Business Reading Recommendation: Linchpin
Reading List for Marketers
Are you indispensable How do you know? Linchpin is a book by Seth Godin that is worth reading by anyone in the business world. Godin has a remarkable way of illustrating just how much the times have changed. 20 years ago, you worked hard and your company rewarded you. Now, however, you are a cog in a machine that can be replaced. At least that's how Godin describes in this book for those that don't act as linchpins in their organizations. What is a linchpin? A linchpin is someone in an organization - whether a non-profit, a huge corporation, or is self employed - that begins to look at the world of work differently.
1. Stop following a rulebook - make decisions that are highly impactful to both you and others around you - and don't just do what the boss says "just because".
2. Find what you love, and make it an art form. Everyone is an artist - you simply need to find out what great work you can create.
3. Give gifts. Everyday. Find what your form of art is, and give it away. Giving away free gifts - not because you have to, but because you want to - is the surest sign of a linchpin. Though the primary purpose isn't to be rewarded, you surely will become indispensable for doing what you love and doing great work in the process.
Seth Godin, the quirky guru famous for his stance on permission-marketing, is also author of his personal daily blog, which I highly recommend for inspiration and a new way of looking at how to give gifts. If you don't read any other books this year, make sure you DO read Linchpin.