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26th out of 64 books
—
77 voters
The Big Moo: Stop Trying to Be Perfect and Start Being Remarkable
Most organizations are stuck in a rut. On one hand, they understand all the good things that will come with growth. On the other, they’re petrified that growth means change, and change means risk, and risk means death. Nobody wants to screw up and ruin a good thing, so most companies (and individuals) just keep trying to be perfect at the things they’ve always done.
In 2003...more
In 2003...more
Hardcover, 208 pages
Published
October 20th 2005
by Portfolio Hardcover
(first published January 1st 2005)
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sweet lord Mother of God, what was I thinking? Hard to imagine that there's a worse insult to the intelligence out there than the 'Who Moved my Cheese?' scam, but this book may just qualify.
I may actually burn this book, in some kind of ritual immolation sacrifice.
Updated Feb 15th. I posted the following, more detailed review on Amazon.com. Only to receive a creepy e-mail from Seth Godin, the editor, offering me a refund of the purchase price. I declined.
I don't know what came over me in the b...more
I may actually burn this book, in some kind of ritual immolation sacrifice.
Updated Feb 15th. I posted the following, more detailed review on Amazon.com. Only to receive a creepy e-mail from Seth Godin, the editor, offering me a refund of the purchase price. I declined.
I don't know what came over me in the b...more
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I wanted to like this book, because overall I think Seth Godin is brilliant. I enjoyed the first half of The Big Moo, but after that it became something of a chore to read, even at its short length. Too many of the anecdotes are the same message, dressed up in parable:
"Here's the story of So-and-so, who did something amazing and invented $foo when $foo didn't exist. And that's what you have to do, because your competition invented $foo yesterday and tomorrow $foo will be obsolete and meaningles...more
"Here's the story of So-and-so, who did something amazing and invented $foo when $foo didn't exist. And that's what you have to do, because your competition invented $foo yesterday and tomorrow $foo will be obsolete and meaningles...more
What I didn't know was this book is actually a compilation of 33 authors, which includes Malcolm Gladwell, Guy Kawasaki and Seth himself. Some piece are stronger than others, while there are a few that are terribly weak and non-inspiring. It's difficult to enjoy this book due to its nature. There's no continuity between the chapters, and some barely stick to the theme.
Regardless, the book is for a good cause. All profit goes to charity. If you are looking for a book to get started to read up on...more
Regardless, the book is for a good cause. All profit goes to charity. If you are looking for a book to get started to read up on...more
The Big Moo feels like a collection of blog posts from several thinkers that have gained Godin's attention, a merit which speaks for itself. I love the idea of forming books around small, cohesive articles based on a theme; I wish there were more of these. This one's theme basically is "think differently and be inspired." It's worthy of going back to whenever you get into a rut. Things that stand out about this book:
* unique and varied writing styles
* short and sweet
* concision -- not enough spa...more
* unique and varied writing styles
* short and sweet
* concision -- not enough spa...more
This book is a collection of essays from a number of authors, including Seth Godin, Malcolm Gladwell, Guy Kawasaki and Tom Peters.
I find Seth's books to be very inspirational and his other books like The Dip, Tribes, Permission Marketing and Linchpin offer extremely valuable ideas.
He doesn't believe in offering step-by-step guides or a map for readers to follow, because - to him - that defeats the point of leadership: there is no map and you can't be told what to do.
The Big Moo challenges reader...more
I find Seth's books to be very inspirational and his other books like The Dip, Tribes, Permission Marketing and Linchpin offer extremely valuable ideas.
He doesn't believe in offering step-by-step guides or a map for readers to follow, because - to him - that defeats the point of leadership: there is no map and you can't be told what to do.
The Big Moo challenges reader...more
The book could best be described as an extended blog on marketing ideas illustrated with case studies. As a book for bathroom reading, it's great. But it's tiring to listen to in an extended sitting (e.g., on your way to work). Also, because there are so many different authors (33 in all), there's no continuity in the writing. As one critic pointed out, some of the ideas are even contradictory! That wouldn't be a problem if the authors were identified, but unfortunately they're not. So the reade...more
Trying to read a lot of business books to kick start my business for next year. This one just left me a little confused with small snippits of advice mixed in with stories. Some of the mantras were ok, but practice, practice, practice? Um yeah my mum told me that in year 3 (and always take time to read the questions in an exam, surprisingly that is the best advice I think I was given all the way through high school and Uni...) I read this instead of the purple cow as it isn't available at the mo...more
This is a motivational/big picture business book written by 33 people picked by marketing demigod Seth Godin. None of the writers identified their work or took any money for the project (everything went to charity). Most of the chapters are a page or two of anecdotes that illustrate a larger idea, all under the call to action "stop trying to be perfect and start being remarkable." It's easily digestible and you could read a chapter a day or blow through it all very quickly. Have a pen and paper...more
I have something slightly embarrassing to admit. When I ordered this book online, I saw the purple cow and I thought I was ordering Seth Godin's book Purple Cow. Could the title BE any larger on the cover?? Oh well. I still haven't read Purple Cow but I have now read The Big Moo.
The book was edited by Seth Godin and written by "33 of the world's smartest business thinkers." The book is a compilation of short, anecdotal chapters and, although the 33 names of the authors are on the cover, they ar...more
The book was edited by Seth Godin and written by "33 of the world's smartest business thinkers." The book is a compilation of short, anecdotal chapters and, although the 33 names of the authors are on the cover, they ar...more
33 successful people, 33 short writings.
All good advices on what to do or what not to do - how to be remarkable, how not to disappear, why you should never stop improving.
As usual, the book itself won't explain why the ideas would work for you.
But the people who wrote them are pretty successful people, and that would validate their points.
Unless your definition of success differs, in that case, you can disregard the advices.
And if you want a short summary of the book, here it is:
Work hard, be b...more
All good advices on what to do or what not to do - how to be remarkable, how not to disappear, why you should never stop improving.
As usual, the book itself won't explain why the ideas would work for you.
But the people who wrote them are pretty successful people, and that would validate their points.
Unless your definition of success differs, in that case, you can disregard the advices.
And if you want a short summary of the book, here it is:
Work hard, be b...more
A bunch of ideas that continually conflict, with barely a trace of cohesive thought. Still, it's hard not to learn something, no matter how hard I tried. The editor/curator himself states that there is no single secret to success, and at the same time there are myriad of them.
There are some good things to take away from this book, but for the price you're better off borrowing a copy or having someone photo copy the choice parts--like the editor authorizes and suggests in the beginning of the boo...more
There are some good things to take away from this book, but for the price you're better off borrowing a copy or having someone photo copy the choice parts--like the editor authorizes and suggests in the beginning of the boo...more
I can't tell yet whether this book is inspiring or just tiring.
...
Ok, I've figured it out: tiring.
This book is about how to make the company you run be all awesome and cutting-edge in your field by reinventing the field, or inventing a new field, or something. Except for the other parts that say quit chasing ghosts and just do what you do best.
I'm done.
...
Ok, I've figured it out: tiring.
This book is about how to make the company you run be all awesome and cutting-edge in your field by reinventing the field, or inventing a new field, or something. Except for the other parts that say quit chasing ghosts and just do what you do best.
I'm done.
Imagine a book written by Seth Godin, Malcolm Gladwell, Tom Peters, Guy Kawasaki, and 28 other outstanding authors... now stop, because this book is a reality... and it only get 3.5 stars.
Its got some good stuff in it, but it doesn't quite flow and some of the parts even contradict other parts. Godin even admits he doesn't agree with everything written in the book, but its worth the read.
Its got some good stuff in it, but it doesn't quite flow and some of the parts even contradict other parts. Godin even admits he doesn't agree with everything written in the book, but its worth the read.
This book was written by Seth Godin and thirty-two of the world's greatest thinkers. "The Group of 33," as they call themselves, has written a book that is both informative and inspirational. The book was written in small blog-style chapters that can be read very quickly. I definitely suggest reading this book. And, the best part, 100% of the author royalties go to three great charities.
All-over-the-place. It reminded me what I don't like about business books.
Also, highly annoying that he doesn't tell you who wrote what. Without that, it's hard to take any of the tips seriously as you have no context for where the writer's background.
Even though it's short, don't waste your time.
Also, highly annoying that he doesn't tell you who wrote what. Without that, it's hard to take any of the tips seriously as you have no context for where the writer's background.
Even though it's short, don't waste your time.
The title "The Big Moo" and the premise of the Purple Cow may seem a bit flippant and immature for a serious book about innovation... until you start reading it... and reading it... and reading it some more. Before you know it, you will have a notepad out, scribbling like mad trying to capture all the fantastic quotes from the book and your own ideas that the books had inspired.
It works great for a group struggling with the brainstorming process, to jump-start your own brain or just to give you...more
It works great for a group struggling with the brainstorming process, to jump-start your own brain or just to give you...more
This book was okay. It was a series of essays and each one came out like it was the most important thing you need to know. After about 5 you start to get tired of them. They're was plenty of motivating prose, but in general I didn't come away with a lot of specific applications.
i nice motivating book, authors are trying to motivating you to stop being ordinary and begin to be remarkable. they help to see the strength in you till you almost believe you are a superman. the surrounding we live in is so depressing sometimes we need some one to remind us that we can still be genius in our own way.
I really enjoyed this book. It is not one you can sit down and read straight through; there is a lot of food for thought. I will probably need to read through it again to recall all of the different ideas I picked up. Definitely worth the read.
A quick read of several short stories or short insights the book has a clear message. Let go of your fear, wake up, and get to work. It made me think of where I've let fear of failure, ridicule, or rocking the boat made me stagnate.
This book was a collection of short thoughts from many profound minds. Some were motivating some were odd. I think this might have been more impactful if I had read the book not listened to the audito book.
Finished it in one sitting, one of the most intelligent, well written books. All the proceeds go to charity. My favorite story was about Chevy Chase vs. Bill Murray. In the end, its not about being one, but working with the team.
This group of short essays on being remarkable varies greatly in content, tone and style. Some essays were merely lists of big business vs. small entrepreneur, and many applied more to people who have to deal with corporate culture much more than I do. But because all the essays were short and self-contained, it didn't matter if all of them "spoke" to me equally. If one essay didn't seem to fit my needs, the next one likely did.
One essay in particular about discussing the weather with strangers...more
One essay in particular about discussing the weather with strangers...more
Seth Godin n his group called The Group of 33, they doing it right.
They gave us spesial insight in a light essays.
Must have book!
from now on, stop trying to be perfect and start being remarkable!
They gave us spesial insight in a light essays.
Must have book!
from now on, stop trying to be perfect and start being remarkable!
A little over the top but not bad.
Quick points made by a number of authors.
This gives you a flavor of the type of article found here.
http://www.sethgodin.com/bigmoo/free/...
Quick points made by a number of authors.
This gives you a flavor of the type of article found here.
http://www.sethgodin.com/bigmoo/free/...
A nice collection of brief essays by notable personalities on the topic of "being remarkable." Many worthwhile insights from 33 of the world's most innovative minds. --Kurt
It's really easy to ready and a really inspiring. I read about 5 pages a day, while I was riding the sybway. And it was really inspiring to read it after a day of work.
Jul 25, 2011
Nathan
added it
I was impressed with the author list, but not at all with the content. The writing was on such basic issues of common sense that it didn't seem worth writing. Easy read, but not worth it.
Great follow up to Purple Cow with more helpful advice on how to stand out in the world. Not quite as remarkable as Purple Cow, but a great read nonetheless.
This is a fantastic quick read packed full of wisdom. You need to read this. it should only take you a few hours. Read again a week later!
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