Seth Godin Answers My Five Burning Questions
December 29, 2009
As 2009 draws to an end, so does my first year of blogging… and I can’t help but look back. Where did I start? What have I accomplished? And, more importantly, where do I want to take Quest for Balance now?
When I first learned what a blog was, like most people, I learned about Seth Godin. To this day, no matter what he writes, I read it. Some of his posts are more relevant to my situation than others, but every last one of them is oozing with useful, practical pearls of wisdom.
(How does he DO that?)
I’ll never know, and I’ve long since given up on the idea that I need to become the next Seth Godin. Now that I am stumbling into my own voice, my own passions, and my own community, I know what he knew all along: I don’t need to be the next anybody, just the first ME.
Recently I put together a list of five things I’ve been wondering about lately, and Seth was kind enough to oblige me with his Godin-esque answers.
My Five Burning Questions:
1. So many bloggers I know wanted to be like Seth Godin when they started. Who inspired you, when you started? Who inspires you now?
Seth: I view blogging as a gift (to me)! I have ideas that I’d like to spread, and blogging is fast, cheap and effective way to do that. It keeps me from having to write a new book every month! And then, of course, blogging becomes a gift I get to give. No fees, no ads, just ‘here it is, enjoy it.’
I get inspired by interactions and the things I bump into more than I do by other blogs. The other blogs I read (and there are a lot) are amazing, but my goal is to be orthogonal, to zig instead of zag.
2. Do you ever worry about the weight your words carry? Like, the Oprah beef industry thing, or her book club influence. Does it make you weigh each message you publish carefully?
Seth: I did for a while and it wiped me out. Now, I pretend I have ten readers. It makes it a lot easier to speak up.
3. The ideas of “1,000 True Fans“, and “First, Organize 1,000” are about patience and careful relationship building. Frankly, these appeal to me. But this seems counter-culture to the current mentality of getting HUGE numbers of followers, in the hopes that a small fraction will be willing to pay for the value you add. Is bigger better? Or do stronger roots help you weather more seasons?
Seth: In order to get a huge number of followers, you either need to pander, self-destruct, titillate or amuse. How are these behaviors going to help you build the foundation you’re looking for?
4. Since the advent of social media, is it possible the old “Content is King” rule is no longer true? Perhaps your network, or sphere of influence (circle of trust) is king? Or maybe comments? Sometimes my posts just raise an issue or question for debate, and brilliant answers get fleshed out in the comments. I guess I’m more of a community organizer than a blogger. Has the game changed such that it isn’t about MY writing, but the reader’s involvement?
Seth: I think your writing IS about the reader’s involvement. Content doesn’t mean words typed on the screen, it means ideas worth following, spreading, absorbing or commenting on. The key element, it seems to me, is your ability to lead a tribe. If all you do is host people, not lead them, then how will you make change happen or make yourself indispensable? Leading a tribe is the future, and the leading is the hard part.
5. Do you ever think about just retiring on a beach somewhere, completely disconnected from the Net? 
Seth: This is my hobby, my beach, my passion. I’m sort of unemployed, if you define work as stuff you do cause you have to, because you get paid. I’d rather have a great hobby.
THIS is why there is only one Seth Godin.
He inspires so many, and is a class act, to boot.
I’m thrilled to announce he has a new book out, too, because I am caught up on all his others. I’m like a Harry Potter fan waiting for the latest release from J.K. Rowling! Anyway, if you haven’t seen it yet, check out “Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?”
What about YOU?
Who inspired you? What are your thoughts on any of these questions or answers? Do you feel you are on track to get to where you are going?
(My personal favorite was his answer to #4.)
Related posts:
- 10 Things You Should Know About Yourself (aka: “So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish!”)
- Net Worth vs. Self Worth: The Passion Paradox
- 4 Things You Need to Know About ALL Ideas
- Inspiration: Helen Keller “Great and Noble Tasks”
- Exposing Our Insecurities to Find a New Balance
Posted in Life, Real Life Gurus, balance, choices
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SETH ROCKS
He’s one of my Heroes 
You too Lisis! 
Hey, Tirta! He is one amazing guy… not so much for what he knows (though I’m sure that’s plenty) but for what he encourages us to know about ourselves:
Who am I, and what do I stand for?
Am I sharing the right message with the right people?
What does success mean to me, and how will I achieve it?
How can I provide the most value to those who have placed their trust and faith in me?
These are the questions I constantly toil with in my mind when I read his posts and books. I’m never left thinking about what HE represents, but rather what I would like to represent. I don’t know how he does it, but I’m glad that he does!
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Very cool! Great interview, Lisis. It’s always nice to read about successful people, and what makes them tick. I’m so glad you gave us this quick peek into Seth’s brain, and the way his mind works. Lead a tribe, eh? Hmmmm will have to ponder that for a while…
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..A Christmas Story
Lead a Tribe, Jay… here, at Q4B, I like to think of our tribe more as a Family. We don’t always agree, we may not even like what the others say or do sometimes, but we stick together through thick and thin. And when a member of the family is in need, we huddle together and do what we can for them.
The family feel of this community is one of the greatest things I’ve ever experienced. Thanks for opting in to my family, Jay!
Lisis,
You know all the cool people! (and I see that in the comments, always, too…)
And I have to agree, the answer to #4 is really good stuff. I’m thinking about what that means to me – this thought of ideas worth following. What is it that really makes an idea worth following? I guess, for me, it’s something that I can wrap my arms around, in some sort of personal way. Lisis, you do this so well – you write material that is grab-able – and that also touches upon something that very much can be personal. What grows from that, really – is something very special – an idea that you plant the seed for, and it grows and blossoms in the comments – or in other posts – or in emails – and more.
Great to be here today, Lisis, and read some of the wise words of Mr. Godin.
And…who let Jay in here before me??? What’s the deal here, anyway?
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Yeah, you know… Seth and I, we go WAY back… two or three emails ago.
I’ve gotta tell you, I LOVED his answer to #4 because the idea of “Content is King” has haunted me since I started blogging. Since I’m not technically “a writer” (that elusive creature that makes a living by putting pen to paper,) I always felt like, if what it takes to succeed is superb writing, I’m screwed.
But when he redefined “content” for me, to mean MORE than my carefully chosen words… to extend to the meaning and the intent and the feelings that result from ideas… well, then everything changed.
I can’t tell you how many times I have felt like my posts are incomplete until everyone else chimes in and contributes to shaping up a meaningful, and helpful, concept. I can’t imagine reading Q4B in an RSS reader or email (without comments), because more than half of “the good stuff” would be missing!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Lance. Oh, and Jay TOTALLY cut in line today. He deserves a time-out for that.
You know, I really couldn’t believe it myself. I blinked twice when I didn’t see your name in the comments…and then my only tougth was “huryhurryhurryposttthecommentbeforeLancegetshere”
You two make me smile… every single day.
Seth’s an interesting guy. I didn’t get into blogging because of Seth (although, I couldn’t tell you why I got into blogging in the first place.
P.S. I LOVED answer number 4. It’s something I expected him to say, but also turns conventional wisdom on its head, so to speak; the real “truth” is that blogging is between reader participation and just content. Thanks for contacting Seth to set up this interview in the first place!
Brett – DareToExpress.com´s last blog ..What is Success? (Episode #002)
Hey, Brett!
I didn’t start because of him, either, but I discovered him shortly thereafter. I loved his style and the way he made me think (see my answer to Tirta) so I read his books and generally decided, he’s a pretty swell guy. (Yeah, I said “swell”. Get over it.)
His answer to #4 was the heart of this interview for me. Adding on to what I replied to Lance, I can’t believe there was a time I actually closed comments on some posts… back when I thought the value of a blog was in my writing. I had no idea what was possible in the comments. I fundamentally misunderstood what they were all about (’cause I was so new to the whole thing)… that a true sense of connection is what makes all the difference.
I’m glad about that, particularly since I can’t write decent “copy” (whatever that means) to save my life!
My biggest inspiration has been Steve Pavlina. His blog is the only one I’ve been reading since 2005-2006 I think, can’t even remember anymore. What I can remember is that when I stumbled upon his blog it was as if he was reading my mind.
One of my newest favorites is you, Lisis
This interview rocked. Seth is indeed an awesome dude.
Henri @ Wake Up Cloud´s last blog ..How to Manifest Synchronicity
Thanks, Henri!
As I was reading your comment I was thinking, “I probably should have READ a bunch of blogs, or a few consistently, for a while before I started my own. I literally learned what a blog was on January 3 of this year, and on January 5 posted my first entry in a Blogger blog. I had NO CLUE that the blog would take on a life of its own and, in very little time, would become my second home.
I believe Steve Pavlina has single-handledly inspired no less than 60% of the personal development bloggers out there. That is proof that it takes all kinds, when you consider Seth’s brief, emotive posts in comparison to Steve’s epic, multi-thousand-word articles. And then there’s Leo, with his mastery of List Posts.
The key, I believe, is to find what works FOR YOU. How are you able to be most authentically yourself?
I guess the answer for me is, I am most myself in the unscripted world of comments, where hearts and souls come to mingle.
Lisis,
That is so cool that you got to interview Seth Godin. There’s lots of lessons for us all to learn in his answers. Also, I think it proves to us that the A-list is way more accessible than we think. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Srinivas Rao´s last blog ..Guest Post: Working without getting paid
Hey, Srini!
It’s not that difficult to interview these guys. All you’ve gotta do is cry and whine like a little girl, stomping your feet until they finally give in out of desperation. Or, you could try the old blackmail technique, but that requires doing a good bit of research in advance.
Either way, eventually everyone caves.
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Yes! I, too, am a huge fan of Seth Godin! One of my fav books is the ideavirus! I am a little behind on a couple of his books, but I read his blog everyday!
Julie – Big Girl Bombshell´s last blog ..S.O.U.L. Designer Diet
Hey, Julie! Me too… I absolutely cannot skip his posts. Of course, it helps that he keeps them short and sweet, so I can usually find time for him no matter what else is going on. But mostly, he’s become akin to my morning cup of coffee. One awakens and the other delights (I’ll let you guess which is which!)
Thanks for your comment and fellowship of fanhood.
I like Seth Godin, too. He is considered to be the marketing guru, but I think he is a lot more than that. He is forming a certain lifestyle we want to live.
I totally agree blogging is such a great way to get the idea out. I’ve always loved writing, but before blogging, I was just journaling and kept it to myself. I dreamed of writing a book, but the gap between journaling and publishing a book was so large that I didn’t know how to jump over it. Now that I’ve been blogging for a while (and I’d like to think my writing is getting better), I am preparing to publish. I’m so excited about this!
I also like his distinction between hosting a group and leading a tribe. That’s what his book Tribe says and it’s good to think how it applies to blogging.
Akemi
Akemi – Yes to Me´s last blog ..Starseeds: Blueprinters 3 Blueprint Deliverers And Changers
Hi, Akemi! I’m so proud of you for taking that leap from journals to blogs to books! I know it’s a dream many bloggers share, so I really and truly wish you the best.
Like you said, it’s all about creating the life we want to live. Once you know what that looks like, you’re already ahead of the game!
Lisis, that was a brilliant interview. Seth really is the master of blogging and the thing that seems to differentiate him from others is that he writes what he wants to write and if people like, that’s great, if they don’t that’s also great.
Loved the line “I don’t need to be the next anybody, just the first ME.”
Steven Aitchison´s last blog ..Christmas And My Newly Published Book
Thanks, Steven! I think that’s exactly what I like about Seth… and I don’t know if he was always this way, or grew into this freedom of expression over time. But I love how he just puts stuff out there, whatever he’s thinking and feeling. And we (his readers) know that some of it will be directly relevant to our situation, and some of it not so much, but we read anyway.
Because he writes what he WANTS to write, we want to read it. His freedom is almost contagious!
PS: Congrats on your newly published book!
It really bugs the life out of me how he can write posts that are so good and all within a paragraph. I have tried to do it so many times in the same style that he ahs but I end up just waffling for hours about really boring stuff. Just the way that he condenses it down is magic
Hey, Niall! I know exactly what you mean. He publishes these daily snippets, often less than 200 words, and yet they are complete, compelling, thought-provoking ideas. I’ve seen other bloggers attempt to do the same, but rarely do they end up packing quite the same punch that Seth does. I guess he’s figured out how to be pretty good at being Seth Godin!
This is an awesome interview Lisis. Thanks for sharing some of those Seth Godin nuggets of goodness. I love how blogging can transform both the writer and the reader. I know I’ve grown so much in my last year of blogging & reading Seth’s blog too. And now I’ve found yours and am looking forward to another great year!
Nathalie Lussier´s last blog ..The Raw Foods Witch 2009 Year In Review
Hi, Nathalie (I love how you spell your name, btw)!
I figured it would be selfish to keep this much Godin-esque goodness all to myself. We all can learn so much from him, and from each other. I think blogging works best when we don’t try to imitate someone else, but rather we stay true to who we are and become our authentic selves.
2010 promises to be a great year, and I look forward to seeing you around!
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Seth definitely inspired me years ago when I read his book, Purple Cow.
I have never forgotten his teachings in that book and to this day it’s still one of my favorites and sits on my bookshelf.
The really cool thing is when I had a question or two, I emailed Seth and he replied back. You’d think someone as popular as he might not have time for us every day bloggers, but he does his best to make time.
John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s last blog ..Aside From A Blogger, What Are You Really?
Exactly, John! I really hadn’t planned on doing an official “interview” post, but I was genuinely wondering about these things. I greatly value his opinion, so I shot him an email and, within minutes, he replied. He could’ve brushed me off and I never would’ve thought much about it because, surely he’s too busy for the likes of me. But he didn’t. I’m telling you, he’s a class act.
Oh, and I LOVED Purple Cow!
I feel so ignorant, I learned about Seth Godin only about couple months ago:) Great interview Lisis, he is brilliant, that’s what happens when the person knows himself so well. Self realization and authenticity rock.
Lana – DreamFollowers Blog´s last blog ..The Ultimate Guide to Creative Visualization
Hi, Lana… you are exactly right. I think what makes him interesting and successful and have such a wide appeal is that he has found a way to be truly himself. That’s the same thing that makes Gary V. so fascinating… he’s found his own, unique voice and style. Our challenge then is to know ourselves well enough to let that magic shine through.
Great interview and great questions! Like Lana, I didn’t know about Seth Goldin until a few months ago despite the fact that I’ve been blogging solidly for almost two years. The person/blogger who inspired me was Vered with MomGrind http://momgrind.com/ If you know, her you will know what I mean.
I like the idea of being the first YOU, not the next (insert popular pro blogger).
Oh, I LOVE Vered! She also strikes me as being very genuine and true to herself. She has found what works for her, and truly makes the most of it. On top of that, she’s so kind and sweet, how could anyone not adore her? You picked a fabulous role model!
Lisis,
Seth’s blog has been an awesome learning experience for me too. Since i started blogging and writing, his was one of those blogs that almost everyone spoke of..at first i thought what was the big deal…and then i went to his blog and read and read and read…..and well havent stopped ever since
Thank you fro this awesome interview with this Lovely intelligent and Bold man. I love how he can say so much in just a few sentences…thats art i tell you
His brain pic sure does a lot of calling and working.
the answers to #4 and #5 are so perfect ….the mans a genius!
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Take Advantage Of Five Things{Inspiration from Prophet Mohammed(S)}
Haha! I was like you, Z… thinking, “What’s the big deal? This guy (and Gary V.) are just the latest trend.. all fluff and no substance.” But then I started really following their work and finally understood what the big deal is: it’s incredibly refreshing to see someone fully embrace who they are, instead of trying to mold themselves into the expectations of others.
So many people, especially on the Net, are just cookie cutter versions of someone else… and it gets real old, real quick. It’s hard to connect person to person with someone who is all smoke and mirrors.
I’ve been so blessed here to meet real, genuine people… like you!
Oh and by the by….your comments have really come ALIVE
Me liking it very very much! ok me loving it every time i visit more and more 
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Love, Kindness and Happiness
Thanks, Z! I feel like I’m hosting my own little party every day! It’s such a fun place to be!
Loved the interview. I wonder what his favorite books and authors are, what type of stuff he reads.
I’m with Henri. Steve Pavlina is the guy thast introduced me to blogs. I’ll probably read his blog until I’ve absorbed everything he’s about and he no longer shifts my paradigms on ideas and concepts.
This Seth Godin guy has some great ideas. Never heard of him before I explored the gen y community of blogs. I’ve always wondered why there was so much talk about social media, marketing and stuff. I’ll be sure to read some of his stuff in the future. I liked #4 as well. I’m taking that one with me everywhere. I’ve got to let that sink in.
What inspires me? I got interested in the discussion that I saw on blogs and I wanted to start my own. I get inspired by a lot of things.
Robert, I think it’s wonderful that you can find inspiration everywhere. That makes every moment of every day an awesome part of your journey.
I wonder, too, what Seth likes to read? Maybe he’s one of those people who doesn’t read anyone else’s work so that all his ideas are 100% original. I doubt it, though.
Great question!
He really does manage to nail IT, whatever it is. For me his posts are like haikus – short and poignant.
I actually got into blogging because I had so much to say about all the stuff I saw wrong with the world. And it has morphed into this thing where I have met, truly, some of the most amazing people.
Amazing. People.
The friends and connections and support, blogging makes me feel like I am plugged into the best parts of the universe.
{HUG}
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..Best of 2009
That’s brilliant, Hayden! Seth’s posts are the haikus of blogging!
You totally nailed it on that last sentence, too. I didn’t realize it until you said it, but that’s how I feel now… like I can tap into all that is right with the world. What an amazingly empowering source of energy that is!
BTW, I’m thinking you should trademark your {HUG}. It has become the Hayden logo (like the Nike swish!).
Dear Lisis,
What intelligent questions! Because of the quality, five were plenty. Seth is great and inspiring. I’m still finding my way in regards to leading a Tribe. I hope 2010 will be the year it begins.
Thank you.
Happy New Year to you and your awesome readers!
Gordie´s last blog ..Look, Mom! My Blog’s Sprouting Pubes!
Ahh, Gordie… That may be the best post title I’ve ever seen. It is impossible to read that and NOT click through. The announcement of the team, btw, is fantastic news! It gives me something to look forward to in 2010. I love, love, love collaborations! You’ve got yourself a tribe already!
Lisis,
Thanks so much for sharing Seth with us! He’s an amazing teacher – I’ve got a lot to learn
Peggy´s last blog ..On Tough Decisions
Hey, Peggy! Don’t you worry, we ALL have a lot to learn. And, of course, it’s the nature of the Net that just as soon as you figure stuff out, the whole thing will change! It’s best to just get used to gowing with the flow. Know who you are and adapt to the changes along the way.
Take Care!
Hiya Lisis,
It took me “awhile” to finally comment on this particular post?
Lol….your link to Seth Godin’s blog is so addictive with great humorous insight about a lot of things and I could not stop reading it until this morning…been reading his past posts for 6hrs straight! haha
Thank you for the link Lisis,
Vincent Nguyen´s last blog ..Don’t ever "short" change yourself
Hey, Vincent! I totally know what you mean. When I first discovered Seth Godin, I was practically drinking his posts… I could not get enough of them. Then I went and ordered a bunch of his books and again, I was completely captivated. How does he keep coming up with precisely the thing I need to hear?
I’m really glad you’re enjoying getting to know Seth.
Fabulous interview!
Erin´s last blog ..Press On, Stay Focused, Take a Risk
Thanks, Erin! I’m so motivated about 2010, I figured it would do me some good to start off with a fresh batch of inspiration. Now, I’m ready.
Lisis:
Wow, great post!! Seth always packs a wallop in terms of great content…regardless of how long or short his posts are. Lisis, I am impressed with the awesome questions that you asked him…as a former journalism student I pay attention to questions almost as attentively as answers. Great stuff!
Also thank you for focusing on some things that I, as a blogger, could really learn from. Have a great new year!!
Hey, Tim! I’m so thrilled to read your comment because I don’t know the first thing about interviews or journalism, so I just asked him what I was wondering myself. Then I worried about publishing it, thinking, “What if my questions are just plain silly?” If nothing else, I figured, hopefully I asked him something he hasn’t answered a million times already!
I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
Popping in to thank you for the fascinating interview and for the kind words in response to Carla’s comment!
Hi, Vered! I’ve got nothing but kind words about you, my dear. I look forward to getting to know you much better in 2010.
Happy New Year!!
Great score with the interview and a fab way to round out your first year of blogging. You’ve come a long way and I reckon that there’s plenty more great stuff to come in 2010:)
Thanks, Annabel! I sure am going to try my best to make 2010 an interesting year at Q4B. It’s time to push some limits and see what this baby can do!
Happy New Year!
Great questions Lisis, these were almost if not as important as Seths answer which, as it happens, were incredible. Simple, concise and full of wisdom and experience. Very helpful. Thanks.
Jonny | thelifething.com´s last blog ..An Almost Comprehensive Guide To Knowing What You Want, Improving Yourself, Finding Success, Escaping The Rat Race And Becoming Rich In 2010.
Well, you’re welcome, Jonny! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I love your Almost Comprehensive Guide, btw… totally clever way to round up some great posts.
Happy 2010!!
Great interview. Personal experience dictates if you email Seth once in a while about a blog post you write that he might like, he’ll come over and add a comment. Don’t ask him to comment, though for it goes against his zigging.
Ari Herzog´s last blog ..Satisfying Saturday: 7 Ways to Praise Tweeting Birdbrains
Hey, Ari! Thanks for the tip. I love that word… zigging! I’m going to have to adopt that into my vocabulary.
I’ve followed Leo from Zen Habits since his beginning. He just put up another new blog today. He chose a blue background with a lighter blue for the font. It’s hard to read. It’s good to know even Leo makes mistakes;)Great interview.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..60 Ways To Become The Person You Love
You’re so funny, Tess! I hadn’t heard of this newest blog of his. I was a huge fan of Zen Habits (especially when the community could interact in comments, with or without him). I thought Write to Done was a pretty good idea, although I don’t read blogs about writing. He lost me a bit on the minimalist one, and I can’t begin to imagine what this last one is… I can’t imagine he has time for all those!
But I agree, even the “big dogs” make mistakes, and it’s refreshing to know they are human!
nice to understand how things are. however one of the things i like to know is how to transfer the acknowledgement of an art work, in this case mine into the objective realm. the outside political world.
somehow i feel i can as what art is, is just something from you mind that has as reference the tangible. however most realist do not see it that way. in other words art becomes a hidden knowledge.
once the canvas and the reality link and make a whole picture. perception no longer belongs to a 3 dimensional realm but it evolves into a 4 dimensional fact.
I love reading Seth’s thought provoking blog as well, especially his succinct writing that’s usually filled with great advice.. His answer #5 caught my attention though, where one day I can call my work my hobby, my beach and my passion!
Happy New Year Lisis..