Linchpin magazine (Test)

LINCHPIN
The magazine that brings
together the best of linchpin
meetups worldwide.
linchpinmagazine.com
Issue 1 Summer 2010 $15.00

magazINe

Shipped!
Many small gifts of kindness
makes one big magazine
A remarkable collection of stories from linchpin
meetups everywhere

2 L I n c h p I n mAgA z I n e I S S u e 1

Where is
everybody?
photos by Taylor Davidson

L I n c h p I n mAgA z I n e I S S u e 1 3

Forward
by Seth Godin
When I created my first book in 1984, I desperately wanted someone
fabulous to write the foreword.

Because I had a passing acquaintance with Andy Tobias, a brilliant business writer,
I decided to write to him and ask if he’d do it.

A week later, I got a letter back (all we had was letters then, email was merely a good idea).
Andy said that he liked my book and that he would have been willing to write the foreword,
except that I had spelled it wrong! Because I wrote “forward” instead of “foreword” in my
note to him, I was doomed. Game over.

I think about this all the time, even though it was 26 years ago. I think about it when
someone asks me to write a ‘forward’, and I think about it whenever I imagine that there’s
only one door on the path to where I’m trying to go.

This isn’t a foreword, because I don’t write them (it’s easier to just say no to everyone.) No,
this is a forward. It’s a plea to keep moving, moving in the correct direction, which is always
forward. The people who created this magazine are doing just that. The people who are
Brian Bloom

showing up at the Linchpin meetup, eager to connect and make something happen are
doing just that as well.

Go, ship, make something happen.

Forward!


Linchpin Magazine Issue 1
10 connections
Read reports from over 30 linchpin
meetups worldwide.

This photo and cover photos: David pu’u

06 Our editorial team 34 Inspirations
The editorial team members have never A collection of thoughts and opinions on
been in the same room but are fans of topics around work and life.
remote working and collaboration software.
46 charities
07 Why a linchpin magazine? Find out about Seeducation*, the charity we
We made this magazine because we could; support, and other worthy charities.
to prove to ourselves that all the old excuses
have gone away. 50 Outro
Linchpin Magazine started as an idea in
08 Linchpin meetups – what’s it Ireland that spread to Scotland, Austria,
all about? the USA and the Philippines as the editorial
What makes over 5,000 people in almost team came together. We had a team, a plan
21 800 places across the globe decide to meet and 44 empty pages. What could possibly
up on a particular day? On June 14th 2010, go wrong?
people got together to celebrate an idea.
51Our contributors
28 expressions Without our contributors, there would be
A collection of doodles, graphics and no magazine. Find out who they are.
thoughts on and around the linchpin
concept.

*Of the $15 purchase price, $10.40 (at 52 pages) goes
to magcloud to print the magazine, leaving $4.60 going
38 to Seeducation.

Editorial team
Project initator When you want to do something,
Kenny Whitelaw-Jones you find a way of achieving it.
kenny@linchpinmagazine.com The editorial team members
have never been in the same
Editor room but are fans of remote
Caroline von Schmalensee working and collaboration
caroline@linchpinmagazine.com software. We are connected.

Designer
Kay Koyama-Gore
kay@linchpinmagazine.com

Web developer
Ted Kusio
ted@linchpinmagazine.com

Project administration
and support
Louella Paranal
louella@linchpinmagazine.com


Why a linchpin magazine?
by Kenny Whitelaw-Jones
Once upon a time, launching a magazine was a huge, expensive
endeavour. You needed a massive advertising budget, sufficient capital
to fund large print runs and access to a tightly controlled distribution
channel, It took deep pockets to fund the long lead time and high
production costs.

This magazine moved between idea and delivery in 3 weeks, with a team who has never
produced a magazine before and who have never sat together in the same room. We’re
spread from New York to Manila, and we delivered on a budget of $0.

We used one of the team’s existing Basecamp account to collaborate: cost $0.

We used Google apps to communicate: cost $0.

We set up wordpress on an existing server: cost $0.

We used MagCloud to print and distribute the magazine: cost $0.

We used an existing Mailchimp account to send email: cost $0.

We made this magazine because we could; to prove to ourselves that all the old excuses
have gone away. “There isn’t enough money”. “There isn’t enough time”. “We don’t have
the right people”. “We don’t have enough people”. These made sense in the past, but are
no longer real barriers. All that’s left is our own fear. Fear of asking. Fear of looking silly.
Fear of failing.

“Nobody will contribute”, we thought.

“We’ll never pull it off”, we thought.

“Nobody will want to read it”, we thought

“What on earth is the point anyway?”, we thought.

But because our fears have been named, the “lizard brain”, we ignored them.

And because our determination and drive and hope and passion have been named,
“linchpin”, we shipped.

This magazine cost us nothing but our time to produce, but it’s value is
beyond measure.


Linchpin
what we are told to and behave well. The
deal was that in exchange, we would get
rewards: a home, food, promotions, more
expendable income, a comfortable pension.
But the deal is gone. Being compliant
and doing what you are told is no longer

meetups –
enough to have a good life. The new market
demands people who add something
beyond the job specification. Indispensable
people. Linchpins.

Being indispensable
Imagine that you had an important message

what’s it all
and you worked tirelessly on spreading it.
You wrote your blog daily. It was a good blog
and lots of people read it, commented on it,
shared it. You wrote a book. People bought
it and said great things about it. Then, one
day, you suggested that maybe people who
understood your message might want to

about?
get together to talk about it. And they did.
Thousands of them did.

Taking the time to build that tribe and
being able to enthuse it is what makes
Seth himself a linchpin. It takes more than
just being good at your job to get your
own action figure. It takes courage and
peristance to become a linchpin.

by Caroline von Schmalensee Emotional labour
What makes over 5,000 people in almost 800 places across the globe Changing how you work, how you view work
in the larger scheme of your life, is not
decide to meet up on a particular day? On June 14th 2010, people
something you do in a minute. It takes time
got together to celebrate an idea. and determination. To change anything we
have to overcome the resistance, the little
voice that tries to talk us out of taking risks
The idea was that that of the linchpin, and making changes. This is the same fear
someone that does something so important that makes us not try all out so that it is less
that they cannot be replaced. Seth Godin devastating if we fail. Accept the fear and do
argues, in his book Linchpin – Are you things anyway. For many of us that is easier
indispensable?, that the world of work is said than done but if sitting tight and doing
changing and that we have to change with what we are told is no longer the route
it if we want to stay gainfully employed. to success, we have to learn to act despite
The last couple of years has increased the the fear.
pressure for us to think about our careers
and how we work. The economic climate We are not in the school yard any more.
has had a profound effect on how secure It does not matter if people make fun of us
we are in our jobs. when we act with commitment. The deal
has changed and we have to work with
Introducing the linchpin our emotions as well as our brains and
Once upon a time, the industrial revolution bodies. Make connections, help others,
caused a shift in working practices, from solve problems and move forward, always
individuals crafting individual items forward. It pays off. Being a linchpin is not
to identically skilled workers creating just necessary, it is also much more satisfying
cheap, identical products. To push down than rigidly sticking to the script.
cost and risk, every workplace became a
factory. Society supported these factories
by teaching us to follow instructions, do


Linchpins met everywhere The stats
The Linchpin meetup ball started rolling
in May 2010 and on the day of the linchpin continents
meetup, 5,830 people in 90 countries had 4
announced that they wanted to meet other
countries
linchpins on the Linchpins are everywhere 90
Meetups page.
people
The majority of the meetups took place in 5,830
North America and Europe, but there were meetups
also meetups in Asia, South America, Africa, 792
the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
Meetups took place in restaurants and Average people per meetup
7.3
coffee shops, bars and private homes. Some
even took place over the internet. There are Follow-up meetups
more ways than one to meet face to face. 102

The very way the meetups were organised most attendees
215, New York
illustrates a point about linchpins. Each
meetup needed an organiser. Being an Fewest attendees
organiser could be as involved as the 0
individual wanted: select a time and place,
most westerly meetup
and leave it at that. Or go further: elect
Juneau, Alaska, USA
a time and place, spread the word, get
sponsors to contribute food and drink, most easterly meetup
interact with your attendees before the We have organised the content into sections: Hamilton, New Zealand
event. The more involved you get, the
most northern meetup
greater the risk but all organisers faced the Connections: reports from over 30 linchpin Stavanger, Norway
same fear: what if no one turns up? If you meetups worldwide.
want to be a linchpin you have to have the most southern meetup
courage to put your head above the parapet. Expressions: doodles, graphics and thoughts Dunedin, New Zealand
on and around the linchpin concept. Litres of coffee consumed1
Of course, the purpose of the meetups 1,551.7
was not to provide an example but Inspirations: a collection of thoughts and
to provide a forum for meetings and opinions on topics around work and life that calories consumed
discussion. A chance to meet a new network 1,364,220
people feel passionate about.
of individuals that share you ideas and goals, calories expended
that understand your struggles and want Charities: an introduction to Seeducation, 445,995
to share in your triumphs. People who can the charity we support and, the runners
motivate you to be generous with that thing up in the charity competition, Child’s i
1
We have no real way
of knowing how much
that you do that adds value. The things that Foundation. coffee or cake was
makes you indispensable. consumed so have made
At the time of writing, 91 follow-up a few assumptions: 75%
Talk about yourself meetups have been scheduled. People got of registered people
The pages that follow show what the actually turned up, drank
something valuable from the meetings and
a 12 ounce coffee or its
meetups were all about. Individuals came this magazine allows them to share what equivalent volume, ate a
together with their own agendas and their that was. standard muffin or other
own desired outcomes. It was up to each food to an equivalent
individual attendee to make sure that they Want to read Linchpin? You can buy it calorie value and talked
for an hour. Just for the
got something out of the meetup they hardback, papaerback or in audio. The fun of it.
attended. No one told them what to expect audio is read by Seth, which is great, but
or what to achieve. has the restriction of all audio books – you
cannot see the illustrations.
Fascinated by the linchpin concept and the
meetups, we asked attendees to share their Seth Godin, Linchpin – Are you indispensable?,
experiences and thoughts from the linchpin Portfolio Hardcover, 2010. 256 pages or just
meetups. This magazine is the result of under eight hours of audio.
their generosity and determination to ship.
A 48 hour deadline for delivering magazine
content is a tight one. We knew that we
were asking a lot and are delighted with the
response that we have had.


CoNNeCtIoNS LINCHPIN

world
SHIPPINgS
FRom:

over 30 locations.

1 0 L I n c h p I n mAgA z I n e I S S u e 1
around the

Connections brings together
Linchpins got together in 90

over 700 individual meetups.
countries across the world, in

reports and impressions from
Shipped from

CaNada
CaLgaRY, aLBeRta
toRoNto, oNtaRIo eURoPe
moNtReaL, QUeBeC VIeNNa, aUStRIa
edmoNtoN, aLBeRta zURICH, SwItzeRLaNd
NoVa SCotIa RotteRdam, NetHeRLaNdS
BeLFaSt, IReLaNd
JoNkoPINg, SwedeN
USa LoNdoN, Uk
PawtUCket, RHode ISLaNd zagReB, CRoatIa
St LoUIS, mISSoURI mILaNo, ItaLY
New JeRSeY aSIa
CHaNdLeR, aRIzoNa maNILa, PHILIPPINeS
RaLeIgH, NoRtH CaRoLINa tokYo, JaPaN
SoUtH HadLeY, maSSaCHUSSetS LaHoRe, PakIStaN
PoRtLaNd, oRegoN maLaYSIa
CHICago, ILLINoIS
VeNtURa, CaLIFoRNIa
aPPLe VaLLeY, CaLIFoRNIa
New YoRk, New YoRk
BoStoN, maSSaCHUSSetS
tamPa, FLoRIda
Lake CoUNtY, CaLIFoRNIa
oHIo

connections

Vienna , Austria
New ideas in a traditional setting
Andrew nash
We held our Vienna Linchpin Meetup at the MuseumsQuartier.
The highlight was meeting a group of people who wanted to discuss
Seth Godin’s ideas. On the way home I was amazed to note that
three hours had passed, although the fact that they pretty much
had to throw us out of the cafe should have been a hint. We decided
to meet again in September to continue our discussion with
more people.

Can anyone be a linchpin?
Can cleaning people be linchpins? We think that it’s possible to
bring art to cleaning and cleaners can be an important connection
between people working in an office. Our model is not the
outsourced cleaning companies, but rather the cleaners who were
really part of the organization, like the janitors in our elementary
schools in the old days (Mike Mulligan of steam shovel fame).
Maybe not forever, but being a linchpin cleaner (to pay the bills)
while you are doing some other art at night.
zurich , Switzerland
How do you transfer Seth’s ideas to old businesses and institutions?
An especially important question in cities like Vienna with long Linchpins are from everywhere
traditions.
Arjen Strijker
Can you be a linchpin in a large business or do you need to work
for yourself? Of course Seth discusses this, but it was on our minds. Yes! Even though Seth Godin and the entire linchpin concept is
We felt that learning to get along in existing structures can provide still relatively unknown in Switzerland, we ended up with a small
you with the freedom to implement innovative ideas. But, it’s a group of 9 people. As it was a good evening, we spent it at our office
balancing act. at www.citizen-space.ch roof terrace.

Where’s the fun? Who was there?
We should always ask, “Where’s the fun?” at work. Work should be Kris is Swedish and worked in multinational IT firms, but for him
a playground where you can fail. Interestingly some organizations this wasn’t satisfying. That’s why he is an independent linchpin.
allow failure but sweep it under the carpet preferring to ignore it Maria is a job psychiatrist from Romania. Maria was convinced
rather than learn from it. that the Internet is bad for children, but afterwards revised her
opinion. Ana Maria is a linchpin, which changed Maria’s life. Aya
What about colleagues to whom work is simply 8 hours plus a paycheck? is from Japan and is interested in the linchpin concept. Sebastiano
tried to work at Apple in Switzerland to make changes, but Apple
Finally, as a mixed German and English speaking group, we had didn’t listen, so Sebi tried other ways. Patricia got involved in an
a lot of fun translating and debating how to interpret Seth’s work interesting project called hyperwerk.ch to help youngsters in Kabul.
(starting with “What does linchpin mean?”) in another language. Judith is part of the SOMESSO team and will finish her internship
this summer. Margrit had a laptop that died, which changed her
Links life. Finally: I am an entrepreneur and I have the mission to change
You can sign up to the next Vienna Linchpin Meetup on Meetup. the way how companies communicate and do business.
com: www.meetup.com/Linchpins-are-everywhere-raise-the-
flag/9043 What did we talk about?
We talked about our views on things, what were the rewards for
If you are in Vienna and want to visit the MuseumQuatier, you can our actions, and what we thought it takes to be indispensable. Life
read more about it online: www.mqw.at journeys were shared, debated, and somehow changed. It was a very
interesting evening and next time I’m definitely there again.
Not heard of Mike Mulligan? You can read about him on Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Mulligan_and_His_Steam_Shovel Find the full blog post and pictures on www.somesso.com/blog
L I n c h p I n mAgA z I n e I S S u e 1 1 1

LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
connections

zagreb, croatia
Small but remarkable
zeljko markic
Zagreb meeting was little less attended than predicted, but
linchpins that gathered were really good and remarkable. Lots of
stories shared, tons of stories not shared.

As appropriate everything was better with chevapi and we are
looking forward to next year’s meeting ans shared stories around
the globe.

calgary, Alberta, canada
The currency of life
Bob mcInnes

‘‘
We have to re-shuffle our notions about security.
The danger isn’t where we think it is. The danger
is in not being entrepreneurial. If you’re not
creating the future, then someone else is, and enjoying a meeting
that someone else will change the face of the of minds and chevapi
in zagreb.
world as you know it. But that’s not the greatest
danger. The greatest danger is arriving at the
end of our lives and feeling like we haven’t really
lived. Risk is the currency of life. Without risk,
there is no life. We have to be willing to risk
failure in return for a sense that we are living.
And it’s when we’re really living that we really
have a shot at changing the world. Tampa, Florida, uSA

’’
Getting connected
Brianne Swezey
Dan Pallotta, April 20, 2010: Discover your inner entrepreneur
URL: http://blogs.hbr.org/pallotta/2010/04/discover-your-inner- It was great to meet fellow linchpins. We established that most
entreprene.html all of us are successful as separate linchpins but want to unite and
conquer the community. Our community problem is that we have
all these groups and leaders but nobody is connecting and talking.
We need to come up with a way to unite for a common cause to
bridge the community and be able to help each other ship so that
others don’t do ship off to find this connection elsewhere.

Lake county, california, uSA To sign up for the next meeting of the Lake County Linchpins
contact Tony at the Featherbed B&B, 2870 Lakeshore Blvd, Nice,
Spreading the message CA, USA +1 707 274 8378. Everyone is welcome to attend, and a
small donation to cover dinner is appreciated.
carol cole Lewis
It’s not necessary to have read the book ahead of time to attend,
A group of eight Lake County residents met at the though it would be helpful. Various written and audio formats are
Featherbed B&B to take part in “Worldwide-Meet-The-Tribe-of- available from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. You may also
Linchpins” day on June 14, 2010. Meetups were held in as many as order locally from Watershed Books +1 707 263 5787 or Catfish
500 cities worldwide, to establish conversation around the thoughts Books +1 707 263 4454 in Lakeport.
and concepts raised in the book, Linchpin: Are You Indespensable by
best selling author and Social Media guru Seth Godin.

In the synopsis of the book, linchpins are described as “the essential
building blocks of great organizations. Like the small piece of
hardware that keeps a wheel from falling off its axle, they may not
be famous but they’re indispensable. And in today’s world, they get
the best jobs and the most freedom. Have you ever found a shortcut
that others missed? Seen a new way to resolve a conflict? Made a
connection with someone others couldn’t reach? Even once? Then
you have what it takes to become indispensable, by overcoming the
resistance that holds people back.”

The Lake County participants discussed their individual
backgrounds, then used their collective talents to explore solutions
towards improving the image and economics of the county. The
group, now dubbed the “Lake County Linchpins” agreed in the
power of social media to change the world, and looked at possible
approaches of using technology and the internet to bring more
visitors and prosperity into Lake County. “We’ve got so much to
offer” says Tony Barthel, proprietor of the Featherbed B&B and
meeting participant. “Our air is the cleanest in the state; the wildlife
and natural beauty are amazing. It’s time to stop keeping the secret
that is Lake County to ourselves and tell the world what a fine place
it is to visit, live, work and play here.”

Above: Lake county
Linchpins meet at the
Featherbed B&B. Left to
Right: Rowland, mosser,
carol cole-Lewis, Teddie
pierce, Bert hutt, Ted
herrera, maria giovanni,
peggy Barthel. not
pictured: Tony Barthel.

Left: a picture of beautiful
Lake county.


LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
connections

Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia The tribe gives a hand
Matevž Gregori is the leader of the Puppet Theatre Cornseed,
Giving a helping hand a director, puppeteer, designer…the heart of the theatre. He’s
a mentor of school puppet groups in several primary and high
Danilo Tic schools. The fundamental reason, that is holding him back from
his art and passion, is his existential problem. Having three small
In Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia, there were seven creative children and building a home for them forces him to take and
linchpins, who were eager to share ideas and discuss collaboration dedicate too little time for his art.
opportunities: Matevž Gragori, Mateja Koropec, Tanja Koropec,
Jure Kleindienst, James Marjan Tomazin, Miha Kotnik, Danilo Tic. Members of the meeting decided to help Matevž open new
distribution channels for his art by recording performances, upload
Spreading the word them on Youtube, on local level.
At the meetup I realized that some of the linchpins didn’t
understand the basic idea and power of collaboration. Therefore, Could linchpin tribe help on international level?
I’m spreading the linchpin idea everywhere and everywhen, trying
to affect the members of meetup to spread it too and I’m going to
organize more meetups in my town, the first one being in autumn.

Seven creative linchpins.
mateja, James, Jure, Danilo,
Tanja, miha, matevž.


Ohio, uSA
The Ohio Linchpin meetup
emily L eberley

Rotterdam, netherlands manila, philippines
An idea takes form Energized life
Dimitri Lambermont edgardo Dangoy
The idea: Create a platform – www.linchpin.nl In two words – “life” and to describe it “energized”. Expectations
were shared, and not a single Linchpin present left without the
USP: A chance for every person to discover their personal linchpin appreciation of support and care of their fellow tribe members.
quality. To get out of the factory. To share ideas. To get inspired. Virtual and live future meetings are expected to sustain the new life
Sharing blogs on Linchpin behaviour, case studies and real life we gave breath to.
examples.

Message: Make the difference. Linchpins are everywhere. Follow
your passion.

Language: Dutch, at a later point English.

Pay-off: Still to be decided.

Goal: Awareness. To create a movement.

Timing: September/October. 10-10-2010.

How will we get noticed? The link to www.linchpin.nl should be
featured in the new translation of Linchpin. Social Media channels
(Twitter, Facebook). Blogs. Press releases.

To Do: Get the other Linchpins from the Netherlands to share.

LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
connections

Ventura, california, uSA The world was missing the point. Again.

A Linchpin sonnet “It takes generosity to discover the whole through others. If you
realize you are only a violin, you can open yourself up to the world
David pu’u by playing your role in the concert.”
Jacques Yves Cousteau
As my little ocean flavored world rocked with continued
news that only seemed to worsen, I watched and listened, as My girlfriend, Donna Von Hoesslin, had immediately launched
response from Government and Environmental groups created herself into the task of herding cats, that is getting a group of
what amounted to an untenable clamor. Finger pointing, conflict, independently creative people together, into a succinct point in
polarization, but no success occurred in fixing the massive calamity the space and time continuum, for no other apparent reason, than
of the Horizon well head blowout. to connect personally. Seth, being an excellent common thread,
along with his new book Linchpin, which most of the invitees would
Enviro groups squared off and did what they do: point fingers. Oil have no doubt read, or at the least heard of, created the necessary
Execs circled wagons. Everyone calling for Justice. There was a hole catalyst.
in the Gulf seabed. The Ocean was dying.
On Monday, in Ventura California, our Linchpin meeting took
Then Seth’s note popped up, about creating a meeting of our place at a grand old venue, that is an Historic Landmark in Ventura,
peers. A Linchpin meeting. It was followed in short order by a and is now known as Candlelight. Historic and Light. Made perfect
few quotations from Jacques Cousteau found in the course of my sense to hold a Linchpin meeting there.
regular work study.
Garner, who manages Candlelight, had even created, along with
I realized, in pondering the two very positive tones of Cousteau and Donna, a Linchpin cocktail, which was a citrus flavored, somewhat
Seth, that the clamor of adversarialism had grown so loud, no one tart, refreshing concoction served in a martini glass.
could hear what message was softly, quietly being sung.


Fifteen minutes into Linchpin 2010, Donna did the spoon to connecting. “I would like to see you all succeed. That is why I am
cocktail glass bell call, and our group gathered together in a big here.” I could feel the room relax.
circle in the large cocktail lounge. I had found myself standing next
to a seated Colin Black chatting about Waterpolo. As the circle of Minutes later, we had gathered together on a big bed outside
people began to introduce themselves Colin whispered “Oh God, and snapped a photo or two. It was my double entendre message,
I am the last one. I am going to have to stand up.” At 6’8”, Colin is that image. Our group: Law Enforcement, City Leaders, Chefs,
tall when seated. Content Creators, Business People, Corporate heads, Sustainability
specialists, what an amazing group of leaders who exemplified a
The intros gave us a sense of perspective. Funny thing about vast cross section of culture. Many change the world in the course
Linchpins, none of us is boring, and the things which everyone of their work, and were all in bed together. Right there. Connected.
spoke on were a blend of hilarity and inspiration. You could see Everyone mattered on their own merit. But as a group, the
connection beginning. But as in all settings of this sort, it was not potential became something immeasurable and vast.
without a little tension. Groups can be like that, no matter what
they contain. The world in which we exist will always offer plenty of personal
challenges, but it is only in stepping outside of ourselves,
As the turns swung round to myself and Colin, I simply stepped on connecting, and collaborating, that we will find true, sustainable
the other side of him, thereby removing him from the obligation of solutions. If we choose to do that, watch the solutions flow.
being last. He looked relieved. And as 6’8” stood next to 5’5” (me)
and Colin introduced himself, something occurred to me. Many of It could even save the ocean. We can do that. Us.
us are so self conscious we fail to consider that we are made to fulfill
a purpose.

So as Colin wrapped up, and it became my turn to speak, I did
something laterally, and decided to break group convention
and protocol, by simply resting my head against Colin’s side.
The elevation difference created a burst of laughter and I then
chatted about what I would like to have happen as a result of our

LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
connections

Japan/pakistan/nova Scotia
Linchpin day around the world
Frances Schagen
My day was very special because I got to experience the new
world: a world of borderless friendships and connections, and
the ageless world of taking time to discuss important concepts with
my friends.

I started Linchpin day by attending the meet up in Tokyo with
Bernd Nurnberger in the morning. It took place on a new
platform Junto.cc. I got there late, but I was still able to see the
chat history with all the great book recommendations and Bernd
was gracious enough to give me an overview of their discussion.
We briefly explored the topic of the real life implications of virtual
connections. There can be a very quick and deep connection on-
line because we are able to find people who are very like us without
the usual filters of geography and even of first physical impressions.

In the afternoon I was in Pakistan through Skype with host
Kamil Ali, and Mirza Bilal Khalid, Shahzeb Irshad, Saira Fatemah,
Rafia Toor, Sabeen Zehra, Ejaz Masood. We had great discussions
finding out how our cultures shape the way we look at some of the
Linchpin concepts.

We talked about how gifts can be seen as the start of a transaction,
instead of being given freely. We talked about how they are
sometimes used to create obligations so that people become afraid
to accept gifts. We talked about how difficult it can be to go against
convention, but that it can create opportunities and success in
unexpected ways. Belfast, northern Ireland
Later in the afternoon one of my favourite Linchpins, Lisa Will the linchpins please stand up?
Lowthers, came by my office in Kentville, Nova Scotia and we had
the luxury of sitting and chatting over tea and cake. We are usually Janet Whitelaw-Jones
so busy we see each other only at meetings where we focus on the
agenda at hand. We deepened our connection and shared our The Belfast Linchpin meetup was small, but perfectly formed.
thoughts on some of the projects we are working on together. There were only two of us, based in a small coffee shop in the
student end of town. ‘No, but what do you really want to do?’ was a
My Linchpin day was very special because I got to experience the question we asked at least 50 times. And this is a great question to
new world: a world of borderless friendships and connections. answer. Because actually sometimes what we think we would really
I also got to experience the ageless world of taking time to discuss like to do, turns out to be full of disappointment, and then what
important concepts with my friends - old and new. happens? Well, obviously, you pick yourself up, and go forward.
Over a blaring radio commentary on the World Cup we oozed
about photography, design, pin hole cameras, printing techniques
using egg yolks, skirts and how Peter from Slovakia had ended up in
Belfast reading Seth Godin’s books. We both have kids, and a family
to support and we tossed the idea about how one really does leave
the day job and go for it. Does this work? Who has made it work?
More peppermint tea?

Alas, Peter leaves Belfast in 3 weeks to head back to Slovakia to seek
out more Linchpins, and then I shall be one of only 2 Linchpins left
in Belfast. Belfast Linchpins, we know you’re out there. Stand up!

pawtucket, Rhode Island (“Little Rhody”) uSA St. Louis, missouri, uSA
First, learn who you are Sharing a desire to connect
Jessan Dunn Otis John e. Smith
There’s nothing, necessarily, remarkable about a few folks What came out of our meeting was a shared desire to do more
sitting in the “Amphitheater” at Slater Mill, in Pawtucket, Rhode than just meet and talk with like-minded folks. We want to connect,
Island, on an early Monday evening in June. The air was somewhat challenge, and help each other learn and use the ideas that
humid, the sun was warming, from time to time a few wispy clouds Seth Godin so memorably preaches.
floated lazily overhead; and, the Blackstone River continued to run
to the Atlantic Ocean just down the path from us. Four months We gathered and shared, getting to know one another and
earlier that River had breached its banks, thundered ‘til the ground marveling at the different ways in which the message and concepts
shook and was another kind of water running wild after torrential in Linchpin and Seth’s blog have touched our lives.
rains and, what became, a 100-year flood, from which folks in parts
of Rhode Island are still recuperating and rebuilding. We are an eclectic group, with corporate cube warriors next to
ministers, next to entrepreneurs, and a few folks who are seeking
Nevertheless, here sat these folks (a few knew each other, a few guidance on how to become indispensable in a role they have not
didn’t know each other) and they began to talk, ask questions, share yet discovered.
little pieces of their lives, talk about their “day jobs”, where they’d
lived, where they’d worked, what their “take” was on Linchpins, No BHAG’s from this meeting, other than to keep doing it and
Lizards and Purple Cows. All the while the River kept running. include others - become True Believers for the idea that we really
are moving beyond the traditional management and worker roles.
Sometimes the conversations were easy – with a free and open We do plan to take advantage of all the energy being generated
exchange. Sometimes the conversations turned to “essential across the globe by Linchpin Network and other groups sharing
questions” – like – “What does it mean to you to be a Linchpin?” this journey.
and “What brought you to this gathering?”
Our next St. Louis area meeting is scheduled in the Maryland
Someone offered this opinion: “My understanding of being a Heights area, but we will try to do even more in other parts of the
Linchpin is that, first, you have to truly learn/know who metro area. If you are a resident or just “traveling through” then,
you are in this world; then, you have to recognize and please join us.
cut through the BS; and, then, you have to do something
about that.” We have much to learn, much to share, and are loving every minute
of it!
It’s often difficult to know what other folks take away from a first
meeting. However, I know that I’ll not forget the air, the light, the We are organising the meeting using Meetup: http://www.meetup.
River and the questions still unasked and the answers still yet to be com/Linchpins-are-everywhere-raise-the-flag/9107

Who am I?
discovered and the possibilities still waiting to be set in motion on
that day in June.


LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
connections

South hadley, massachussets, uSA montreal, canada
Islands of sanity Generosity in the air
martha Johnson Welby Altidor
I did it! I hosted a Linchpin meeting! I did it even with mixed What I liked the most about the meeting in Montreal: there was
emotions, which are not always good predictors for success. a spirit of generosity in the air that allowed me to discover things
Nevertheless, I found strawberries, cheese and crackers and about people rather than just meeting them. One participant I met
opened my home, without first demanding a visit from the cleaning yesterday put it quite well when he said that beyond anything, the
lady. Three people showed up at the door. The four of us had fun gathering and Seth’s message through Linchpin was a powerful
getting acquainted. We shared how we were negotiating the process and compelling call to action. An inspired call to ship what we were
of both finding our uniqueness and developing the courage to born to give.
stand behind it. We admitted the challenge of trusting the process
involved in making changes. We acknowledged that as we deeply
engage in what matters to us, the next questions, the next answers
and the next miracles usually appear – not exactly as we expect –
but they appear.

We revealed our current dilemmas. Lisa loves making intimate
photographic memories (www.lisamerrillphotography.com) at
weddings. As it becomes a business, will it remain a passion? Doug
Raleigh, north carolina, uSA
loves helping people get the right car (www.merrillauto.com) for Just get on with it!
their needs at a great price. How can he accommodate his passion
for music? Kelly is a devout reader of Seth’s blog. How can she marianne howell Wright
connect with more like-mindeds and do more of what she loves? As
a person on the other end of the age spectrum and a semi-retired I found out at the Raleigh linchpin meet-up that linchpins come
author of Why Not Do What You Love, (www.whynotdowhatyoulove. in all sizes.
com) I wonder how I can offer my gifts of age, experience and
wisdom a bit more personally. Our Raleigh area linchpin meet-up was at the Go Realty office in
Cary. I was looking forward to it because to me being a linchpin is
As we watched the sunset from the meadow labyrinth, we hard, and I was curious how others overcome the hurdle of figuring
acknowledged the learnings from our serendipitous connection out just what that exceptional, make a difference, idea is.
and knew that we would meet again. The 70-year old host, me,
was surrounded by the palpable energy of three young I had some great conversations with people in many different
and courageous folks, eager to create islands of sanity for business and we all had Seth Godin in common. There was a lot of
themselves in a world hungry for their integrity and their sharing of stories and enthusiasm.
authenticity.
Something that’s been holding me back is an insecurity about my
Yes, I’m glad I did it!! Nobody missed the cleaning lady, and the age. I’m approaching 60 and wonder if people might not take me
strawberries were good, too. Most important, I can’t imagine a seriously or think I’m “over the hill” and about ready to retire.
more interesting and satisfying way to have spent an evening.
Katherine helped me overcome that lizard brain thought.

Katherine is young but she’s a linchpin. Home schooled, Katherine
connects by forming online communities and sharing with friends
from all over the world. When I told her I thought it is remarkable
that she is doing something that most other kids her age don’t do.
She said, well, anyone can do it. Of course, they don’t. Her age
doesn’t matter to her, she just gets on with it.

It came as a lighting bolt to me. Hey, that’s exactly what I need to
do, that I have the same possibilities and opportunities as Katherine
and just need to get on with it too.

Thanks Katherine!

Katherine does what she wants to do, undaunted.

LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
connections

chandler, Arizona, uSA
Be the change
Lisa Takata
Let me confess up front that I had never even heard of Seth
Godin before the Linchpin meetup I attended on Monday night in
Chandler, Arizona. A friend of mine contacted me with the invite
a few weeks ago and said “Just trust me, it is right up your alley.”
So I went.

What a wonderful experience to walk into a room of such engaging
people from all walks of life whom I had never met before, and
spend two hours with them in shared discussions about themes
that I have spent a lot of time thinking about and acting upon on
my own. People who are like minded about community building
and finding all kinds of ways to achieve that in various fields of
interest. People who have a common frame of reference and
language, thanks to Seth, for discussing their passions and making
change happen. People who can openly talk about their struggles
manila, philippines
in defining their life’s passion and overcoming their fears, with Manila, Manila!
complete strangers (this impressed me most...). People who share a
supportive vision of community and can for the most part set aside Louella parañal
the need to be credited for what they do. People who are using
their life’s journey to, as Gandhi said, “be the change we wish to see The Meetup in the Philippines’ capital did not disappoint.
in the world.” Eight linchpins made it through the traffic and the evening rain
and got their expectations at the end of the gathering. Here are
I enjoyed the participatory nature of this event, and some of them:
people’s willingness to listen to and challenge other
points of view in the interest of advancing their own • provide solutions to other linchpins’ problems in realizing their
critical thinking. I appreciated the generosity with which people passion using principles learned from Seth’s writings
offered to contribute ideas and help to enable others to move their • share their passions
ideas forward, and the enthusiasm people had in sometimes literally • brainstorm on ways to spread the linchpin way of thinking and
leaping out of their seats to share with others. It’s not often that working in the Philippines
you get to see such a sense of wide ranging possibility materialize • meet people who are interested in Seth Godin’s work
before your eyes. I’m glad I attended and I know the experience we • seek partnerships and/or employees
shared will lead to dynamic change in many corners of our Valley, • learn new things from other linchpins
and beyond. • network

Thank you Tyler and the Gangplank crew for bringing us all Our group was composed of an entrepreneur, a marketing
together in Arizona. consultant/business professor, a TV writer, bloggers, a virtual
assistant, an operations manager, and a former employee at a
nursing home.

The evening was filled with laughter, ideas, and opportunities.
Mike Collins, Richard Cruz, Gladys Hernando, Jam Mayer-Flores,
Bryan Danta, Jennifer Silverman, and Eddie Dangoy made the
Meetup worth the long trip.

There are plans of finding more linchpins in the area (they’re
here somewhere!) and to create social networking addresses where
Linchpins from Manila can get together. Also, to continue meeting
together and use the Meetups as opportunities to help each other,
encourage, and inspire.


portland, Oregon, uSA new Jersey, uSA
Honesty and transparency I showed up
megan Strand Khürt Williams
Linchpins are everywhere. And so often, we draw our circles I waited for 30 minutes at the bar. While I
so compactly around those with whom we see eye to eye on, well... waited I talked to a gentleman at the bar about
everything, that we miss out on those who could expand our circle.
That’s what Linchpins do. Challenge. Question. Present different his tree cutting business. He had left corporate
perspectives. America behind to pursue something he enjoyed
tremendously. We chatted while I had a wibier.
The first-ever nation-wide Linchpin Meetup took place June 14th,
suggested by Seth Godin but executed by a group of passionate
individuals in cities across the continent. Later I walked around the bar introducing myself
and asking if anyone there had read Linchpin.
At my local Portland gathering, graciously hosted by Pinpoint Logic, I walked outside and sat down on a bench
I learned that Linchpins don’t look like I thought they’d look. They
don’t talk about the things I expected them to talk about. Some of
watching as people walked by.
the Linchpins I met I want to hold close, learn more. Some came
from a place I don’t yet understand. But what impressed the heck Thirty minutes later I went home.
out of me was the level at which the bar was set for honesty and
transparency. Even my own level of honesty was surprising.

Connecting with a group of people around a common but high-
level ideal was admittedly somewhat unfamiliar. Uncomfortable,
even. But probably exactly what so many of us need. A place
where judgment can be suspended and connection can occur on
a different level that has more to do with art. And humanness.
And respect.

I’m grateful for this space. And for the journey. And for
the Linchpins.

milano, Italy
Linchpin Meetup Milano
Beer is nicer in company.
monica Amarillis Rossi
Only 5 people, because Italy was playing soccer at the Word Cup,
but it was a nice evening, where everyone was willing to help the
others and everyone discovered something new and useful!


LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
connections

Toronto, canada
The business of philanthropy
paul nazareth
The 25 or so folks who attended were from a diverse background
of age, race, experience and profession. Fundraisers, marketers,
admin staff, financial advisors, board members and consultants
from marketing, management and research. I asked the group to
“ship” two answers before they left.

Name that elephant
The first question was: what is the name of the elephant in our
room? The resounding answer was “you saw my inner Linchpin,
hired me and then slapped on the handcuffs and stood in my way”.

Charities and non-profits were born out of the fires of passion.
We are the “roots” in grass roots. But the businessification of
philanthropy is quickly wreaking havoc on how charities are
managed and what is shipped. We are stuck trying to solve
problems based on our ideology, not the real needs of
who we serve. Only the hungry have any creative courage, only
the slick can capture mass dollars, courageous missionaries of
awesomeness are losing to formula-fiends and bottom line bean
counters. The truly creative seem to become consultants, leave the
sector or ship the same 1980’s begging by mail and phone garbage
only to pray for the sweet embrace of death because retirement will
soon join the rotary phone and phone book in the ‘what was that?’
category.

What do you want to share?
On a lighter note my second question was: what would you like
to share with other linchpins? Best answers: be useful or funny.
Linchpins have purpose in all they do. Working smarter doesn’t
have to smother passionate creativity. I will out-last you, out-live
you, out-think you, out-work you, out-care you and WE will have the
change we seek.

London, uK
Solve problems and see opportunities
Tom Atkins
The London Linchpin meetup served as a living example that
the Linchpin environment is the ideal place for airing new ideas,
solving problems and seeing opportunities in a new, aspiring
community of people who are doing the same. The way of
thinking encouraged by Seth Godin draws people from every
industry, every discipline, every skill because it speaks truth to all.
And that draw is what makes the meetups so important. A great
start to a great future!

chicago, Illinois, uSA More, please!
The energy generated by this kind of evening is addictive. While our
Dynamic and passionate group is partial to Chicago being the best town to create change,
there are already more worldwide linchpin meetups scheduled for
Sandra Walter the future. As for us, we’re planning subgroup meetups to discuss
our individual projects and get things shipped. We won’t be waiting
An underlying urgency permeated the event, as if we all knew for someone else to arrange a meeting. We’ll be doing it ourselves.
the changes we sought in our businesses and ventures were not only After all, we are linchpins.
attainable, but also valuable to the future of our society

The Chicago “Linchpins are Everywhere” Meetup was hosted
at a comfortable Old Town bar and attended by a wide array of
Linchpins and Seth Godin fans. A mix of writers, filmmakers,
marketers, IT pros, nonprofit leaders, environmentalists, bankers,
photographers, vintners and Seth’s blog enthusiasts converged
over cocktails to talk about their dreams. As we exchanged business
cards, introductions varied from, “How did you find Seth’s work?’”
to “How are you going to change the World?”

Linchpins are dynamic conversationalists
The enthusiasm and encouragement people had for each other’s
projects was remarkable. As someone who writes about a somewhat
esoteric subject, I was thrilled to have meaningful conversations in a no location
matter of minutes with several of the attendees. The flurry of ideas
was instantaneous. An underlying urgency permeated the event, as Enthusiasm! Passion!
if we all knew the changes we sought in our businesses and ventures
were not only attainable, but also valuable to the future of our melissa Dinwiddie
society. In the course of a few hours I had three deep conversations
about the Power of Intention and creating Worldwide change. I dragged myself away from pressing client deadlines to go.
This does not happen often. Not only were my ideas welcome, Very unlike me, being an introvert and not always comfortable in
but getting linchpins together in the same room created a vivid group situations with strangers. But the prospect was too intriguing:
exchange of solutions, networking, and alternatives to get things people brought together on a single night all over the country by
accomplished (shipped!). the published ideas of one man. Anything could happen!

Some notable linchpin evening attributes I planned to stay for maybe 90 minutes, but three hours later I was
• Listening. People were engaged, curious, and truly listening to still there. It started inauspiciously, with introductions all round: two
each other. people, then 4, then 8, then 10. A diverse group in age, experience,
• Camaraderie. Linchpins are passionate people. Most of us had race, not all of us had even read Linchpin (I confess), but a spark
found Seth’s book to be a revelation and a confirmation of our had been lit in every one of us by something Seth had written, and
work and life priorities. those ten sparks combined to brighten up the late spring evening.
• Evolution. Ideas grew as the evening progressed. The meeting
was an organism that expanded, learned and evolved in just a few The group conversation eventually broke into smaller dialogues.
hours. Enthusiasm! Passion! Connections! I was sitting next to an
• Parallels. In one of the last conversations I noted how Seth’s “Unrepentant Generalist,” and across from a Renaissance man.
tribal leadership was akin to Eckhart Tolle’s work in The Power As a Multi-Passionate Creative Artrepreneur, I felt like I’d found
of Now. I do think they are both encouraging the same essence my tribe.
of “presence.” Seth is enabling us to exercise presence in the
business world, and teaching us to change the status quo by being By the end the ten of us were planning future meetings
authentic, accountable, and open to the changes occurring in (accountability group? resource group? online group?) and even
business. Linchpins celebrate the challenge of change because we brainstorming a street performance.
are in the “Now.”
A gift. Thank goodness I decided to play hooky.

The next meeting is on the calendar already, and I’ve got a coffee
date with one of our group to discuss our similar interests. It doesn’t
get much cooler than that.

LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
connections

new York, nY, uSA
Linchpins have class
Ted Kusio
Usually when you see someone famous and want to say “Hi,”
you either have to fight a mob or intrude on their privacy. So for
me I let celebrities have their crowd or their peace, without me.
However when Seth joined us at the NYC Meetup on June 14th,
he didn’t hold court with a select few, nor did just say “Hi” to the
organizers and leave, so he could officially say “I was there.” No, he
made the rounds, walked up to people and said “Hi.”

So this photo isn’t a “Look at me with someone famous!” shot, but a
reminder that being a linchpin also means having class. Yeah.
Apple Valley, california, uSA
Finding likeminded people
Seth neistadt
I only had two people coming to my meet up. As the day for my
meet up drew closer I considered canceling it altogether and going
to a meet up in a different city. I was frustrated. I kept looking at all
of the other cities near me that had so many respondents; Pasadena
(13), Los Angeles (98), Santa Monica (33) and then there was me;
Apple Valley (2).

I had just come back from New York where I attended Seth Godin’s
April NYC session. I met Seth Godin and lots of other amazing
people who shared the passion I had for the Linchpin concept but
when I returned home I felt alone and deflated. I had purchased 50
copies of Linchpin and I hosted a lunch at one of our finest dining
venues. I’d invited the 50 people I thought would enjoy the book
the most, but I couldn’t give the books away. People wouldn’t get
the message. They were too busy, or forgot to come. They wanted
to keep “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting
different results”. They’d rather post about the superb dinner they
ate last night or who’s doing what on the latest episode of “Lost”
rather than engage in a meaningful conversation about their art.

Well the day came and I was overwhelmingly surprised to find that
the meet up was more than I could have imagined. One of the
attendees brought a friend and so the four of us had a three hour
discussion that led to a reenergizing of my mind. I was excited
again. I didn’t think it would be any easier to reach my region but
I knew I had found kindred spirits. I was reminded of Seth Godin’s
blog “Driveby culture and the endless search for wow”. He said, as it
Andrew miller

relates to increasing traffic or changing the way a few people think,
“is it better to seek dedicated attention and support from a few who
understand the mission and are there for the long haul? … Find the
right people, those that are willing to listen to what you have to say,
and ignore the masses that are just going to race on, unchanged.”
We had four of the right people there that day and together we will
continue to share our art. Thank you.

malaysia
Malaysian Linchpin Chapter
Victor Liew
Boston, massachusetts, uSA We don’t judge, so... No “Should, Could, Must, Have to...”
We exist to create a “Lizard Brain Free Zone – Recharging the
Making something happen Linchpin in Us”
Facebook group http://bit.ly/dAZeC2
Tom catalini
Microsoft New England Research and Development
(NERD) Center, Cambridge, MA USA - June 14, 2010

People did not come for dinner or drinks. Nor did they come
to see a famous speaker or a presentation on a topic of interest.
They didn’t come to see a work of art or a performance. And they
certainly didn’t come because they had to.

People gathered in a large grey room with no windows and hard,
uncomfortable chairs to explore a shared interest in an idea.
Many ideas, actually, around a common theme - deciding to do
something. To make something happen.

A woman I met has spent her life living this way. A man I met had
just spent six months riding his motorcycle (from New Hampshire,
USA to Argentina!) thinking up ideas to act on. Another was from
an advanced MBA program from one of the best business schools in
the country. Others were in more of a state of flux and exploration.
All seemed to see the world in a similar way, though, and to agree
that change is in the air. That there is a better way to approach work
and life (which should be more similar than different).

Most importantly, many seemed ready to act. That’s the difference.
That’s a Linchpin.

edmonton, Alberta, canada
Connected!
Lana phillips
Our local Linchpin meetup in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
turned out to be about connections for me. I don’t just care about
connecting people, although that is a vital piece of my work in
the non-profit sector. I care about the connections between ideas
– seeing the different pieces come together in a way that helps
make new connections between neurons in people’s brains and
challenging them to think and act in a way that will make them
more likely to become a linchpin in whatever setting they’re placed.

My partner, who was new to the concepts of Seth Godin’s work,
walked out and said, “I felt CONNECTED.” in a surprised tone.
I was delighted.

LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
expressions

TheArtOfReferral

I began to wonder sometimes which was
actually my Lizard Brain talking, the one
that was telling me to stop, or the one that
was telling me to continue !!??

Bob Thepack


Fish n fowl.

A new mode of transportation.

David Cohen

LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
expressions

The Linchpin Martini
As served at the Ventura
Linchpin Night.

Shake in a cocktail shaker
2 shots vodka
1/2 shot O.J.
1/2 shot Pomegranate Juice

Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with an orange slice.

Enjoy.

Donna von Hoesslin


the lowest common
denominator is the
height of tyranny.
Greg Koch

It was 90 degrees F (32C)
last week. The traffic cop was
sweltering in head-to-toe
polyester. I asked, “Don’t you
have shorts?” She said, “We do,
but we’re not allowed to wear
them until July. It’s only May” The manager’s role
England goalkeeper David James talking about
Be a lizard. Run the Dept. the manager Fabio Capello: “He keeps everything
of Transportation. clear for the team, you don’t have any ambiguous
situations. He gives the players the environment
Jodi Kaplan to work in, he arms us with the knowledge of the
opposition and he trusts that the ability we have
is good enough to beat that opposition.”

It seems to me that’s a pretty good definition of
the role of the manager. I’ve always found that
the best managers have a clear vision and provide
their people with the tools, knowledge and support
to succeed.

Paul Lewis


LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
expressions

Since I am at the map making stage, I shipped my
business idea to other linchpins. I am encouraged,
they get it!

Robin Gerhart

Attitude
There are two
types of people
in the world…
one that throws
his hands up in
defeat and says
“what more can
I do?”, and the
other that wraps
his arms around
a situation and
says “what
more can I do!”.
The words are
the same, the
difference is
attitude.
Royce Parker

Sheila O’Shea


LINCHPIN
SHIPPINgS
inspirations

Notes from Bucharest – Lizard marketing
wouldn’t it be great if…
Angela Agapi Bernie mitchell
More people would smile all the time. Since reading Linchpin I have given a name to my pain – ‘Lizard
Marketing’. My goal is for you to think, it is better you read this
Andrei than we talk about you when you leave the room. If you ever
catch me doing this you are welcome to pull me up, even if you
We would only meet people so authentic that we don’t know me. Of course I have NEVER done any of these things
could never forget. (cough).
Angela 1. The Lizard Marketer can often be seen scurrying in early to
networking meetings to put all their flyers on the table. Then they
I didn’t have to worry about money and could scurry away like a child who nearly got caught with their hand in
the cookie jar. Why scurry away and avoid eye contact? Do you really
concentrate on bringing value. believe in what you do? This is an engagement inward bound world!
Catalin In marketing it must occur to you to measure what works and what
does not. Do you find yourself printing reams of flyers, leaving
People believed more in themselves. them on the table by the door and when the event is over they are
still there?
Ciprian H
2. The Lizard Marketer keeps in touch. One of the biggest letdowns
The world would be more generous. in marketing has to be when you first discover an email manager
Ciprian R program and think your time has come! Let’s send out 2000 emails
and book tickets to the moon! You excitedly check the click rate,
no one buys. You realise that the only person that clicked was your
We could discover and use teleportation. mum. Fear not, the helpful Lizard Marketer sends it again in case
Gabriela people missed it, later they discover social media which means they
can send it all day to even less people.

All Romanians were like the people I met. 3. The Lizard Marketer usually markets for an organisation that
Ileana ventures to help business. Usually they are so far behind they think
they are first and they are usually Chambers of Commerce. Recently
an email arrived from my local chamber saying they were delighted
People would be more generous. to announce that they were going to start sending a regular email
Liviu newsletter - great! (I don’t like email but that is pedantic me.) But
wait - they run a business influencing forum in the heart of London,
I earned a billion dollars and ruled the world. a city with a particularly dense concentration (I use the word dense
carefully) of ‘mobile enabled social media addicts’ and here are
Oana the Chamber advocating email as the next great wave. To mention
anything to them at this stage would be like taking an ice cream
away from a child.


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