Editor’s note: In this thoughtful book, we’re reminded that like any new “phenomenon” much is done to little effect in the social media business. Dr. Jonah Berger starts with a fundamental fact: that word of mouth is still the most effective way toget the word out about yourself or your business. Then he gives us six lessons (STEPPS he calls them) for gaining digital attention. His research is extensive and sound but what I like best is that Jonah uses plenty of examples and case histories for every point he makes.
So if you have ever thought to yourself – if I only had the resources, I would [do this great thing] to change the world for the better – now is your chance to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and do as Gandhi said, “Be the change you hope to see in the world.”
Editor’s comment: Nice to see this video of two guys I enjoyed in college when I needed a lightener from Cream, Hendrix, Zeppelin and the like. This appears to be from just two years ago at a venue in their hometown of Santa Barbara. The harmonies and the mandolin that were their trademark then are apparently still intact. Favorite verse: “If you’ve been thinking you’re all that you’ve got, don’t feel alone anymore Cause when we’re together you’ve got a lot, as you are the river and I am the shore.”
Editor’s Note: This article served as an amazing reminder for me as I slowly become CFO of our investment company. I’ve long admired our former CFO (now Chairman of our restaurant company) Jake Crocker for being extraordinarily selective. As I absorb what we already have in our collection of investments and consider what’s “at the door”, I think I’ll refer to this article often. The personal stuff referred to in the article feels like things my partners and I are aware of but can always do better at.
Editor’s comment: In celebration of graduation season, here are nine graduation addresses collected and published by Vonnegut friend, Dan Wakefield. Reader be reminded that Vonnegut was an outrageous figure, a satirist even in speaking who can wrench your gut. But I marveled at this short read remembering that the great writers and teachers most of all make us think. At least once during each speech I laughed out loud and other times I set down the book to consider what he had just said.
Editor’s Note: Good memories flooded back to me when I saw that Cat Stevens, now Yusuf Islam, had been named to this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class. Many of the songs from his seminal album “Tea for the Tillerman” (Wild World, Father and Son and Moon Shadow) are still known to me by heart and played often. But considering KaBOOM’s work in child health and exercise, it seems appropriate to choose this song from his “Teaser and the Firecat” album.
Editor's Note: Bill Shore has been a hero to me for over 25 years. Since its start, Share Our Strength has invested $376 million to food banks and emergency food assistance programs around the US. KaBOOM is a bit younger (1995) and does similar transformational work promoting health and exercise for the 16 million poor children in the USA. Together in this article from SSIR they give some great tips about how to build cause. It upsets me to now realize that our 16 million children living in poverty was less than 12 million only 13 years ago and yet during the same period the number of billionaires in the US went from 500 (worth about $1.8 trillion) in 2000 to 1,400 billionaires today who hold $5.4 trillion of our nation’s wealth. No wonder the movement to address the disparity of wealth is growing. A deep bow to the writers for leading those who fight for the voiceless in what appears sometimes to be a losing battle, but because of their work and others will always remain a noble cause.
Editor’s note: Lewis has made our library again. Wall Street misbehavior, specifically in this instance high frequency trading is his topic and as with his best books Mr. Lewis is able to make a complicated real life story both interesting and simpler. (Warning to my fellow creatives: The numerical detail necessary to establish the scam’s techniques were at times a workout for my non-numerical brain.) Like Billy Beane in “Moneyball,” Lewis builds a hero to tell this tale, this time Brad Katsuyama. Like Beane, Katsuyama fights the system by creating new rules. Our hero creates a chance to end to a real life scam being perpetrated in recent years in our financial markets. Shortly after the book’s publication, our government began looking into changes needed in the system. Will new scams come up? Of course, but thankfully there will always be a guy like Lewis with the brains, balls and creativity to bring them to light.
“Life is difficult.” This was the first sentence of Scott Peck’s seminal book, “The Road Less Travelled.” Dr. Peck had not come up with a great revelation.
