Reloaded: How to be a successful challenger - Adam Morgan (2020)
Dec 27, 2023
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Adam Morgan, founder of eatbigfish and author of Eating The Big Fish, The Pirate Inside and A Beautiful Constraint, shares tips on creating a challenger brand, the power of constraints, Tony's Chocolonely as a successful challenger, over-commitment and obsession with execution, the curse of data, and creating emotional connections through challenger brands.
Being a successful challenger brand involves over-commitment, obsession with execution, and embracing constraints for innovation.
Establishing emotional resonance and incorporating surprising elements are key to capturing attention and retaining listeners in a business podcast.
Leveraging collaborations with industry experts and cross-promotion can help a business podcast gain credibility, visibility, and become the number one podcast.
Deep dives
Creating a Fertile Zero: Launching a Business Podcast on a Zero Budget
To launch a business podcast with zero budget and aim to be the number one, there are several strategies to consider. Firstly, focus on creating drama to capture attention and generate emotional reactions. This could involve setting a world record during the podcast or incorporating surprising elements in each episode, such as revealing personal stories. Additionally, collaboration can be a powerful tool, leveraging partnerships or guest appearances from industry experts to attract a wider audience. Emphasizing unique perspectives and providing valuable insights will help set the podcast apart in a crowded market.
The Power of Emotion: Creating Memorable Podcast Moments
When launching a business podcast on a limited budget, it is crucial to tap into the power of emotion. By creating dramatic and surprising moments in the podcast episodes, listeners are more likely to be captivated and engaged, leading to higher retention and word-of-mouth promotion. Incorporating personal anecdotes or unexpected revelations not only adds interest but also establishes a stronger connection with the audience. By focusing on emotional resonance, the podcast can stand out and leave a lasting impact in the minds of the listeners.
Strategic Collaborations: Leveraging Partnerships for Podcast Success
A key strategy for launching a business podcast with zero budget is to leverage the power of collaboration. Partnering with industry experts or influential figures within the business community can provide unique perspectives and attract a wider audience. Guest appearances from successful entrepreneurs or thought leaders can lend credibility and bring valuable insights to the podcast episodes. By forming strategic alliances and cross-promoting with other podcasts or relevant platforms, the podcast can gain visibility and expand its reach, increasing the chances of becoming the number one business podcast.
The Power of Workshops and International Expansion
The speaker discusses how the decision to focus on workshops and expand internationally contributed to the success of their consultancy. They initially developed a workshop framework and utilized it to conduct workshops around their book. With existing connections in San Francisco, Madrid, and London, they were able to create the illusion of an international presence right from the start. The decision to be international was inspired by the speaker's previous experiences and love for working internationally. The first project came from a friend's referral and subsequent projects were obtained through the kindness of friends and strangers, ultimately leading to the growth of their business.
Writing 'The Pirate Inside' and the Challenges of Innovation
The speaker delves into the motivation behind writing their book 'The Pirate Inside'. It was intended to provide a guide for individuals working in large organizations who wanted to be innovators or entrepreneurs within that context. Addressing the question of how to make change happen without risking one's job, the speaker highlights the personal nature of the book, sharing candid stories and capturing the challenges and bleak moments faced during the difficult first year of establishing their separate business unit. They also discuss the importance of learning from failure and studying brands that have faltered. The book resonates with readers who find comfort in the shared experiences, particularly in terms of feeling isolated and the pressure to succeed.
Today I'm revisiting episode 3, with Adam Morgan, founder of eatbigfish and author of Eating The Big Fish, The Pirate Inside and A Beautiful Constraint to find out what it takes to become a successful challenger. Adam shares his tips for creating a challenger brand, transforming your culture and the power of constraints to driving innovation.
In this episode:
Why being No.2 is better
How he turned the anger of his project being shelved into a career-defining opportunity
Being turned down by Phil Knight and where the idea of a Challenger brand came from
The importance of over-commitment and being obsessed with execution
How Tony’s Chocolonely have become a truly challenger brand
How to be a pirate in the navy without getting fired
What you can learn from a catwalk show and how constraints can turn into your greatest advantage
The curse of data and how it leads us to a decline in creativity
The furtile zero and what to do with no budget
Adam shares his worst career moment
Why the meeting is never really the meeting and why the Japanese fall asleep in meetings