“Whether you like it or not, people are talking about you, your brand, or your organization online. Right now. Do you know what they are saying? Do you like what they are saying?” Michael Hyatt, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
I’ve been a faithful reader of Michael Hyatt’s blog for the past few years. I also follow him on Twitter. Michael Hyatt does an outstanding job of connecting with his followers in a way that is both authentic and intentional. The same holds true for his newest book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World. As a regular reader of his blog and his tweets, I can say that I didn’t really pick up much new material in the book. However, Michael was very upfront at the beginning of the book in stating that this book is a collection of several things he has blogged about. I am really glad I went ahead and read the book anyway. This book is a great resource for anyone that desires to be intentional about furthering the vision of their organization, product, brand…or even just their own thoughts and dreams! I read Platform in an afternoon with no trouble at all. Michael writes in a way that is engaging and almost conversational. The theme of this book is simply that he wants to help leaders. It reminds me of a phrase that I’ve heard Andy Stanley say on several occasions, “Helping leaders go further…faster.”
I highlighted several things while reading and have posted those notes below. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Platform today…and while you are at it, pick up a few copies for the leaders in your life that honestly desire to make a difference in this culture!
In order for you to be successful in today’s business environment, you need two things: a compelling product and a significant platform. Loc 255
- Competition has never been greater.
- People are more distracted than ever.
- A platform provides visibility.
- A platform provides amplification.
- A platform provides connection.
- I’m afraid we have become content with mediocrity; we aim low and execute even lower.
- How do you make your vision of “wow” become reality?
- Take a stand for greatness.
- Connect with the original vision.
- Remind yourself what is at stake.
- The truth is, mediocrity is natural. You don’t have to do anything to drift there. It just happens. But if you want to create truly wow experiences–and if you want to build your platform–then it is going to require courage. Are you willing to be brave?
- Connect with what is at stake.
- Bottom line: endorsements can make a huge difference in whether or not your product gets noticed by the gatekeepers, trendsetters, and your target market. Take the time to get them. It is worth it.
- All of this requires your personal participation. You can’t hire it done. You can’t fake it. If you’re not willing to make the personal investment, don’t bother. You won’t fool anyone.
- It shouldn’t make any difference whether you have ten readers or one hundred thousand. Dawson Trotman, the founder of the Navigators, had it right decades ago when he said, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and fingertips.” If you are writing, you are achieving greater clarity about your life, your work, and what matters most.
- In this crazy world of social media, I think we need to remain thoughtful and flexible about how we connect online, drawing clear distinctions between public and private.
- Whether you like it or not, people are talking about you, your brand, or your organization online. Right now. Do you know what they are saying? Do you like what they are saying?
- As a leader–and a blogger–the trick is to create an environment that is safe for dissension, so these people can speak up.
- All you have to do is take the first step. You’ll figure out the rest.