Seth Godin channels the Grateful Dead to launch his new book Poke the Box

"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

I've been a Seth Godin fan for more than a decade and have read every one of his books at the earliest possible moment. Seth has an uncanny ability to channel what I'm thinking into a neat package so I can reflect.

That's certainly true with his new book Poke the Box which I loved.

In this video, we discussed how to manage fear and how to embrace failure. These are two things I try to do and it is always great to be given a "poke" or a swift kick in the pants as the book does.

Guess what? You don't need permission!

Towards the end, we also talk about the similarities between the Grateful Dead's marketing and the marketing for Seth's new Domino Project, the publisher of the book (watch the video and then see below).

Direct link to the video interview here.

The Domino Project, publishers of Poke the Box is an independent publishing imprint founded by Seth and powered by Amazon.

For the past several of his books (including Tribes, Linchpin, and The Dip) Seth had been publishing with mainstream publisher Portfolio.

Seth says The Domino Project is an opportunity to publish "idea manifestos" committed to readers, rather than being bookstore friendly. It’s named after the domino effect--where one powerful idea spreads down the line, pushing from person to person.

"I have two audacious goals," Seth says. "I want to change the people who read (not enough do) and I want to change the way books are published (they're too hard to find and spread). I honestly believe that a book can change a mind like nothing else, and that’s our focus. To help anyone to do work they’re proud of and to make a difference."

I was fascinated by the parallels of The Domino Project and the launch of Poke the Box to Grateful Dead style business models and marketing techniques.

Seth is a fellow Deadhead.

• The Grateful Dead started their own label (like Seth).
• The Grateful Dead gives away tons of content for free (like Seth).
• The Grateful Dead gave amazing live performances (like Seth).
• The Grateful Dead has deluxe special editions (like Seth).

Early this Year, the Grateful Dead announce a special Europe 72 box set containing every song they played live during their 1972 Europe tour. The 72 CD set sold out all 7,200 copies at $450 each. Hey! This is music that you can get for free on the Web!

Seth is doing the same thing with a limited edition $75.00 deluxe version of Poke the Box (that I happily own).

Why in the world would anyone pay $450 or $75 for something they can get for much less or even for free? Indeed. We can all can learn from Seth and from the Dead.

Comments

[TrafficColeman]

Seth is very respected among the world..I think I will check out his new book..

"Black Seo Guy "Signing Off"

[aluminium kozijnen]

Surely, i will read that seth book.. But now i thinks it is user bookstore friendly..

[Anne Sorensen]

Thanks David! Loved the parallels between The Dead and Seth! I read 'Poke the Box' on my Kindle - a very economical, digital version! :) Loved the way Linchpin focussed in part on 'shipping' and this one focuses on 'getting started'. The 'bookends of action'! Have fun at sxsw! Take care.

[Boros1124]

Godina Seth's books are very good. I look forward to the new book to appear. I have a favorite book from him, if you can say this. Like it very useful advice to the people. http://www.konyv-konyvek.hu/book_images/10a/999634310a.jpg

[Garrek Stemo]

I bought a copy of Poke the Box on my Kindle and I just bought the hardcover because I couldn't let it stay on my Kindle. I want to lend it to my friends and family. It's that powerful an idea. Thanks for doing this interview with Seth!

[5 finger shoes]

But it was good! There was also some very interesting footage from WWI including planes, trench fighting and artillery.good ........