Dr. Michael R. MacDonald
I have always loved reading about marketing – even before I became a psychologist and started a small practice group. But, I have never liked the approach of some marketers who emphasize hype and manipulation. To me, there are much better ways.
To be successful in the field of marketing, you need to have a strong mind. You also need to be productive. Without these strengths, there are many ambitious people more than willing to move ahead of you.
When we think of marketing, generosity is not likely to be top of mind. These are concepts are most often associated with charities and non-profits, not the business world.
But Seth Godin is different and different on purpose.
Seth Godin’s Approach
Seth Godin is a world-renown author and marketing expert. He emphasizes generosity as a core principle in his creative life and his 21 best-selling books.
His approach to creativity, marketing and productivity is exemplified in one his recent works: The Practice: Shipping Creative Work (2020).
In this book, Godin outlines how to live a creative life and be productive in creative work. He stresses three main ingredients for a successful creative practice:
Curiosity
Generosity
Connection
These core principles are not often associated with marketing or productivity. But when you read his work, these principles shine through. And he lives by these values, which have helped make him stand out and thrive over a long career in a hyper competitive field.
Doing the Work
Here is an example of how Seth Godin thinks.
Godin believes that practice and doing the work are the real creative magic, even if it means producing “bad” work initially. He challenges the concept of writer’s block, suggesting a simple fix: start writing badly. Through this process, good writing inevitably emerges.
A very productive GSD kind of thinking.
In another recent book, This is Marketing, Godin presents a fresh perspective on marketing.
- He argues that marketing is about making change happen and serving people’s needs. It’s not about manipulation, but about empathy and genuine connection.
- To him, successful marketing requires understanding your audience’s worldview and desires. The goal is to create products and services people actually want and need. Building trust and earning permission are crucial for long-term success.
- Godin’s approach emphasizes ethical, customer-centric marketing that adds value to people’s lives.
Definitely, a warm-hearted approach.
A Little Note
I don’t know Seth Godin. I wish I did. I receive no compensation whatsoever for writing about his inspirational work. I am just a fan who likes to writes about positive and uplifting people and their work.
Until next time, let our warm hearts soar!
Michael
michael@aWarmHeart.ca
And thank you for caring that little bit extra – it really makes a big difference.
