Book Review- The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

Don’t buy Seth Godin’s newest book- The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

Because:

·        Seth Godin is the leading marketing guru in the world.

·        Is a best-selling author of Purple-Cow, Tribes, Linchpin and Poke the Box.

·        A top-ten pithy Blogger.

·        An entrepreneur and highly sought after speaker and motivator.

·        Has the pulse of business on his radar and created some of the most remarkable marketing campaigns.

·        Contributes generously to charities.

Don’t buy the new book because: Seth started his own community website, tribe, or has the ability to alter an entire industry.

Buy the book because whatever Seth Godin knows- people listen, ideas spread and in the post-industrial era we need to be artists.

Review- The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

Seth gives us the “inside” information on how to stand-out, speak-up and set the new standards by becoming an artist. His thoughts teach us how to fly higher than we ever could by casting the “old rules” aside which allows you to create your own artistry.

When the Industrial era started nobody gave us the real story, we were the workers, the “cogs in the wheel.” They didn’t want leaders; they sought obedient and compliant followers to work the factory jobs for a penance and gold watch.

Schools were created to train legions of children how to be compliant and follow directions. Goods were marketed to increase sales, build more factories, hire additional workers and we complied. They influenced us so well we bought into debt never realizing our commitment would soon steal our hearts and soul.

The success of this marketing philosophy created industries, corporations, and conglomerates. Suddenly, the inevitable happened.

 A migration in search of cheaper sources, products and people turned our lives upside-down. Everything we were told, promised or expected has faded. The Icarus Deception explains where we are going and will rewire the way you think.

In a way, The Icarus Deception is a conglomeration of Seth Godin’s previous books tied together, to the new economy. It’s the handbook to your future. They didn’t let us in on the old secrets- this time we have no excuse

Here are some of the highlights:

·        The myth of Icarus- how it corresponds to conformity, compliance and how it lowered our expectations in everything we do.

·        Why we should create Art.

·        The difference between our comfort and safety zones and why it’s changed.

·        The introduction of the “connection economy” and the role it plays in the post-industrial era.

·        Building relationships that really matter.

·        The shortfalls of the Industrial Age.

·        The importance of “picking yourself” instead of living someone else’s dream or idea.

·        The joy and emotional labor of creating your own Art.

·        Breaks down myths and psychological trappings of society to fit-in, conform and why it’s far better to stand-out.

·        The meaning of being an Artist.

·        How fear stops us from doing work outside our comfort zone.

·        Dealing with “the resistance.”

·        Defining your audience.

·        The vulnerability of being an Artist.

·        Why your worldview keeps you from seeing the world as it is.

·        Successful habits.

·        Measuring work, eliminating boundaries.

·        The need for a focus group.

·        Going from a mindset of “wanting to giving.”

·        Reminding us- we are all connected.

The Icarus Deception is a book I will read over and over. I highly recommend it. I purchased my copy through Seth’s Kickstarter campaign

The Icarus Deception is the push to do what you’ve always wanted. It’s the approval to become what you’ve always dreamed of becoming. The Icarus Deception allows you the freedom to scale to new heights. Unlike the previous system of 100 years, it’s imperative you break the rules and stand-out.

More importunately it allows you to connect with people and do something meaningful by creating Art!

This is the chance and opportunity you’ve waited for- purchase The Icarus Deception today.

We’ve been bamboozled for too long. It’s your turn.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Book Review- Makers: The New Industrial Revolution by Chris Anderson

 

As I began reading Chris Anderson’s newest book- Makers: The New Industrial Revolution, I knew Chris had written another masterpiece. It wasn’t based on the fact he was a best-selling author of The Long Tail or the former Editor of Wired Magazine. No, the title and opening story was all I needed to know this is a ground-breaking book. The title relates to the new Industrial Revolution and the opening story is also something my Dad modernized after Chris’s grandfather invented- the automatic sprinkler system.

Chris Anderson’s grandfather; Fred Hauser invented the underground sprinkler system and the patent in 1943. Within the book Chris discusses modernizing the sprinkler system with sensors to measure the moisture in the soil. My Dad designed and tinkered until he modernized this product around 1980. He just couldn’t find a source to license the idea.

This was before the Internet and like Chris’s grandfather; Dad was great at tinkering, figuring out how things worked, re-designing and inventing. He just had no idea how to seek the right sources to bring a product to market. If Dad were alive today, odds are, after reading Chris Anderson’s new book, he could have done it all.

Chris points out one of the most exciting facts of this new revolution: anyone with a credit card and a laptop can start their own company or manufacture their own products. The days of mass are going the way of the old Industrial Revolution. We live in a generation that can produce unique products cheaply and compete with the West. The DIY (do-it-yourself) movement began in the 1980’s with the music industry and has progressed using technology to allow any inventor to become an entrepreneur. (Above left-photo used coutesy of: Pop!Tech).

This book gives you the details on how to start your own movement and gives you the tools and information to get involved at the ground floor of the New Industrial Revolution. Chris Anderson calls this movement the Maker movement.  

The Maker movement is:

·        About being small and global.

·        Its high-tech meets low-cost.

·        The power of being innovative by using the Web to spread ideas.

·        Collaborating with others on ideas and projects that could develop entire industries or movements.

Makers: The New Industrial Revolution focuses on the techniques to bring a product to life such as 3D printing. The world of 3D printing is a fascinating technology. Anyone with CAD software, a file and a 3D printer can design and create a product using plastic, or metal. Other raw sources will be developed as technology keeps advancing.

Chris Anderson covers the basics of 3D robotics and desktop 3D scanning, the Arduino platform which eliminates the need for a middle man in the entire process. He writes about Web-based manufacturing featuring on-demand products to alleviate the need of a physical inventory. Open-source hardware and software is also an exciting progression of the Web initiative.

Mr. Anderson gives us examples of new open-source companies such as: Local Motors, Tesla, Sparkfun, Arduino, and Hibaba. Buying stock in these businesses may be a lucrative investment. The phenomena of “crowdfunding” are presented through discussions of Kickstarter, RocketHub, Crowdfunder and Lancht.

Whether you are an inventor, designer or ever had the idea of starting your own company, Makers: The New Industrial Revolution is bound to open your eyes to an exciting world of technology never dreamed possible, where anyone can be a manufacturer merely with a credit card and laptop.

Chris Anderson has given us the tools, power and assistance to enter a new era. It’s up to us to take the blueprint of Makers: The New Industrial Revolution and bring America back to being the leader in the manufacturing industry, once again!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Film Review: I'm Fine, Thanks!

 

Back in early July, I wrote about the Kickstarter project entitled: I’m Fine, Thanks! The film is a documentary by Crank Tank Studios, who travelled the country  interviewing people who created their own success, by not settling for mediocrity. (This is the stuff I love to write about and I can't wait to see this motivating film).



The Film Crew of: I'm Fine, Thanks!

 

The film is now available and it's definitely worth purchasing. Director, Grant Peelle, Producer, Adam Baker and their team travelled throughout the United States for two months interviewing and spending time with people motivated to change their life to live their passions and dreams. Rounding out the team was- John Cropper, the Assistant Editor and Camera 0perator, Bryan Olinger served as the Director of Photography and Dustin Koester handling Sound and Audio.

I’m Fine, Thanks features best-selling authors, bloggers, academics, and common folks tired of being stuck in a cubicle or dangling from a corporate ladder. It’s loaded with dozens of stories relating to the moment people became fed-up attempting to live someone else’s life, keeping up with the Jones’s, realizing money doesn’t buy happiness, the despair of debt and in some cases physically sick from job-related stress. 

Two of the interesting stories were the family living in a converted school bus and an author who lives in a cozy 300-square foot home. The documentary focuses extensively on those who realized the potential to live their childhood dreams and the events leading up to that moment. Lots of minimalistic living and the important role of family are heavily discussed in this superb film.

Director, Grant Peelle narrates the story and he keeps the story flowing with thoughts and emotion. You may recall reading about Adam Baker and his family in Chris Guillebeau’s best-selling book, The Art of Non-Conformity. Adam and his wife sold all of their possessions to relieve their debt and move overseas.

My only negative statement regarding the film is the two “F” Bombs used weren’t necessary and it would have been educational to discover how the families actually completed their steps (“The Forge” bus and cozy 300 sq. Ft. home grabbed my curiosity) to change lifestyles.

Who knows, maybe that could be a follow-up project for Grant and Adam, along with how Kickstarter played a key role by crowd-funding this wonderful documentary?

I’m Fine, Thanks is certainly empowering. The Cinematography and editing by Patrick Moreau of StillMotion is excellent. .

Grant Peelle, Adam Baker and crew are doing what the film recommends-

“Live Your Dream- Not The American Dream.”

I’m Fine, Thanks is a career and life changing work of Art! It’s a call to live your life. This documentary proves that despite location, career, wealth and background anyone can lead a fulfilling meaningful life simply by following their own passion and dreams!

Order your copy of I’m Fine, Thanks- today. You’ll be glad you did!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mr. Seth Godin

Several blogs ago, I mentioned some cool startup projects seeking funding using Kickstarter. I was happy to be able to contribute to Seth Godin’s unique publishing transformation idea, which sought $40,000.00 in donations to publish his upcoming book- "The Icarus Deception: Why Make Art?" The dollar amount was exceeded within 3 hours on Kickstarter. So far, the project has more than 3,900 supporters and earned more than $267,000.00.

The project funding ends on Tuesday, July 17^th.

Seth’s has built an amazing tribe of followers who are very loyal towards his art. If you get an opportunity to catch his blog or purchase any of his books, do so. If you want to hear him speak at a conference- act quickly; Seth Godin’s lectures sell- out in a matter of minutes.

Why? Because what Seth offers is rare and sometimes free. His foresight and advice in marketing and business is cutting edge. His broad marketing research is undeniable.

Mr. Godin initiates trends and proves their success by accomplishing the act himself within the public’s view. No test run, no survey, a decision is made and without fear, he walks the talk.

Seth is willing to take risks because he knows the art he creates are opportunities.  Opportunity’s are the future and the future is now!

Besides, Seth has created a tribe and a tribe of people can make things happen quickly. He is relentless in his ideology and is always pushing the boundaries. Change is constant so his followers are never bored.

Mr. Godin often states the importance to finish, do it, ship it or simply get it done. Fear is not an option. That’s why he has the Midas touch. The Kickstarter project is an excellent example of this concept.

Congrats to Seth Godin and his tribe!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Kickstarting your project!

For those of you with an idea that needs funding to implement-Kickstarter is an excellent choice. Kickstarter allows you to post your project with a description along with photos or a video presentation. Forget about borrowing money or maxing out your credit cards to go into business.

Kickstarter is free to join. It doesn't charge anything unless the minimum funding is reached. You are only charged for what you pledge and guaranteed to be rewarded the prize offered.

You setup the pledge amounts and number of financial backers necessary to fund your project. The backer chooses the dollar amount they will pledge. In return for a pledge, the backer (donator) is rewarded with different gifts. As the dollar amount of pledge increases so does the rewards or gifts to the backer.

If the required amount of money isn't reached within 30 days, you can scrap your idea and move on. Some projects are actually funded above the money needed by 200-300%.

Obviously, getting the word out helps your goal of reaching the funded needed. People with tribes of followers have a strong chance of exceeding the goal. Web presence and social media networking skills are the easiest way to build a tribe.

Best-selling author, marketing guru and blogger, Seth Godin, recently launched a Kickstarter project needing $40,000 to release his next book "The Icarus Deception: Why Make Art?" In less than 3 hours his project met its goal. The project has 15 days remaining on Kickstarter and has earned over $253,000.00 from 3,700 backers.

Seth Godin's goal was to use Kickstarter to pre-market a book before its release changing the way traditional publishing is marketed. You can read about it here.

Another project that blew me away (and like Seth's project above I missed the chance to pledge and receive some really cool gifts) was the funding for a film called: "I'm Fine Thanks." The film is a documentary by Crank Tank Studios, who travelled the country to interview people who created their own success by not settling for mediocrity. (This is the stuff I love to write about and I can't wait to see this motivating film).

The 5-man film crew asked for $100,000.00 in pledges. At the end of the 30-day run on Kickstarter, the artists raised over $116,000.00 with 4,700 backers to make their project become a reality.

Congrats to Kickstarter, Seth Godin and Crank Tank Studios for their successful and innovative ideas!

Until We Meet Again, Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School "Band of Gold"
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranla.com