Brains on Fire

• 

  The ROI of One TRUE fan.

  Posted on August 29th, 2011 by Robbin and currently 4 commenting.

  
  Where do you keep your love letters. True Fans send them all the time. Photo via flickr.

  The other day a friend of mine said the most interesting thing. He was a little bit discouraged about something he was working on and he said to me.

  “If I could just get some momentum going.”

  I looked at him oddly. And said.
  
  “That should be easy. Because you control that. You create your own momentum.”

  I see that simple principle at work and even in my own personal life everyday. And I also see it in the lives of brands and organizations that are trying to get a community started.

  Movement/momentum happens one person at time.
  
  One meaningful, soulful, heartfelt interaction at time.

  This notion is simple and hard at the very same time.

  I love this blog/article sent to me by John Moore. Seems it got a lot of play in 2008 but I want to revive it.
  
  Well worth the long read.

  From The Technium post 1000 True Fans

  The gist of 1,000 True Fans can be stated simply:

  A creator, such as an artist, musician, photographer, craftsperson, performer, animator, designer, videomaker, or author – in other words, anyone producing works of art – needs to acquire only 1,000 True Fans to make a living.

  A True Fan is defined as someone who will purchase anything and everything you produce. They will drive 200 miles to see you sing. They will buy the super deluxe re-issued hi-res box set of your stuff even though they have the low-res version. They have a Google Alert set for your name. They bookmark the eBay page where your out-of-print editions show up. They come to your openings. They have you sign their copies. They buy the t-shirt, and the mug, and the hat. They can’t wait till you issue your next work. They are true fans.
  

  Now I know he is talking about artists here. But aren’t we all produce/creating something akin to art? (Whether solutions or products)

  And I can tell you, I have personally seen the value of 1000 true fans in the growth of Brains on Fire.

  For us, it might work like this:

  Someone on twitter tells someone to read out book or check out our blog. That person is inside an organization that hires us to speak. We create more fans inside the organization. We realize that we can add value and they figure that out too. And a relationship is forged. Based on trust.

  And we never forget this one simple fact:
  
  It all began with one true fan.

  For one of our newest clients the story goes like this:

  The CMO was looking for a new marketing team. A young designer within the organization followed our blog religiously. He asked if she would place our name on her list. We got an email. We arranged a call, then a visit. We told our story. We realized we were “same tribe”.

  And again…it all began with one true fan. A fan that was willing to tell someone about us.

  Do we spend a lot of money and time on that one true fan?

  Yup. They are ALWAYS on our mind.

  That is why we spent over six months writing them a book.

  Posting blogs, like love letters, everyday.

  We hold yearly FIRE sessions in Greenville where we ask them to be our guest.

  We speak in interesting places and ask them to show up.

  We love them.

  WE adore our true fans.

  We help them find jobs when they need us. We read their blogs. We give them our time.

  So yes. To say we believe in the power of ONE true fan is actually an understatement. We’ve built Brains on Fire with the help of our true fans. Slowly but surely they have become an army of ambassadors.

  I’ve never once made a COLD call. Ugh. And I love our fans because they make that lovely statement possible.

  No, Brains on Fire is not selling Oreos or $10 dollar widgets or even scissors, but the principles are the same. True FANS matter more than huge numbers of likes or followers any day of the week. Because they are wiling to do something on your behalf.

  Jay Gillespie of Fiskars sums it up best in our book, “For me it’s not about the numbers, its about growing even deeper relationships.”

  Go out today and love your TRUE fans. Support them. Create deeper relationships. Lift them up. And never let them go.

  It will create momentum. And you don’t believe me, check out what Papa Seth has to say.
  
  Your turn: When have you experienced or seen first hand the ROI of one TRUE fan?

  Tags: 1000 True Fans, Brand Autopsy, First, Fiskateers, john moore, Organize 1000, Papa Seth, Seth Godin, The Technium
• 

  Simpler than You Think, Part 2

  Posted on August 24th, 2011 by Eric Dodds and currently 6 commenting.

  This is Part 2 of a few articles about the ingredients of ‘success.’ If you missed the first go-around (1), we talked about how the most common characteristics of successful musicians didn’t include any sort of ‘secret sauce’ or social media tips. Here’s an excerpt:

  Now, I think there are plenty of people out there seeking honest solutions, and plenty of companies selling them. But as I read books, articles, blogs and tweets about success – in whatever context the authors discuss it – I find that all too often the commentary bends towards silver bullets and under-emphasizes the good old-fashioned ingredients that have served people since the beginning of time: hard work and skill developed over time.

  Our second example comes from an interview with the band Dawes (2). To make a long story short, Dawes was recently chosen to be the quartet behind rock-n-roll hall-of-famer and renowned guitarist Robbie Robertson (guitarist and songwriter for “The Band”). To put it in perspective, Dawes is an up-and-coming group, and it is a gigantic honor for them to be specifically chosen by someone with such an amazing pedigree.

  What’s really interesting, though, is what the front man of Dawes told the interviewer about why he thinks they were chosen. Hint: it’s not because of talent, and it’s not because they used Twitter to begin a conversation with some top-dog in the industry:

  …Robbie Robertson’s principles seemed to be about respecting what it meant to be in a band with a capital B. Like, here are four guys that know how to play together.

  I’m aware of the fact-and I’m sure Robbie’s aware of the fact-that he could have gotten 200 guitar players better than me, but he didn’t. He got the guy who knows how to play with [his band mates] because they spent so much time together, and I think he realizes the significance of four guys learning how to follow each other’s dynamics.

  From his perspective, Robbie Robertson chose Dawes not because they were the most talented, not because they were the best at networking, and not because they promoted themselves better than any other band. Robbie chose them because he saw teamwork, and that was non-negotiable for whomever would back him.

  I respect Dawes’ perspective a whole lot, mostly because I’ve seen it to be true at work. (Here’s the part where I’m going to brag on my awesome team mates at Brains on Fire for a sentence or two.)

  Whenever students tour our company, they seem to be enamored by our office space, our quirky titles, and the off-beat screen print tees that some of us wear. Inevitably, someone says something like, “creative work must just flow out of this place effortlessly.”

  My response generally goes something like this: “Well, you might be tempted to think that, but you want to know the real secret behind the work we do? Blood, sweat, and tears. It’s everyone on a project pouring their heart and soul into it. It’s us disagreeing, fighting, and figuring out what our best role on the team is in order to get remarkable work to clients. It’s us learning how to kill ideas really quickly. Honestly, it’s not pretty from the inside sometimes. But I think that’s what makes it so good.”

  In the first post I said I’d provide a few concluding thoughts, so here they are:

  We believe that the fundamentals of hard work, persistence, team work, and passion for your craft will win out over the latest tools, the trend-du-jour, or sudden advances in technology every time – even if it takes more time. We believe – and our experience has shown it to be true – that companies who pour their whole heart into things like amazing customer service (especially offline) will generate a larger quantity of sustainable word of mouth than companies who choose to pour that same effort into monitoring social media around the clock.

  Most times, it seems, the best strategy is much simpler than you’d think.

  • (1) – You can read the first post, Simpler than You Think, Part 1, here.
  • (2) – You can read the interview with Dawes here.
  Tags: dawes, hard work, simplicity, success, sustainable, team work, teamwork, time, Word of Mouth
• 

  Kindred Spirits Will Find Each Other.

  Posted on August 23rd, 2011 by Robbin and currently 23 commenting.

  
  Photo of one of my favorite things from Libby.

  The most amazing and wonderful email popped into my inbox last week from a young writer/story teller named Kathyn.

  Her heartfelt words stopped me in my tracks.

  She reads our blog.

  This is going to sound a little weird, but when I write for the blog, I honestly feel connected to our reading community (that would be YOU!) in a way I can’t explain. So – as you can imagine — it’s very rewarding when someone takes time out of their day to email me and let me know how our words have impacted their lives.

  Kathyn reminded me of a line I wrote in a post a while back, “Kindred spirits will find each other.”
  
  Yup. I do believe that. There are no accidents.

  So today, do me a favor and leave a comment. Say hello. To make it more fun, let’s take a cue from Kat’s “about” page on her site and list 20 things (or four!) that make you smile.

  People connect through shared passions.

  Let’s just see what we have in common.

  I’ll go first:

  babies
  the first cup of coffee
  my kids laughter (still)
  remembering stories that make you laugh til you cry
  the smell of rain on hot summer sidewalks
  dinners at home with real napkins
  a field of bachelor buttons
  a full tank of gas
  an entire day spent outdoors
  hot yoga
  lead pencils
  hugs from the heart
  blackberries (the real ones)
  clean sheets
  waking up
  looking up
  getting a funny text
  ordinary life
  cold beer
  those first bits of conversation in a meeting
  chalkboards

  Okay, you go. Let us know you’re listening and share a few smiles with us this Tuesday morning.

  Tags: Connecting, Kind Spirits, Kindred Spirits, passions
• 

  Why Community Matters: On Life, Loss, Love and Pie

  Posted on August 22nd, 2011 by amy and currently 11 commenting.
  

  Pies for Mikey

  
  

  “A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You, the people, must get it this soul.” | Pope John Paul II

  Once in awhile you come across an unexpected story that really puts everything in perspective. I had one such experience last week when I clicked the link to a video titled “Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey.”

  After Jennifer Perillo lost her husband of 18 years to a sudden heart attack, she made one simple request: that those wishing to celebrate her husband’s life make a Peanut Butter Pie (his favorite) and then share it with those they love.

  From Jennifer’s blog: ”As I spend Friday reflecting on the love and life that was gone in an instant, I’d like to invite all of you to celebrate his life too. Mikey loved peanut butter cream pie. I haven’t made it in a while, and I’ve had it on my to-do list for a while now. I kept telling myself I would make it for him tomorrow. Time has suddenly stood still, though, and I’m waiting to wake up and learn to live a new kind of normal. For those asking what they can do to help my healing process, make a peanut butter pie this Friday and share it with someone you love. Then hug them like there’s no tomorrow because today is the only guarantee we can count on.”

  Along with a outpouring of peanut butter pies, came an outpouring of love and support by way of Twittersphere and blogosphere…

  Just spoke to the GM at @BlueSmokeNYC and they only had one slice of #apieformikey left at the end of the evening. How awesome is that?

  I didn’t blog it, but I did make #apieformikey, and I shared it with the people I love.

  Just made #apieformikey after reading the very sad story. It’s date night tonight, and I’m feeling very appreciative of what I have.

  See how Yvette in San Juan adapted my #apieformikey cupcake recipe. Love is an international language!

  My friend made the pie and printed Jennies post to hand out at her dinner. #apieformikey is impacting lives.

  I just found out some of the students on campus have even been baking #apieformikey .

  “In full force, with fierce love and commitment, the online food community banded together as one family to celebrate Mikey and everyone dear to us. Under the twitter hashtag #APieforMikey , a beautiful explosion of peanut butter pies came pouring out of all our hearts to be shared with our loved ones.” (via White on Rice Couple)

  After discovering the video, I spent a couple hours exploring hashtag #APieForMikey on Twitter. It introduced me to people from all walks of life around the country (and world) sharing their own stories of love, loss and life celebration. People brought together by a tragic loss, a simple request and a social medium – in order to feel and heal together. Strangers surrounding one grieving family, lifting them up with love.

  Take a few minutes to watch the video, and then go forth into your week. Whether you bake a peanut butter pie for Mikey, or just share a few minutes of conversation with a colleague over a peanut butter and jelly sandwich – be thankful for this day, and the communities you are a part of.

  SHARE | How has social media (or the relationships you nurture through social media) impacted your “real” life?

  ————————————————————————————-

  Want to learn more about community building and the lessons we have learned igniting powerful, sustainable movements? Check out The Brains on Fire Book.

  Tags: action, Apieformikey, Brains on Fire, building communities, Community, Community Building, Marketing, online community, pie, Social media, Word of Mouth
• 

  The Story of You (is really The Story of Us)

  Posted on August 18th, 2011 by amy and currently 13 commenting.
  

  What happens when good friends meet a chalkboard wall? A big birthday card.

  Monday was a new beginning for me. Not just a new week beginning, but a new decade beginning. A fresh start. A “round three.” A clean slate. Why? Because on Monday, I turned 30. (I am still trying that declaration on for size.) As we are obligated to do with any milestone birthday, I decided to bid bon voyage to my twenties and welcome my thirties surrounded by a handful of my favorite people on the planet.

  I live in a little house. It was built sometime in the 30s. I chose to live there after a good friend (who happens to be an interior designer) shared her philosophy with me: “Buy the smallest space you can make work for you… in the nicest neighborhood you can afford.” Essentially, quality over quantity. As it turns out, I love my little house. My only real complaint is the tiny kitchen. It would be generous to say there is an 8×8 square of floor space. It is walled on all sides. And ever since the first time I entertained in my little house, it left me longing for an open floor plan. Whenever anyone comes over, I find myself apologizing for the little kitchen. Frankly, the little kitchen irritates me.

  So there we were on Saturday night, 20 or so of my nearest and dearest Greenvillains (I’m not sure if they realize I refer to them as such, but now they do…) strewn throughout the house, eating, drinking and reveling in a general sense of merriment. At one point in the evening, I glanced over my shoulder to discover that nearly all of the guests were crowded in the little kitchen. They were chatting and happy and enjoying each other’s company – shoulder to shoulder, but nobody really seemed to mind.

  In a moment so full of life and love – a little kitchen has never seemed so big.

  When the last of my guests had left, I found myself giving thanks for the joy of dirty dishes, evidence of an evening well spent. And it gave me pause to reflect on the relationships in my life.

  These most important relationships and people cannot be summed up by the “about me” section on a Facebook profile, but here is what I can tell you about them…

  They are the kind of people who show up early, volunteering to help party-prep so you could enjoy the evening just a little bit more. They are the kind of people who bring your beloved dog a housewarming gift, too. They bring you homemade biscotti for the morning after – and wine for whenever. They are the kind of people who  pay attention to a dream you mentioned  in casual conversation, and months later, show up carrying the dream topped with a bow. They are the kind of people who arrive with a hug and take a hug one last hug for the road. They are the kind of people who can fill a little kitchen with so much light, you forget it is little at all.

  For me, my birthday was less about celebrating me – and so much more about celebrating the people, experiences, choices and relationships that have filled the first 30 chapters of the Story of Me.

  “Buy the smallest space you can make work for you… in the nicest neighborhood you can afford.” It’s a theory that applies to relationships, too. In a time where “more” is often equated with “better,” many people have lost site of what really matters: quality. Fill your small space, your little kitchen, your one, precious life with the best people you can find. The best friends, the most passionate people, the believers, the celebrators, the enthusiasts, the dreamers and doers. Fill your days with people who care about and believe in something you care about and believe in, too.

  These are the people who will show up to your party. These are the people who will get down in the trenches with you, and rise up and take a stand with you. These are the people who will not only tell, but help you write The Story of You.

  Which, in the end, turns out to be less “The Story of You” – and more of “The Story of Us.”

  Who will tell your story?

  

  The morning after.

  Tags: Advocates, amy taylor, Brains on Fire, Love, Movements, Passionate Customers, Passionate fans, people, stories, word of mouth marketing