Bruce Kaechele
February 3, 2010
1. I’ve heard mostly positive reviews with a few naysayers. Can’t remember which blog I saw this on - one of the many interviews Godin did to launch I think - but one commenter remarked that it is just more “be all you can be” stuff you can find in any self help motivational book. Can you see any truth in that, Suzi? Is it new thinking or repackaged thinking?

Suzi Craig
February 3, 2010
2. The basic concept, that we all need to focus on making ourselves remarkable, is nothing new.

   But, Godin is not interested in being a personal coach. His goal is to connect the dots of “you need to be remarkable” to “because our economy depends on it.” His rally cray is not a personal journey rally cry — it’s a “get off your arse because if you don’t, we’re doomed” rally cry.

   I say the naysayers are naysaying because they’re scared of what he’s asking, or they just don’t understand how he’s tying the implications of one person to the masses. In other words, we are the masses! And, if we want to be just another cog in the wheel vs. a linchpin, that’s our choice. But that choice has consequences and the consequences are severe.

Bruce Kaechele
February 3, 2010
3. Since I haven’t read the book yet (hint, hint) I’m at a disadvantage but…a machine or an economy or a world for that matter can’t survive with just linchpins. Being a cog in the wheel or a brick in the wall is a role that needs filling, too. Because they’re the ones that get stuff done. If everyone is a leader we’ll just spend the dance stepping on each others toes.

   (BTW - I’ve seen linchpin misspelled as lynchpin, the definition of which should be “a person that hangs themselves by thinking they are the only person that matters.”

Suzi Craig
February 3, 2010
4. Yes, you are at a disadvantage because I am holding your next read hostage. But, I am almost done.

   So, from my take, I don’t see that he is suggesting we all become the CEO of Pepsi. What he’s saying is that if you are working at ChuckE Cheese, find a way to become indispensable before they automate your job. The old method of “I’ll just do this crappy job now until I wait for something bigger to come along” is going to ruin you. If you are the best you can be — which goes beyond just doing the job, such as taking care of customers and doing things that need to be done even if it’s ‘not your job’, and finding ways to turn a potentially bad experience into a great one (because you WANT to and not because it will lead to a pay raise) — you are on your way to linchpinning.

   And not lynchpinning because it’s definitely not about holding yourself apart as a star. It’s much more about transferring the hard work from physical labor (which we hold in high regard and which we have a lot of) to emotional labor which starts with yourself but ultimately affects everyone around you. Would you fire the one person at the restaurant who knows how to sober up the chef, can handle the obnoxious customer and trouble shoot when the last order of steaks didn’t arrive? (That’s similar to one of his examples.) You can fire, however, someone who shows up to work on time, does the job that’s expected of them but can’t be relied on to take charge of anything outside their duties.

   What we’re talking about, and this is my rally cry now, is a paradigm shift. You can choose to be a cog and that’s cool. But, if you are hoping to survive in an economy that can easily replace cogs, know your reality.

Tia Martinson
February 3, 2010
5. I view your take on Linchpin holding hands with your post on breaking the rules. I am on my feet cheering you on. Realizing that fulfillment comes from having a voice and a purpose that you can control is light years ahead of the “old American dream” as outlined by Godin. I just received the book from Amazon, so I may have additional comments forthcoming as I have barely begun.

Suzi Craig
February 3, 2010
6. Thanks for your thoughts Tia.

   Funny — I probably have already, for some reason, been sipping the kool-aid on this per my “make your own rules” post and that’s probably why I’m such an ardent fan of Godin’s linchpin rally cry.

   Can’t wait to hear what you think Tia. You are one of my biggest fans and definitely a perfect example of what a lot of people are already doing — taking charge of who you want to be instead waiting for the definition to come to you!

Be indispensable at Work? — Jason Seiden
March 9, 2010
7. [...] Marketing guys. [...]

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ash
December 22, 2009
1. I have added your ecard and linked this post up on

   http://www.bannerblog.com.au/news/2009/12/agency_client_xmas_cards_2009.php

Kari Streiber
December 23, 2009
2. Suzi -
   Glad you guys like the Krampus video. It’s just an honor to be nominated in the same category as Jack Bauer! Happy holidays to everyone at Fathom!

Our Big Xmas Idea | Engine Digital Inc. / Blog
December 23, 2009
3. [...] SurfTheDeepEnd – Fathom [...]

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Working From The Basement » OHFH –Small means Agile
November 16, 2009
1. [...] Craig’s The Deep End Article here: Stephan Krauchick’s Video here: CT TweetCrawl Page here: Brent Robertson’s Photos here: [...]

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andy stewart
October 25, 2009
1. Personally, I use Showdocument for online teaching and web conferencing. I’m not saying these programs aren’t good,
   But I think a web-based application is always better, since there’s nothing to download or install.
   try it at http://www.showdocument.com . -andy

Kevin Micalizzi, Dimdim Web Conferencing
October 28, 2009
2. Suzi-

   Thank you for sharing your experience. From it, I believe the most important distinction we need to make is that the telephone number you called in on reaches the Dimdim sales team, not support (though I’m speaking with the sales manager to make sure he is aware you were not treated well.) Dimdim Free support has traditionally only been provided electronically — though we’re reviewing the process. We’re even talking to our partner Eventbrite about their approach, based on your experience.

   Unfortunately, the email you refer to in your Round #4 was from our support manager after he tried calling you several times, but wasn’t able to reach you. I often tweet back even if support is reaching out directly, but in this case I hadn’t — it might have helped to get you both connected faster. I’ll keep that in mind if something like this ever comes up again.

   I’ve also shared your experiences with the team here as it provides a real-world example for many of the changes we had already been in the process of making. Not good that it happened, but a good validation that the improvements we’re making are needed.

   Thanks!

   -k
   Kevin Micalizzi, Community Manager
   Dimdim Web Conferencing
   e: kevin@dimdim.com
   twitter: @dimdim
   facebook: dimdim.com/facebook

   Experience the Dimdim Live Webinar! Register at:
   http://www.dimdim.com/aboutus/events.html

Victor Dorobantu
October 28, 2009
3. Hmm, I like that Kevin @dimdim responded, but I think the comment posted was lame.

Joe Philippon
October 30, 2009
4. I’m happy to be your muse! And to spread an inner-hatred for poor inexplicably poor customer service.

Kelsey C
November 24, 2009
5. I like having these web conferencing services go head to head. Have you checked out RHUB before? That’s what we use at work, and we’ve had excellent customer service experience with them.

Suzi Craig
December 18, 2009
6. Kelsey and Andy - I will check them both out. Hadn’t heard of either. Thanks for the input. And apologies on the late response!

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xtinar
October 15, 2009
1. Looking forward to connecting with other folks in the class through the facebook group and on twitter! (I had hoped to have a more concrete network of folks after our class this week, but am relieved that we’ll be grouped on facebook soon enough)

   THANK YOU for working with CT Nonprofits and getting all of us together in one room to expand our social media know-how. I’m imagining GREAT things for us nonprofit folks here in CT. Tweetups, cross promotions, and general social media love. And this class will be the catalyst!

   Follow me: http://www.twitter.com/xtinar http://www.twitter.com/wellspringct
   Fan me: http://www.facebook.com/wellspring

Brent Robertson
October 16, 2009
2. I too was very impressed with the organic nature and flow of the class. Everyone contributed a lot, and now we are seeing the class putting these ideas into play. Even with some facing a big learning curve, the participation and activity post-class has been amazing, which is the whole point.

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