Comments on: Invisible = Impotent

By: Ryan Critchett

Ryan Critchett — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:13:48 +0000

Word.

I’m with it. Great points. I think there are many ways to really get out there and create visibility.

I think people can teach other people ways of creating visibility, but I also think there is more room for ingenuity, and better more novel ways of gaining exposure.

By: Larry

Larry — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:07:42 +0000

Well, I certainly have to agree with what you say and with all of the commenters as well.

I have been “getting to it” for about a year in the “toiling alone” mode – “it” being a website that I hope will help the impotent people you refer to by addressing what I think is the main cause of their impotency: the inseparable union of lobbyists and legislatures. And I believe it will have what it takes to keep people looking – and thus effecting real, positive change.

The trick is to figure out how to use and manage this new-fangled medium you keep referring to – which is why I bought your book and read your blog (although not for very long; I just recently met you at TribeCon in New Orleans).

Thanks for pumping out interesting food for thought!

By: Michael Russell - @planetrussell

Michael Russell - @planetrussell — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:24:43 +0000

“Invisible = Impotent” brought to mind an anecdote a colleague told me about early software-based language translation systems – (i.e., long before Rosetta Stone was a mischievous twinkle in anybody’s eye.) Basically, they didn’t work very well. I think it’s a good metaphor and an object lesson in the right kind of visibility.

One system (going from English to Turkish, I think) translated “out of sight, out of mind” as… “invisible imbecile.” You don’t want to be one of those.

By: Daniel Johnson Jr

Daniel Johnson Jr — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:15:44 +0000

Even purple cows stopped getting noticed if they keep showing up in the same places over time.

By: Peter Childs

Peter Childs — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:50:04 +0000

Obscurity is not the same as being unimportant – and popularity is not an indication of wisdom.

Single individuals toiling in alone have regularly redefined the world – with the value of their accomplishments being recognized long after their deaths – when the herd finally catch up to them.

And adoration by the the masses has proven equally wrong – again as the mid point in the last century so clearly demonstrated.

While there is wisdom in crowds – and value in recognition – there is also value in a quiet life in pursuit of ones vision and beliefs.

By: Tamsen

Tamsen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:39:18 +0000

@ Brian: People will *look* at just about anything, but to keep them looking, well, that takes sustained effort.

To Ellen’s point, these new channels absolutely provide the opportunity for establishing wide (and / or deep) platforms on which to operate, but it’s key, I think, to remember that there is no one best way. It doesn’t help me at all (or the people I want to help) if I try to build a platform that would best serve someone else.

There are many different types of visibility, some much more public than others. In essence, visibility is contextual: are you being seen, and being seen as being of value, by the people whose attention you want / need to attract (or by those whom you wish to help or serve)?

By: whitney

whitney — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:33:59 +0000

Well, and I think the problem traditional retail has is that they don’t fully comprehend their competition is not the guy down the street only, but everyone on the net as well- and failure to appreciate the broader competitive space can put you at a real disadvantage.

By: Dr.Mani

Dr.Mani — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:23:52 +0000

Visible, yes. But in the ‘right’ way. To the ‘right’ people. The rest is ‘wasteful’

By: Ed

Ed — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:56:52 +0000

Indeed.
It is more important than ever, to “exist” visibly
if you have any goals beyond hermitage.

The competition for mind share has never been so
abundant.

We are truly now a tree a the forest,
and not one alone in your field.

Q: How to stand out and not be overlooked?

A: You will be known by your fruit

#SameAsItEverWas

Thank you Julien

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:50:53 +0000

And you also have to stay visible… I would venture to say that Sally Struthers, along with her worthwhile cause, has become part of the background noise.

By: Ellen Rossano

Ellen Rossano — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:49:03 +0000

Interesting and timely, Julien! I really like the idea of “building the channel before the need.” I agree with Tamsen that you have to have something with substance to offer, but this post provides great info to share with people and potential clients who might not understand these new channels.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:40:31 +0000

Hahah Tamsen if only that were always true!

By: Tamsen

Tamsen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:38:01 +0000

But it doesn’t stop at visibility. You have to offer something people want to see…