This is the first of a new feature called “A & Q.” The idea is to engage some of the smartest marketers I know and have them first answer a question, then ask one of their own.

The Shipping News

I can’t think of a better person to start this off with than Seth Godin.  I’m not going to stop to list off of Seth’s accomplishments, it would take too long, but here’s his greatest strength, at least to me: He cares about people. He answers his email and always remembers it’s about human interaction, not technology, or marketing speak or any other mumbo-jumbo. I caught up with him on a recent Friday afternoon at Jelly. If you’re not familiar with Jelly, you should definitely check it out. But only if you are brave and energetic and give a crap. Sheep need not apply.

It seemed like the perfect place to ask Seth about these sorts of semi-formal get-togethers and if they were an evoloutionary step in the business world. I wanted to know if things like Jelly or InterestingNY or other ‘un’conferences were going to replace the more formal, “give me $1,500 and I’ll give you a shwag bag and badge with a lanyard”-type get togethers. Here’s his response:

When Seth asks about what you are ready to ship, he’s referring to the content of his talk at Jelly. Seth believes we are currently in an era where “he who ships, wins.” Anybody can secure capital, manufacture and market, but can you ship a quality product (ro service) on-time and on-budget consistently? That’s the difference according to Seth. The fact that he publishes a blog post every day shows his commitment to this idea.

So, what are you working on that’s ready to ship?

Thanks again to Seth, whose latest book, Tribes, you can buy on Amazon. See the link below on the bottom right to buy it now.