Don’t Buy Seth Godin’s New Book Tribes
October 27th, 2008
Here’s the thing: I have never done a book review on this site before and probably won’t do another, however, as someone who has lived amongst, and worked with, actual tribes in Papua New Guinea who up until about twenty years ago were still practicing cannibalism, I had a lot of hesitancy when I first heard the title of the new book.
image: Village Big Man and Tribal Leader Erukai and family; Kakoro, Papua New Guinea
What could this marketing guy from New York possibly know about tribes? Does he know that in Papua New Guinea the tribal leaders are known as ‘Big Men’ or that in Samoa they call elders ‘Matai’ and they have different designations whether they are a village orator or in charge of land resources.
I have been a reader of Seth’s blog for quite some time now, and he has even been kind enough to answer simple business questions for me from time to time. But, for this book, “TRIBES,” I was not prepared to drink the Kool AId just because Mr. Godin wrote it.
Quite possibly, because the tribes I am most familiar with (literally) rely on each other for survival. Promoting products or trying to increase brand awareness could quite possibly be the furthest thing from their minds. If the tribes I know stop functioning or have a leadership breakdown, the reality is, they face life-threatening circumstances.
Nevertheless, after carefully reading the book and with the above being stated, my recommendation is:
Don’t buy Seth Godin’s new book Tribes just for yourself!! Do the world a favor and buy a copy of it for your friends and co-workers too.
My own humble opinion, but this book could easily be repackaged and located in the ‘Self Help’ section of bookstores under the title, “Life is to Short to be Mediocre” and I could NOT agree more.
Overall View of Tribes
Chances are, if you’re reading this site you are like me. Attempting to live some type of unconventional life.
You might want to work from home, start your own business, or travel the globe and you’ve learned (or are in the process of learning) how to control your fear and to pursue what *you* believe is important.
Seth’s book is, of course, everything you would expect it to be, thought provoking, intelligently written, and inspiring.
How can you argue with a guy that is trying to effect such a positive change?
I am not a marketing expert, just someone who got fed up with the status quo of working for other people. And who now owns a small business in the Caribbean and currently trying to get a fledgling humanitarian project off the ground using mostly social media and blogging to help spread the word.
What I truly like about Tribes is the fact that it’s not really about marketing at all, but about breaking the chains of mediocrity and living and pursuing your ideas!
With one of the primary tenets that I drew from the book being:
People are afraid to lead and create movements because they are stuck in a rut due too fear.
One of my favorite discussions in the book begins on page fifty-five where Seth writes about discomfort:
“It’s uncomfortable to stand up in front of strangers.”
“It’s uncomfortable to propose an idea that might fail.”
“It’s uncomfortable to challenge the status quo.”
I particularly like the “uncomfortable” discourse because a couple of weeks ago I posted regarding the best method that I have discovered (via my own trial and error!) to get yourself out of a rut, which is to make yourself uncomfortable.
Perhaps it was the title, Better Than Smacking A Fish off Your Forehead: How to get yourself out of a rut, but my “uncomfortable” missive did not do well and I thought, perhaps I was missing something.
My first thought when reading Seth’s discussion on making yourself uncomfortable; I (WE) get it.
But, oh man, would I love to be able to give a copy of this book to all of the entrenched government employees that I encountered while trying to introduce new technology as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) consultant.
Fighting the Status Quo
Many people (not all!) that I previously worked with on a daily basis were truly fantastic human beings, but they had that glazed over look of the paycheck collecting, walking dead and appeared on the surface to be perfectly content with mediocrity and resisting (fighting?) change at every angle. (Note: To be fair, in many of the work situations that I found myself in, I was a complete outsider because I came from another country. So it was MY job to breakdown the barriers that can accompany new technology, data sharing, and collaboration.)
If this is how you choose to live, then that’s okay. Though many seemed to be stuck somewhere between – miserable and just barely content with their daily work lives. I know the look (WELL) because I have been there myself and think it’s a lifelong battle to keep from falling back into it.
I think Seth’s book is important when it comes to fighting the status quo because it’s really a thesis on the power of independent thinking. Specifically, how pursuing your ideas, having a plan, and a vision for where you would like to go, whether, marketing a product, working as a customer service rep, or as a method of leading your life can make a difference. It’s not easy
My Recommendations to Seth
A couple of days ago Pam Slim asked on Twitter if anyone had questions regarding Tribes as she was going to be having a phone discussion with Seth.
My immediate response, “How do we get this book infused into corporate America” so that it becomes the human resource manual by which all companies will be judged by?
Living outside the continental U.S. can be difficult when it comes to ordering products and services, but two recent interactions that I have had with customer service representatives REALLY highlight the need for independent thinking in some corporations:
- AT&T – we have been attempting to purchase a Blackberry, first online, and as of late on the phone. In fact, we’ve been on the phones so much with AT&T that my wife has spent at least eight hours (yes you read that correct!) trying to get our order sorted. The thing I don’t understand is, we WANT to give them our very hard earned money… But, as of 1:00p.m. on Monday, October 27, not one person at AT&T can tell us if our order has been shipped, how it was shipped, or when it will arrive. The general tone that we receive when we call is that we are idiots, don’t worry, and call back later (so someone else can deal with you). I even went so far as to ask on Twitter if my followers knew of anyone at AT&T that could assist us. Seth, please send AT&T a case of your books!! (You can send the bill to AT&T CEO Randall L. Stephenson. I’m sure he’ll thank you later.)
- E*Trade Bank – when we were working on getting Train for Humanity set up and launched as a legal non-profit, one of the things that you need is a bank account. I will not go into all of the details, but it took E*Trade over three months to tell me that setting up an account with them would not be possible. To get to this final result, three months into the process, I had to go through FOUR levels of customer service. Even though every time I got on the phone I explained that we were trying to establish this organization to help out refugees in Darfur. My frustration came not in the fact that we could not open the account but that it took three months to tell me…and they had my check, which I initially sent.
Hence, my question to Pam about getting Tribes into existing corporations, because nobody in either company wanted to help and certainly nobody wanted to take responsibility.
Last but not least, I would have liked some action items. I realize the whole book is about taking action! Yet sometimes when caught in a rut it helps to read a few simple points.
For those who would like to implement what Seth suggests, I recommend the following:
1. Make a conscious decision and acknowledge exactly what it is that you would like to be doing. Write it down on paper, or better yet, tell somebody (or tell ten people) because this will help to change your mindset. We ALL fail and have an inherent fear of failure. From my experience this is without a doubt the HARDEST and most uncomfortable step to take. Once you have done it (and you don’t die) you can begin to take action.
2. Get started TODAY. Set about making it happen because life is to short to be mediocre and to be unhappy.
You can do it!!
How about you…did you read Tribes? What did you think? Am I way off base?
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October 27th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Wow! What a review! “1. Make a conscious decision and acknowledge exactly what it is that you would like to be doing. Write it down on paper, or better yet, tell somebody (or tell ten people) because this will help to change your mindset. We ALL fail and have an inherent fear of failure. From my experience this is without a doubt the HARDEST and most uncomfortable step to take. Once you have done it (and you don’t die) you can begin to take action.
2. Get started TODAY. Set about making it happen because life is to short to be mediocre and to be unhappy. ” <–sums it up! Thanks!
October 27th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Mark,
Really a great post hombre!
I regret that I haven’t read the book of my summer employer yet, particularly because I’m such an advocate for all of Seth’s work. I’m hoping I can get to it over Thanksgiving break. The last semester of grad school/job-searching can be a busy-time apparently. ;-)
As far as stepping outside your comfort zone. Some of my most rewarding experiences from last semester were when I was doing something that I was initially scared to do (heck, I was scared while I was doing it), but both turned out great and there were new opportunities moving forward. The post is here (if anyone is interested): http://ryanstephensmarketing.com/blog/be-willing-to-step-outside-your-comfort-zone/
Finally, don’t get me started about AT&T (and I’m an AT&T customer). Verizon is spending money building their network and putting up new cell sites and AT&T thinks they can keep winning by just spending on advertising. The iPhone is carrying them right now, but
it will eventually catch up to them. They are 100% strictly top-down and won’t listen to the “little man” in the field who knows more about his job than they do. I could go on and on … I won’t.
Just want to reiterate, this was a great review, and I can’t wait to read the book!
Best wishes.
October 27th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Amazing review! I’m looking at the book right here on my desk and will start reading it today! After just returning from Pop!tech, I’m inspired, electrified and motivated to soak up any and all info that relates to your comment about “breaking the chains of mediocrity and living and pursuing your ideas!”
Thanks for motivating ME today!
October 27th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I saw your URL on Mark’s tweet and rushed right over. You had me all worked up over someone not buying Tribes! I think it’s a great book and yes, how do we make it required reading for Americans?
I even hosted a giveaway on my blog, and just mailed the lucky winner her very own copy of Tribes today, I wanted to tell her to make sure and pass it on, but I’m betting after she reads it, she won’t be able to help herself. She’ll just have to share the love. Thanks for a great review.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I read tribes and it set in motion a ripple that is forever now in motion for me. I think you are dead on…I took action today too. I decided after 14 years to close the physical location of my business. I started to tell people and now I can’t stop…and it feels better every time I say it out loud.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I love the way you shared Tribes and Seth Godin’s work. Seth has been talking about conscious, authentic, make a difference business for years.
Thanks for not settling for the status quo
October 27th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Stellar post in every way I can think of. And you are totally on the mark: Tribes is about so much more than ‘marketing’ (but then, Seth always has been, hasn’t he?)…
I own two copies of the book: one I’ve read and one I’m giving away. AND I’m feeling called to buy a dozen more to give to clients to demonstrate that what so many of us have been hoping would happen some day actually is happening now.
And that we all have to rise up into our parts and play ‘em to the hilt for it to go the way we want it to.
It takes a village (or a Tribe).
Thanks for doing your part, Mark. I really appreciate it.
P.S. if you have a chance, plug yourself into one of Seth’s virtual book tour calls. I listened in on one last week and the call was a wow.
Tweet me if you’d just like a replay link: http://www.twitter.com/lissaboles
October 27th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
*Hi Mark (Salinas) - I knew I would get you with the title. :) Thanks for the kind words!
*Hey Ryan - thanks man! What are you in grad school for? It sure isn’t easy stepping outside of your comfort zone. Heck, I feel uncomfortable almost everyday whether it’s putting up a post like this or thinking about Train for Humanity and making sure we are heading down the right path. p.s. - you are certainly correct about AT&T
October 27th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
*Hi Ellen - really [REALLY] happy if what I wrote resonated…wait until you read the book. :)
*Hey Audra - yeah, I wrestled with the title but in the end I figured it would help to get people to read the post, so I kept it. Is the person who you sent the book to supposed to report back to you on what they thought about it?
October 27th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I got here from Chris Brogan’s tweet… Excellent review of the book. After listening to it - I sent the iTunes link to everyone I know!
I’ve been in business for myself for almost 10 years and have been uncomfortable more the once. It’s tempting to rest on your laurels and say ahhh… but no… got to keep pushing yourself into that zone to keep growing, moving and doing.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Excellent review of this book.
I went with the audio book version, and I must say I can not wait to hear it again. Nice that it was read by Seth himself.
After listening the first time I find myself a bit “shook up” in the fact I realize I need a change, in fact I must change.
Going to listen again, and start mapping out a new direction.
Again, thanks for the review… I could not have done it better myself!
Doc
PS… anyone know how to get an invite to the Tribes website?
October 27th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
*Hi Trish - what action did you take today? It is amazing how it starts a sort of a small ripple that continues to grow once you make the decision to change.
*Hi Mark - thank you for NOT settling!
October 27th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Thanks!
I think you nailed it. And of course, you figured out why it doesn’t come with a laundry list of action items…
October 27th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
This is a great review and great advice! I’ve read Seth’s Tribes and it’s awesome. I’m also a member of Triiibes.com.
Seeing these ideas implemented in corporate America is my dream. That’s the main reason I started my new blog.
Also, you can check out a manifesto proposal on ChangeThis.com I submitted: “Learning to View Your Customers as a Powerful Tribe”.
It’s my opinion that the concepts Seth teaches in Tribes and those I’ve learned on Triiibes.com can change corporate America and the rest of the world as well.
October 27th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Mark,
Great post. I enjoyed your responses to my #triiibes tweets during Seth’s NYC show. Your were responding real-time, as if you were sitting alongside in the audience. It just shows that the tribe can share an idea as readily as a space or place.
@ahg3
Arthur Germain
October 27th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Terrific review, Mark. I read Tribes in clusters. There’s so much food for thought that I can’t digest too much at one time.
It’s so full of challenges. Gentle challenges. Well-thought-out challenges that, when taken up, will rock peoples’ lives.
Part of what I love about Tribes is that it doesn’t shout at me. Seth presents ideas like “Most People Don’t Matter So Much,” and talks about what most people do, ending with “Almost all the growth that’s available to you exists when you aren’t like most people and when you work hard to appeal to folks who aren’t most people.”
I also love when he says you don’t have to be “in charge or powerful or pretty or connected to be a leader.” He says you do have to be committed.
This man’s ideas, and style, are helping change and expand my life in ways I can’t describe. Yet.
October 27th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
LOL, I clicked on Mark Salinas’s tweet to see who in their right mind didn’t like Tribes (which I’m reading right now and also find extremely thought provoking and spot on). SO GLAD to find that you cleverly reeled me in only to be another Seth Godin fan ha ha! V.Nice post!
October 27th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Thank you! You have very honestly addressed some of the challenges to corporate culture, the ability to be human. Don’t I remember somewhere that treating others as you would like to be treated was just good manners?
In Seth’s book, as well as the Tribes group, the ideas about personal responsibility and connections, or the ability to connect is key to success.
So, make the decision, release the fear and jump.
It’s fun & gets easier every time ;~)
October 27th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Beautifully done Mark!
I love your specific examples and questions. I am so sorry I did not get your question into the call — with such short time and great minds, a lot more if left to be discussed! Perhaps that is the point.
Thanks for being such a vibrant member of the world. I am glad I get to be part of your tribe and live your adventures vicariously.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Great review, Mark! If I hadn’t already bought Tribes earlier, I’m sure I would go get it now :)
Until this morning, the book was waiting in my book shelf. But inspired by the review I grabbed it with me for the bus ride to work — and loved it so far.
Thanks for the inspiration!
October 28th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Unfortunately, like most self-help and get-out-of-your-comfort-zone stuff we’re preaching to the converted. The only people who read these books and blogs are people who are already outside the corporate zombie zone.
The most important question is the one you asked: how do we wake up the rest of humanity?
It seems to be that being our authentic selves is what gives others permission to be their authentic selves. This gives them permission to acknowledge their own dreams, their own desires and where they’re settling. Seeing others do it can make them feel uncomfortable but also inspire them that they can make a different choice too.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:07 am
Hi Mark, great article and I like your (non marketing) take.
It is true that many people have an inherent fear of failure and to this end I recommend a couple of things to help people handle this part of their life.
1. Buy “feel the fear and do it anyway” by Susan Jeffers. It really is an indispensable guide to getting a handle on this.
2. Read my short article called “success from setbacks”.
http://tinyurl.com/69z6qs
It is a post about a seminar I attended a while back that instructs on how to deal effectively with “failure” or as some people refer to it “feedback”.
Mike Ashworth
Marketing Coach and Consultant
Brighton and Hove, Sussex, UK
http://michaelashworth.wordpress.com
October 28th, 2008 at 4:07 am
*Hi Melissa - thank you for stopping by after Chris tweeted about the post! What type of business do you run?
*Hey Doc - I was thinking about downloading the podcast myself and listening to it while I run…
October 28th, 2008 at 4:13 am
Hiya Mark!
As I tweeted yesterday, if this review doesn’t make me go out immediately and buy this book, nothing will. I like your analogies and your point of view. And your ability to make the connection between tribes. Glad to have stumbled across you and your fine self!
October 28th, 2008 at 4:35 am
*Hey Seth - but the question remains…how does this book get into corporate America? I would be happy (pleased?) to go back to work for an organization that rewarded independent thinking. :
October 28th, 2008 at 6:45 am
You definitely got me with the title too. That was a great hook. The book sounds amazing and your review is so insightful. I’m planning to pick up a copy when I head to the States for the holidays. Thanks!
October 28th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Mark says: “…how does this book get into corporate America?”
How about a massive effort to get the book (it’s small, compact) to CEOs, asking them to critique it for a special website/blog just for CEOs & executives…then creating the site that will display their reviews (good, bad, and indifferent), along with a link back to their main website?
Or something.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Judy - that’s a great idea!
October 28th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Mark, want me to post it on Triiibes as well? I see you’ve started a thread.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:04 am
What I get out of your review is. Buy one book for yourself and two for your friends. They will be thankful for this valuable gift. Forever.
October 28th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Mark,
great review
October 28th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
How about getting the book into the hands of professors (and therefore to their students via course curriculum). I bet everyone here has a favorite professor/teacher/mentor they could get in touch with. If you can’t change the workers of today you can start working on the next generation. A lot of my thought processes and methods were developed and enhanced by what I read in college.
A great post, Mark. I definitely need this book as I have no excuse to be in a rut (but seem to fall into them very easily, lol).
October 28th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Hi Mark: I downloaded the audio for free (got the instructions from Seth’s blog) and have started listening to it. I like how he says that we can all be leaders, all we need to do is make the decision to be one instead of waiting to be “anointed” by someone else.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I haven’t read this book but you got me over here with the title to your post - very clever.
I agree with Anya - that is such a great idea. Too many people in charge are entrenched in tradition and in doing things the way they’ve always been done. But getting professors to use the book in a course might influence the next generation of leaders to think differently.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:38 am
Thanks for the great post - looking forward to receiving the book soon!
Best,
Jon
theappleofmyi.com
October 30th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
It’s funny that you mention the specific Action Steps, Mark.
A few months ago I decided to write a book about it. I called it “Please don’t be mediocre”. Immediately the idea got traction in me, cause I twittered it and receive a DM back from Kathy Sierra saying “Do the book! Please do the book!”
It’s now in the process, and the idea keeps evolving. I’ll translate it to Spanish and distribute it in Puerto Rico as an ebook I think, cause we very much need it around here…
It is targeted to recent graduates that enter the corporate world, with specific mediocrity examples I’ve seen along the way and how to avoid them.
What a coincidence! I’ll let you know when it’s finished!
December 1st, 2008 at 8:33 am
Wow amazing post title and even better review… how am I not to buy this book after reading a review like this?
Marko
http://www.howtomakemyblog.com
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:26 am
I just finished reading the book after my sister bought it for me for Christmas. Usually I read all of Seth’s books the minute they come out. This one wasn’t the case, but man I wish I had. It’s really inspiring, as always from Seth. I’m in the very beginning stages of starting a blog. I’m still trying to figure out my voice and where I want to take it. Seth has helped me tremendously through his blog and books like Tribes.
Ryan
PowerOfSpokenWord.com