ideas?
- If not, what factors have changed why people choose to pass along your ideas?
- Which of Godin’s reasons do you find most applicable to your ministry setting? Are there any that you feel do not apply?
As I write this blog, I realize that I am continually seeking to share good ideas that I encounter along with questions for my readers to consider in hopes that they will not only struggle with and benefit from the information but pass it along.