First Follower idea is all yours
2010-02-14
Anyone want some fame being a leadership philosopher?
Last week I gave a 3-minute talk at the TED Conference called “How to Make a Movement - Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy”.
I expected nothing, but it got a standing ovation. Peter Gabriel came up to me afterwards and said it was “funny, profound, and important.”
It was twittered and blogged about by Tony Robbins, Jason Fried, Loic Le Meur, Bill Gross, and over 1000 other people.
Some powerful people have told me the ”First Follower” is a hit idea - that I should develop it and turn it into a book or a series of talks - the next Tipping Point, Purple Cow, etc.
Only problem is: I don't want to.
I don't want to drop my other projects to dive into this subject, even though it seems it would be successful. I don't have any special insights. I've said all I have to say about it.
So although it's usually understood that ideas are up for grabs, I should state it clearly:
If this “First Follower” idea inspires you to elaborate on it, please do. Feel free to write a hit book about it, tour the corporate speaking circuit talking about it, or anything else. I won't.
You don't have to ask my permission, pay me, or even credit me.
I've been very lucky with lots of opportunities. This one's all yours.
Jonathan Byrd was just talking about this blog post of yours at his show last night, so I think the idea is already running on it's own
Careful, if someone follows your lead, it might start a movement.
I like the concept a lot - but it's really not a concept. The best 'first followers' are people who would just be doing that (whatever "that" is) anyway. That's what makes it so infectious, so illogical, so inviting for other people to want to join in. If you think too much about it (or try to plan it), it just never works.
I'm no doubt going to be exploring this more at my Illogical Marketing blog, and yep, you'll get credit (because sending people to check *other* people out is just illogical - and that's what I like!).
I love the fact that you are passionate enough about what you are doing, and secure enough in who you are, that you'll turn down an opportunity like this so that you can focus on what YOU believe is important in your life.
You deserve a standing ovation for THAT.
I adore that photo.
And your generosity of spirit.
Glad the world has you in it - happy valentine's day!
This is totally awesome, I will use it on to talk about founding The Institute of Creativity, but believe me my friend..you are the genius behind the words, and the world knows it! If I forget to tell you later...You Rock
Fondly,
Stephanie Kathan
I'm going to follow your idea of giving away great ideas that you don't have time to develop!
you continue to inspire and amaze. Thanks for keeping us moving forward, thinking courageously and teaching that giving things away brings back untold wealth.
Derek....
I've already shared the video with several people, and as an anecdote over breakfast. I see it as a "call to arms" of sorts. It is also about people becoming what they are naturally and reflexively wired to be. Shirtless Man had no agenda...he was simply being "Shirtless Man". It's honesty laid bare, if you will pardon the pun. There are so many lessons to learn here, it would be difficult to catalog. Keep sharing the nuggets. Are you in Vancouver for the Olympics?
Hear, hear Derek I hope someone takes up this theory and expand on it. You're putting your own theory into practice.
Just so you know, I'm giving you a permanent standing ovation.
Thank you Derek, this is an extremely generous offer. I promise to use your idea in my upcoming blog entry and put it directly into action!
That video was first making the rounds on Face Book from people who had attended the event, but no one mentioned the leadership/follower angle. Instead, everyone talked about being crazy enough to start something and being in love enough with spontaneity to continue to enjoy it. What you have pointed out is super critical and something I am experiencing right now: how to get that follower to believe that they are a co-creator. As a committed first follower myself (I had NO IDEA that was my M.O. until your brilliant analysis) I, of course, want to follow you through the journey of developing this concept, LOL! But I do think you are right: it is such an elegant idea that you have said what there is to say ABOUT it. Now it is time to implement. My feeling is that this one should be crowd-sourced because, well, it is all about the crowd. Thanks for being the light int his particular bulb.
I loved your tweet on first follower but now, I love even more your free spirit and giving hart. It is something many need to follow just like the first follower one. Great, I thank you very much for you inspired me.
I really loved the TED video, but this blog post is even better. Thanks for being an inspiration!
It's a great concept and your talk was very well done, but congrats on staying focused with what excites YOU - that is one of the most challenging bits out there - not being distracted by all the "awesome" things that come our way. Great photo, too. Thanks for always being so willing to share your work!
A great idea that has caught on. Nice to know it is resonating with so many people.
To ever get anything done a tightly focused and dedicated group of people is always needed. A leader IS just a person with an idea by themselves until it begins to resonate with others. Sometimes it can be a slow growth or sometimes it can explode. A leader (or people in general) who tend to take credit for everything is often walking down a dangerous and self destructive road.
that is so kind of u...
Any person who said something to people, already responsible for that.
This is so funny, my 1st posterous blog ever (August 2009) was based on exactly the same video and its title was: "If you are enjoying, people will follow."
http://ivanasendecka.posterous.com/if-you-are-enjoying-people-will-follow
;-)
I love such coincidences in life;-)
cheers from Slovakia;-)
i.
Freedom is contagious...
You are soooo cool, Derek. Love ur outlook & attitude.
Not to worry. Someone will take the idea and run with it. Then someone else will follow and take the idea and run with it as well, as will another and another. We are a nation of followers that seem to have forgotten to be creative individuals and come up with our own unique ideas.
Look at TV for example. Someone comes up with a cool and unique idea which becomes a hit show and the next thing you know every network follows with its own version of the same type of show.
Sad, very sad.
Yes, indeed, it is ours - I first heard it back in June 2009, on Seth Godin's blog. It got posted up on Hacker News too.
Here's the seth post of the same video, making the same post (though he reckons guy #3 is more important than the first follower):
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/06/guy-3.html
A great example of the principle you wrote about in this article: http://sivers.org/multiply
Derek, I actually wasn't the last one to comment, this is a start. I applaud your ability to give freely of your time, ideas, passion, etc. It is an inspiring gift, thanks.
As to your First Follower idea:
To be the first follower, implies someone must start the movement, as your video demonstrates. This to me, is the catch 22. In order to be the first follower, there must be a first beginner and in order to be the first beginner, you have given up the first follower status. So, I think you see the dilemma. There is so much out there and so many things one could "follow"and therein is the issue.
As one of the many anonymous out here, it can seem daunting to step out of the security of job, family, house, car, etc. and begin to be someone else. I don't think it is a matter of not being willing to be the "nut" it is more a matter of interconnectedness to other people who rely, depend and support us. Don't misunderstand me here, please, I mean no offense, but it is difficult to just drop all of ones obligations to start a venture, idea, book, band, or business when one is not a 20 or 30 something. You were fortunate enough to develop your great idea when you had the youth, energy, freedom and oportunity to do so. Now, your pay off is the luxury to engage in basically whatever it is you want to engage. I applaud you, really I do. You are an amazing individual who was instrumental in changing the face of indepenant music distribution; what an accomplishment, I envy it. All I am saying is that it would be nice to have your untethered ability to explore the world of ideas. If I start a trend, it will be a trend based on the acknowledgement of the literally millions of people who by choice or not, find themselves mid way through life and want to make the last half count for something. As a musician and songwriter, I am finding it incredibly difficult to find other like minded musicians willing to write and perform original work. Hey, I foung a niche, perhaps that will be my "nut" idea. As usual, thanks and keep us on our toes. B
That is so cool, Derek. You are the real thing. You are creating an incredibly positive reality for yourself, and setting a tremendous example for others.
It is so inspiring to see people who 'walk the talk'.
You have my utmost admiration and respect.
Live Long and Prosper!
DEREK...haha....and well worth a "...standing ovation..."!
~rhonda
I'm busy running with this idea...
http://www.youtube.com/watch#videos=x2cN4fmh7tQ&v=LQqq3e03EBQ
Will we be ablle to watch a LIVE version of your TED talk on this subject? Hope so!
I APPLAUDE YOU~ and count on you for my MIND FIX OFTEN...
addicted to your coolness...
Very few people do things so selflessly, thanks for being so inspirational Derek.
Hello all,
First Follower.
"Is it me...?" "NO."
ok next...
Derek,
Now that I know what you will not be doing... How about the next post gives us an update on what you are doing. Now of course i am not looking for an overview, I would like to know one detail. Something you have been spending creative/thinking time on. Then maybe others can do the same.
It's the tiny screws that holds the big picture. And lucky for the picture, it only requires one person to enjoy it.
-Michael McKinney
It's great to have a head that's a virtual "House of Ideas" isn't it Derek. It's even better when the ideas take on a life of their own.
There is one more corollary to the "Dancing Guy" idea that I failed to mention the other day in my original post on the subject:
It is one thing to get people to join in a dance, a hedonistic and fairly painless expression of abandon, requiring nothing of the person but the ability to shake one's body.
However, get people to join in an activity that requires any kind of exertion, physical or mental, and that is an entirely different thing. Get people to join a movement where they must sacrifice or face particularly negative consequences, such as ostracism, loss of employment, jail, etc., and getting people onto a bandwagon becomes far more difficult.
In other words, the "Dancing Guy" is an interesting lesson in how to get people onto a dance floor for several minutes of mindless fun, but in its sheer simplicity, the lesson does not begin to calculate the myriad obstacles of getting people to become involved in any real world activity with all its potential pains and pitfalls.
When a person does something that is truly unusual and violates the norms and shibboleths of contemporary populism, thus inviting all variety of retaliations and rebukes, then getting others to join in the activity is extremely difficult, no matter how many "first followers" are embraced.
Personally, I love going down strange roads in the name of passion, no matter how much abuse and disdain is encountered along the way. The difficult path is often depressing, yet ultimately invigorating, because struggle really is an essential component toward feeling any sense of satisfaction in breaking through the obstacles, whether gaining a convert to a music genre, song lyric, or social cause.
yo music being derek
i kind of get the idea but it is much ado about nothing.
you probably could say anything, contradict yourself in the same paragraph, and because you are so admired people will tell you your a genius.
my cousin, a well known motivational speaker who makes a fortune "motivating people", told me the basics of what he does, "i bullshit people but on a highly organized level."
there was a study done where an actor was hired to present great ideas, thoughts , etc to an educated audience of "professionals".
his job was to present a motivational speech that truly contradicted its self every step of the way and to see if ANY ONE got it.
all the feedback was that he presented awesome ideas and was all so inspiring.
not one person was able to smell the bullshit. or brave enough to state so.
just an observation. tom #23 is right about the tv shows, same with most bands, we, not i, are "follow fashion monkeys".
bright musical ways
ian the being being ian
Once again, your generosity overwhelms me. I don't have the skills to turn this topic into a discussion but I will definitely experiment with the idea to see if it can be applied to myself. I always knew of this in the back of my mind but was never able to define it like you did in your three minute topic. It all makes sense now!
Solitoode
I think I'll just live it. Be the shirtless nut. Teach by example. I have too many projects, too!
On a very small scale, next week I'm taking your video and message on my laptop to my 11th grade Sunday School class. We're focusing on ways to reduce the impact of slavery, particularly child slavery, around the world and this concept will help us gain momentum - plus the kids will love Dancing Guy. Thank you, Derek!
You've basically just turned the concept of "First Follower" into an Open Source and Public Domain idea. Thank you. Very generous. I hope people credit you with the idea of "First Follower" and recognize your gift.
Derek is being an example with this. While he's not willing to dedicate himself to the communication of this phenomenon, he's not putting himself in the way of this meme.
Thank you Derek for being like that. You are again showing signals of your intelligence.
Paradoxically, you are kind of gaining moral credit to be the chosen one for this. Never mind... you started a great conversation and made it bigger.
Sociologists, psychologists we need your papers on this subject!!
Derek,
I like your spirit of generosity, but what I appreciate more is that you are staying on track and you are very grounded. Too often we allow what others say to influence us and get us off the path we are on. Your ego is definitely in check.
Avil Beckford
P.S. I liked The First Follower but not enough to take it on. I have to work on developing The Invisible Mentor concept because that's my path.
Again, you put it out there. Let's see who takes you up on that idea. Take care.
Good for you, Derek! I salute you for going with how you feel about it ("I've said all I have to say about it."), rather than how others may feel about it.
I think you have said all that needs to be said about it without possibly going into "overkill."
Respectfully, Don
What a perfect, beautiful photograph. So perfect. What a wonderful thing to be able to do.
You are the definition of an unselfish person. I know you'll have a great Valentine's Day, because a lot of people, including me, love you.
-- Derek
Aww, thanks!
Hello everyone here and Derek. There is much to reflect on here. Actually, the presentation of first follower has been around a long time, but Derek has brought this conscious awareness out into the light of day in a very unique way.
I see a parallel to this conscious awareness in the salesman (leader) of say the last century who travelled with a wagon across the plains of the US selling the medicinal herbs and "cures" or various remedies for common ailments, of which some worked and some might not have. The first one to buy the product started a chain reaction in much the same way that Derek's film shows.
I also see the parallel in politics, in which the "leader" espouses to reason with the Truth of the day (propaganda), that may or may not be the absolute truth, nor the way to what one would want to accomplish in the world. Here again, the first follower, the buyer of such beliefs, of even a Jim Jones type, MLK, Gandhi, Hitler, etc. begins a movement. Leaders never accomplish anything on their own, but have lots of followers.
The moral message I hear in this is to be aware of who you are following, for it may start something that would be better off not being started. Alternatively, some movements are good to start, and there don't seem to be enough of those, like say, a movement to end the production of nuclear bombs on the planet, which seems, at least to me, to be a serious threat to health.
This is just my two cents worth. Thank you Derek for the opportunity to add my thoughts to the discussion here.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
"Successful people, artists and nonartists alike put the hours in. Derek Sivers has. He is one of our greatest thinkers. A visionary. Sivers has his finger on the pulse of society."
- Miles Patrick Yohnke Award-nominated engineer, producer, writer, poet,
founder and C.E.O. of 5 Star Productions http://www.5-starproductions.com
I think you're right. The idea was expressed fully. Further written exploration would be superfluous, though I'm sure someone will take up the "torch". I'm very thankful for your presentation and my response is here http://ow.ly/172jh
Cheers! ☮
Interesting. I shared this with a group I'm involved with. Some really dug it. Others, instead of focusing on the first follower principle or the get out of the way once you lead and get something started principle, many focused on all the "crowd" that started dancing after the first follower. "Sheeple" they were called. People who just blindly follow because they don't want to be different. Of course the main point was about the leader and the first follower, but the discussion went way off on a tangent about the crowd...
Thats brilliant of you! I spoke about your video last Friday at our bi-monthly Writers Reading series here in Drumshanbo County Leitrim Ireland. When I finished everyone talking at once.It was a most empowering session for us because we have all been first followers at one time or another and we have all felt the roll of a movement and sometimes, each of us have had that zany thing of being the nut out front. (At least I hope, I pray, that we all have felt the joyful abandonment of spirit to move our feet and dance)
Judging on the comment left, the spark has grown to flame!
all the best Buddy!
always
eileen
For some reason all I can think of is the Hula hoops in Hudsucker Proxy... ignored, price drops, ignored, price drops further, one cool kid buys one and starts the movement, price rises, the fad becomes the rage, price rises further, sold out... all because of the first follower. Which is really the whole concept behind viral marketing - get the cool kids doing it, even if you have to pay them, and the rest will follow. It's basically human nature, what to do?
Yes; look at what Darwin started; which has been proven to be a religion, because you have to believe that is it is in fact true.
Reff:
http://bible.cc/proverbs/14-12.htm
It seems to me that the first follower might lack the "ah-ha" moment the leader has, but still has the intrinsic imagination to recognize that the leader is on to something.
I don't want to write a book about it. I want to meet Peter Gabriel.
Adam
I love that you give away ideas that you cannot pursue - ideas are priceless in the right hands.
Thank you!
Matthew
PS in the spirit of sharing ... Will someone please put daycare and retirement homes in the same building please.
thank God. i don't think i could take another person taking something that worked, blowing it up out of all proportion, hammering it into the ground, blowing it back up (full of air), blah blah, seeing some major corporation bogarting it (& telling me to 'follow them on twitter!' as if they just discovered that too)....
it worked, it was great, voila. it wasn't even your dance! you weren't even the bloke who danced second!!
good for you for having the confidence to leave well enough alone.
Congrats! It is wise to focus on what you do best and not be pulled off track just because.... I'm glad you're like Johnny Appleseed - plant a seed, then another.....
As it turns out, I was there at the first Dancing Guy gathering, and many thereafter.
To clear the air, the first follower was so drunk that there was no menory connected to the event, only some minor muscle soreness and easily treated reflux.
But the Second Follower was a friend of mine, a yoga instructor who immediately grasped the profundity of the event.
He took names and e-mail addresses, contacted all the parties concerned and began a series of 'events', including both ecstatic dance and intensive spiritual indoctrination which led, in short order to, the formation of Dancing Guy-Love Interstellar, which as we all now know as the religious arm of the radical movement, whose millions of followers have vowed to keep dancing until Dancing Guy tells them to do something else.
Perhaps I am just bitter because my wife left me for Second Follower, still, considering the twenty percent tithe and the high rate of suicide in the inner circle, I'm kinda glad I can't dance.
After a miserable week dealing with the consequences of the actions of mean spirited people, it's a joy to lift my head and read your posts.
I'd almost forgotten the how and why of dancing
Standing ovation?! peter gabriel!!
...I haven't seen the video yet, what did you say?! Ok the idea was good, very good, but... I have the sensation that you have a kind of carisma that whatever you do or say, people will love you!
I can see you inside the white house, after Obama... ;)
Have a good day,
Gabriele
P.s. Today I have been in Viareggio (tuscany) for the carnival,it was really impressive!
So in essence you are the dancing man and certainly not the first dance for you. I enjoyed the presentation congrats on the buzz. I too would like to hear some more about some of the current projects you are working on.
I shared your video and talk in a lecture. Great post Derek.
Derek, you remind me of the song lyrics....on and on, on and on, on...and... on!!!
THANKS. i love your sprit. you said that u didnt have anything else to say about this even though lots of people said that you should speak on it you are great and it is obvious that you are not out all about the money. i also like when you siad you have had lots of opportunites this is yours.
I like the first-follower idea, hope someone make it into something.
What's even better than the idea is your willingness to give it away. Most people would keep an idea to themselves and protect it religiously in case someone else stole it or copied it. That's probably why most ideas die and never get beyond being in one person's head. Let's hope this one flies.
Cheers,
Steve.
love the photo. thanks for your ongoing encouragement to "BE"
It is flowing... We can't put the genie back in the bottle (thank goodness!).
I like the way you think Derek, and that you are true to yourself.
My thoughts on leadership are these....
You can't lead people who don't want to be lead they will let you down as you demand more comittment.
People who are comitted will work untill they have what they want.
Well, I'm a lone nut, and 15 years ago buddy my side kick, Chris Colvin walked out the crowd, came up to me in front of the White House and said. "Man I like what you do and I want to help." Very profound and you helped me understand the importance of that moment. Now we are at the last stage of "Building A Movement", we have tons of people jumping on board an idea so they won't be perceived as being behind the times. "First Follower" grabs me, but "Building A Movement" moves me.
Johnny Bonneville
OK !!!!!!!!!
This has nothing to do with the first follower idea, but I also have a concept I'd like to give away. It has to do with giving people a way to pay artists for tracks they've gotten through unauthorized downloads and the like.
)
http://cinderbridge.blogspot.com/2010/02/tip-jar.html
(If you want to skip the backstory and jump right to the idea, start past the three asterisks.
The real fruit of this idea... for me at least... is trying to work the concept into what someone is doing or working on at this very moment...a new release..new merch...etc...working the first follower idea into the momentum of the livelihood of the indie artist..creating momentum a snowball effect with press..fans..sales..etc...that alone is what breathes life into the concept for me...thank you Derek
Cool idea for a lecture and for a book too, but I'm too busy leading to write the book. In fact, I'm so busy leading, I had to get one of my followers to read Derek's blog and then type this comment for me. See, it works! ;-)
Great video.
Astute observations.
I confess, I've never thought about it in those terms.
Well done!
sj
you're awesome Derek.
Derek,
The "First Follwer" is the next leader. Most are Followers yet few are leaders.
I can't wait to read what you've been working on yourself besides reading how you're promoting others idea's. Don't get me wrong, promoting an idea is how the word gets out, but I know you have many of your own great idea's you should be sharing.
Peace Bro.
~Mark Johnson~
Derek,
I'm not quite ready to give up my brilliant ideas for free yet. I think I'll hold on to them a while. I would like to sell one of them for a few million dollars first.
Thanks for the freebees.
Vernon
Derek,
There are leaders and then there are true leaders. Your generosity and ability to live life open-handedly are truly inspirational. You're a gift.
Bliss
Great Derek! Reminds me of the book, "The Tao of Leadership." Read a review years ago by Dr. John Hanley (Lifespring). Hanley referred to this idea as "leading from the back of the room."
Dear, dear Derek,
Thank you for your conscious way of being, for allowing yourself to be vulnerable ... for our benefit.
For a few years now, there's been something brewing in my head (or heart) about the 'voice crying in the wilderness' as it relates to where we are in the alignment of characters in this production.
i.e., what i do is not just for me, or about me, but for and about those who come after me.
Like, was Jesus a first follower?
Derek,
Your generosity is over whelming.
Thank You! However,one must make reference to where the inspiration arrived.
Just can't claim credit for something you didn't think of.
Tamm E Hunt
TGJN
Excellent image at the end of the post Derek. Matches your message perfectly.
whats happening with Muckworks?Might not have the name correct?
It is so hard to believe how quickly hype can grow these days. You say something today, tomorrow you write a book and a day after it is on a bestsellers list.
Great respect, Derek, for sticking to your principles. You achieved enough in your life and don't need another big thing...
As it's a great concept,I'm sure someone will take up the offer.
Hi Derek
Very happy to read, learn all You share, "Much Much Work"
It's wonderful, Derek.
Thank much
You're True!
Brilliant, Derek. This is a great observation! Well done. walt
For us formally educated types its a fun take on some basic socio-cultural anthropolgy concepts. I don't know if the film was planned or spontaneous but the first follower provides that stamp of validation and reality testing we all need for ourselves or our potential followers. Its a good thing to remember in understanding many situations.
Fabulous. I will absolutely use this material. Thanks!!!
Just passed it on to a minister's group. The depth and simplicity of this is really something, Derek. I appreciate ya!
The irony is delicious. With First Follower you've already been trasformed from lone nut with the original post. You're the establish flint to a flurry of sparks. It's like this blog post is performance art!
Derek -
I wish I had your gift - for looking at the ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary!
Your generosity continues to inspire - thanks my friend!
great clip. reminds me of some of the early work of edward t. hall.
Happiness is being!! Not needing... striving!!! Content.
Rachel
Your insight is remarkable. I am beginning to believe you have ascended to another level of spirituality. Believe me, no pun intended.
There are things that I am aware of that exists beyond the material.
You are one of the most giving people I know, and one day hope to meet you. Thank you for your generosity to the community.
I've already been developing this idea into a book... sort of. I was working around with a concept and outline, but without the key element to tie it all together. I think you've just given me that. Thanks a bunch... and you will of course get credit if it ever sees the light of day.
D, I got a kick out of this video the first time I saw it. Someone could definitely dance w/ it (I'd love to meet & interview that guy for fun). I'm trying to start my own movement at present but that was a great gesture on your part to offer up the idea. Nice work on the sharing.
I think the thing everyone wants most from this is to be successful at starting their own tribe. At picking/discovering their first maniac passionate follower. At interacting w/ a group of people that care and that give an artist unbelievable support. A community that gives art to each other. A community that supports each other. BTW...I can't wait to partake in the gift of MuckWork. Drive on artist. I support you, Derek. Peace
Nice going, Derek.
Seth Godin used this same video back in June to talk about Guy #3. The point is the same, it's about leadership, but my favorite part in Seth's blog is what he says about guy#49...
"Initiators are rare indeed, but it's scary to be the leader. Guy #3 is rare too, but it's a lot less scary and just as important. Guy #49 is irrelevant. No bravery points for being part of the mob."
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/06/guy-3.html
Thanks Derek. Good stuff as always.
I get two messages out of this whole idea, that passion for a project that is just starting can take either of two roles.
1 - if you have an idea you're passionate about, pursue it with everything you got and when someone comes to support (follower #1) help them be part of it and treat them as and equal.
2 - if you don't have an idea yourself but see someone who has a great idea, feel free to support them and help followers #2, #3 etc to join the movement.
T-shirt idea: black silhouette of Dancing Guy doing one of his crazier dance moves. Underneath, in black letters: "FOLLOW ME."
I will have the shirt made if there is some interest. Who's with me? Or, who has a better slogan?
u r like....seriously cool
I'll be the First Follower of the First Follower...erm....Leader!
I am the shirtless crazy guy and I am going to shamelessly rip off the first follower idea to promote my crazy idea of corporate peoplehood. Thanks.
"Small minds copy, great ones steal outright"
Michael
Derek,
Here is a dividend on your investment of [giving away the FF idea]:
Please consider doing a blog post, now, on self-authorization. You know exactly what I am talking about but many others who read you may not. Please consider speaking it.
Interested to know if anyone does take up the First Follower idea and explores it further.
You're remarkable. Thanks for modeling a giving attitude but more profoundly, the discipline of focus over opportunism.
Once again, inspiring.
The first follower idea is so true!
I introduced the pulser pump over 2 decades ago. But I was the lone nut and everybody recoiled including scientists that supposedly have an open mind. Nobody researched it until AFTER first follower Mat in Cornwall made one and posted it on the net. Even though it has been published twice in magazines 10 and 20 years ago! And it is not rocket science by any means either, any fool could figure it out. No move from the scientific community in all that time. (It is a humanitarian device)
Research has been carried Queens University Ontario this year with more to follow.
If anyone reading this wants to set up and run a "first follower" or Dancingguy web site on an open source creative commonns basis I will give/finance it up to about Euro 1000 (plans to the end of September 2010). I'll only finance one project to start with.
The goal of the site would be to enable people who are like the dancing guy have a platform to find crowds to follow, which can then migrate onto Facebook Google Groups or whatever the leader and his/her embraced followers wants to do, go,
Google "richard lucas" Enterpreneurship or to track me down or my name and
"Wojtek soldier the bear" on Facebook to find one crazy project that is growing fast in a Derek Sivers type way
Richard
Ok ok ok... I won't be your first follower in this one! This is comment 111. However, I might be the first one in Costa Rica or even maybe in Latin America. So, I might very well be the primer seguidor of a inspiring three minute presentation I enjoyed from Derek this week at Google's Zeitgeist.
And I will follow to make the movement grow. In Spanish el seguiderazgo makes all the sense in the world.
Gracias Derek! salud!
Thank you for this - the inspiration and the permission to take it and run. I can't stop talking about it, so I'm going to develop it. Really, thank you.
Hi Derek,
I just saw this video and you interpretation of it for the first time. It's a fabulous illustration of the first follower concept. I would also like to applaud you for both being very giving of your illustration and encouraging others to use it. Not many people do that these days, especially so openly. In the end though, it's the free exchange of ideas and building upon them creates more ideas and products and ultimately helps people.
You're also showing great focus in your personal brand by not getting distracted by what you know could be a diversion from what you really want to be focused on. Kudos to you all around!
Larry
Hey Derek,
Thnx for your inspiration. Just bought your book too! The lone nut and first follower idea inspired me to leave my job (after 16 years) and startup my own 'business'; first-follower IT. No outlined MBA business plan, but I just think my services can be of help to anyone who appreciates it. We'll see what happens - what a great feeling.
Thnx!
Rick
That's very humbling Derek that you'd be willing to give an idea even without credit. Very admirable.