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In one of our previous posts, we talked about Seth Godin’s “Unleashing The Ideavirus,” which taught you how can turn your ideas into epidemics by helping your customers do the marketing for you.

In this post, we will continue exploring the world of ideas.

Only this time, we will tell you why having a great idea is not enough, and why you need to transform from being the “idea guy” to being the “do-it guy.”

So, read on.

Who Should Read “Poke The Box”? and Why?

Have you heard the famous saying “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”?

This quote is just the right line, to sum up, the premise of “Poke The Box.”

In this book, Seth Godin will push you toward taking that shot you are contemplating about since you don’t even have a chance of success if you do not act.

We recommend this to all Godin followers, as well as to those who need the motivation to get off their chair and start taking chances.

About Seth Godin

Seth Godin is a speaker and an author primarily focused on writing marketing books, and the founder of Yoyodyne, the first digital direct-marketer, which was later acquired by Yahoo. He is the author of Permission Marketing, Purple Cow, Linchpin, etc

“Poke The Box Summary”

You have had plenty of ideas during your lifetime.

But, how many of them did become more than just wishful thinking, a dream?

The verb “to start” is life changing. It turns your idea from thin air into reality.

Many times, we do not start since we are afraid of failure. But the more you think about it, the more reasons you will find to stay in your comfort zone.

Unless you push yourself, you will always stay in the status quo place in your life. It may be safe, but you cannot accomplish anything there.

Moreover, nothing is wrong with risking and failing! In fact, most successful people, before they became what they are, have failed numerous times.

Look at failure as a step towards success. Failure and success are two steps on the same ladder.

So, the next time you have an idea, stop questioning yourself and know that there will always be someone around who is going to be happy to help you do it cheaper, faster, and even better.

You will find the resources, but first, find the determination to start.

Now, sometimes, your idea will seem too big, or you will feel as if the area you enter is unknown.

But, you mustn’t give it up. In fact, that is when you need to start “poking the box.”

Poking the box is another name for the process of learning through trial and error.

Just like scientists push buttons, see what happens, note results and then try again, you should try out your idea.

Play with it, poke it until it reveals you its secrets.

So, whenever you notice a problem and have a solution for it in the form of an idea, make it happen!

Stop waiting for security and a perfect batch of knowledge and information – you will never reach them.

We are not saying that you should take uncalculated risks, but you cannot know all aspects of the idea until you turn it into reality.

Be ready for your competition.

Nowadays, you no longer have a long-lasting advantage, since competitors will quickly take away your innovation once you introduce it.

So, to succeed in today’s environment, your status quo is not an option.

Instead, you must regularly change how you do your business, so you introduce new things on the market and keep (or even grow) your market share.

To stay on the top of your game, structure your workday. Come to work on time, make a schedule for yourself and stick to it.

In this world of constant transformation and movement, there is no time for resting on your success. The quality bar has never been so high as it is nowadays, so the mere delivery of your promises is nothing spectacular.

In other words, if your product is doing what it should be doing – it will probably not make you stand out.

So, you need to stay fresh and to evolve. Do not blend and become mediocre.

Of course, you cannot be the only one who is pushing forward. Your company must create a corporate climate which embraces innovation and change.

Once acting on your ideas and getting started becomes normal in your company, the momentum will build, and you will grow more aware of the opportunities you face.

Success will become inevitable.

Key Lessons from “Poke The Box”:

1.      The Seven Requirements for Success
2.      The Comfort Zone
3.      Why Start

The Seven Requirements for Success

• • “Be…aware of the market, of opportunities, of who you are.”

• • “Be educated so you can understand what’s around you.”

• • “Be connected so you can be trusted as you engage.”

• • “Be consistent, so the system knows what to expect.”

• • “Build an asset, so you have something to sell.”

• • “Be productive so you can be well-priced.”

• “Have the guts and the heart and the passion to ship.”

The Comfort Zone

Studies show that most companies experience their growth in the first five years.

Once they become established, their “trial and error” periods and learning end, and they do not develop as much as in the beginning.

So, after a company has entered its comfort zone, people will no longer take risks and innovate, unless leaders encourage their workers to do the work in new ways.

Why Start?

In today’s continually changing environment it has never been more important to stay one step ahead of your competitors.

So, do it – get started.

Stop the endless process of just brainstorming ideas, and waiting for the perfect time to act on them.

There will never be a time more perfect than now.

Like this summary? We’d Like to invite you to download our free 12 min app, for more amazing summaries and audiobooks.

“Poke The Box” Quotes

Change is powerful, but change always comes with failure as its partner. Click To Tweet

Our Critical Review

“Poke The Box” is written in Godin’s recognizable dynamic style: short sentences, motivational one-liners, and examples which hit the nail on the head.

Godin’s followers will appreciate this book, although it lacks some of the substance that you can find in his previous books.

Emir Zecovic

Emir is the Head of Marketing at 12min. In his spare time, he loves to meditate and play soccer.