By famous, I means admired, trusted, given the benefit of the doubt. By famous, I mean seen as irreplaceable or best in the world.
Here’s how to tell if you’re famous: If I ask someone in your community to name the person who is known for X, will they name you? If I ask about which store or freelancer is the best place, hands down, to get Y, will they name you? If we played 20 questions, could I guess you?
Being famous to the family is far more efficient than being famous to everyone.
Seth Godin – Famous to the Family
You’re building an organisation. You want to make a name for yourself. What sort of name? You want to be famous. Famous to who?
In Small Giants Bo Burlingham desribes focusing on
… companies that were admired and emulated in their own industries. I wanted companies that had the respect of those who might otherwise be their harshest critics, namely their peers and competitors.
…
Some of the companies had achieved a modicum of fame, usually because they had a well-known product. Most were famous only to those they worked with or competed against.
Bo Burlingham – Small Giants
I’d take “famous to the family” over just “famous” any day of the week – or any day my head is screwed on right.
Famous to:
- The people who work there and their families;
- Suppliers and partners;
- Customers or clients – and anyone else interested in the thing you do;
- Competitors and complements.*
What would it take for your organisation to be the one everyone thinks of when they’re asked for a recommendation?
What would it take for your employees to rave to their friends about the great place they work, and the great people they work with and for?