So why tell you about my list-making habits? Besides the fact that that's the only thing my co-workers immediately associate with me, I have recently had the pleasure of completing a task on one of my most difficult lists - I completed a book I was reading. First off, I love to read, except I never find time while I'm in school, so it's a huge accomplishment when I finish a book while in school. The book I read was The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
I first saw this book on the best seller list at work (I work in the campus bookstore) and I read the back and was especially intriged. One of my passions is sustainability and attempting to change the world into a better place. Maybe that sounds corny and idealistic, but it is something I am truely passionate about. What drew me to this book is the idea that "little things can make a big difference." This simple line provides me with infinante amounts of hope that someday the world can be a better place, and we don't initally need large masses of people to make a difference; instead it can begin with a common passion of a select few. I actually wrote a review of this book for my Sustainable Business Practices class in which I summarized the main aspects of this book - the 3 rules: (1) The Law of the Few - Connectors, Mavens, & Salesmen, (2) The Stickiness Factor, (3) The Power of Context. Then I analyzed the relevance to the business world and the aspect of sustainability. My analysis was:
"This book was amazing. I loved that it was full of real-world facts and examples that directly related to the ideas being discussed. It provided me with a renewed sense of hope that change is possible – even if there are not masses of people following suit in the beginning, it is possible that I can make a difference in the future. The constant flow of examples provided by Gladwell is extremely informational, however is occasionally overwhelming – especially since it sometimes strays from his initial message, but he is always able to bring it full circle to make sense. This book had a great impact on me both personally and professionally. It provided as a reminder that there is hope, and change is possible; even by a select few. I feel it is sometimes discouraging to feel extremely passionate about new ways to help better our environment because at times it seems that so few people feel the same way. This book provides hope that even if there are only a few people who want to start a trend or make a difference it is possible; just remember the three rules of epidemics. Professionally, this book impacted me because it explained the best means in which to reach the public, ways in which you can influence them. I would recommend that every marketer read this book because it provides new insight on ways that we can effectively influence the publics’ opinion – we don’t need to follow the traditional means of commercials during prime time, but there are other means in which we can be even more influential. This book not only allows you to view the world and trends differently, but forces you to broaden your horizons in respects to thinking – think differently. I would recommend this book to anyone that desires to change the world – it not only gives insight in what is necessary to make an impact, but provides you with hope that you, as an individual, can make a difference.
I'm extremely excited I read this book, but it's too bad that in the last week I've completed one book on my list, yet I've added 5 others to my list. Oh well, it's never bad to continue to expand your mind.
