I had the pleasure of listening to theDuct Tape Marketing Podcast recently, the March 23 episode featureing David Meerman Scott, who recently wrote the book called World Wide Rave. David makes some really interesting points about how trends get started on the Internet. He provides numerous case studies on viral videos and blog posts, and how people have used these to build their businesses.
Examples included Blendtec, a maker of heavy-duty blenders who increased sales tenfold after creating some wacky videos and the site Will it Blend?, showing their blenders chop non-food items. He also talks about Helaine Smith, DMD, a Boston Dentist who quintupled her business after publishing a free e-book called "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex."
Seth Godin had a great post recently -- a video showing a guy dancing, then two guys dancing, then... well, watch for yourself.
Seth's point is the first guy is very important, and the 3rd guy is very important, but Guy #49 is pretty much a dime a dozen. I'd like to put in a word for Guy #2 who took a real risk by joining Guy #1. He could have been rejected, but he joined in and believed in the movement. Guy #3 gets credit for the big wave but maybe there would not be a Guy #3 if not for Guy #2? Read Seth's comments at http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/06/guy-3.html
A friend of mine recently acquired a Ford 8N tractor, and has decided to rebuild the entire tractor, including the engine, piece by piece. He said he had purchased some videos online that show him in great detail what he needs to do. He bought two videos for $25 each.
I would not have visited Point Lobos Reserve this week if it had not been for my social network. About a year ago, my friend Chris introduced me to his friend Kurt. A few months later, Kurt invited me to breakfast where I met George. In May, George, Kurt, and I walked the length of the Art Loeb Trail in Pisgah Forest.
I would not have visited 
