It's been some time since I've read this book, so I thought I'd write about it to make more room on my bookshelf. The Tipping Point, written by Malcolm Gladwell studies social epidemics and connects the small details, such as the presence of certain factors and specific kinds of people which must be present in the creation of a social epidemic. He looks at different kinds of social epidemics, from the popularity of Sesame Street, to the reduction of crime in New York City, and the rise and fall in popularity of the Airwalk brand. Throughout this book, Gladwell picks out the presence of a few little things which can cause a big difference.
Gladwell pinpoints a few people who have specific personality traits who have a large influence. These people he calls Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen. These are people who know a large number of people and who are connected to different types of groups of people. They are people who helpfully pass along information about the best places to eat, or stay if you are traveling to a new city. They are people who are charismatic and who's emotions are contagious. Gladwell also outlines several factors which are also important. He calls these factors the Stickiness Factor and the Power of Context. These factors include how an impact needs to be lasting, and how you go about doing things is very important.
So I guess after reading this book, I realized that pretty much anybody can create some type of social epidemic: from starting a new company, to promoting your band, or starting a social justice movement. It's not about the number of people you get exposure to. Rather, its about how the presentation is made that will influence the receptivity and how people relate as well as targeting the right kinds of people.
~b~
No comments:
Post a Comment