#1: Seth Godin – Art, freelancing, building a personal brand, and the problem with being authentic

In 'Just Kids,' Patti Smith recounts her formative years and her deep, enduring relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe. The book is a vivid portrayal of their lives as young artists in New York City during the late 1960s and 1970s. It captures their struggles, ambitions, and the vibrant cultural scene they were part of, including encounters with iconic figures like Andy Warhol, Allen Ginsberg, and Sam Shepard. The memoir is a tribute to their artistic collaboration, their personal growth, and the city that shaped them. Smith's writing is poetic, candid, and filled with a sense of nostalgia, making the book a powerful and moving read.

In 'Purple Cow,' Seth Godin argues that traditional marketing strategies no longer work in today's saturated market. He advocates for the creation of 'Purple Cows' – products or services that are so remarkable they naturally generate buzz and attract attention. Godin uses the metaphor of a purple cow to illustrate how being ordinary is no longer sufficient; businesses must be bold, innovative, and willing to take risks to stand out. The book is filled with examples from successful companies like Apple, Starbucks, and JetBlue, and it challenges readers to rethink their marketing strategies to focus on creating truly remarkable offerings.

In 'Eat, Pray, Love', Elizabeth Gilbert chronicles her journey as she leaves behind her outwardly successful but inwardly unfulfilling life in the United States. The book is divided into three parts, each set in a different country: Italy, where she seeks pleasure and indulges in the local culture; India, where she delves into spiritual practices and meditation; and Bali, Indonesia, where she aims to find a balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. The memoir is a personal and introspective account of Gilbert's struggles, growth, and self-discovery during her travels.

In 'Survival Is Not Enough', Seth Godin argues that companies should focus on evolution rather than constant change. He introduces the concept of 'zooming' – embracing change without pain – which allows organizations to evolve effortlessly and attract people who drive further evolution. The book provides practical advice on making chaos an asset rather than a threat, applicable to companies in any industry and market conditions.

In 'Unleashing the Ideavirus', Seth Godin explains how companies like Napster and Hotmail have successfully launched idea viruses, which are customer-to-customer dialogues that spread marketing ideas. Godin provides a recipe for creating your own ideavirus and shows how businesses can use this marketing strategy to succeed in a world that is increasingly resistant to traditional marketing. He introduces concepts such as 'sneezers' (influential people who spread the ideas), 'hives' (populations most willing to receive them), and 'smoothness' (the ease with which sneezers can transmit them throughout a hive).

In 'The Long Tail,' Chris Anderson argues that the internet has enabled businesses to profit from selling a large number of unique items, each in small quantities, rather than focusing solely on bestsellers. The book highlights how companies like Amazon, Google, and Netflix capitalize on this strategy by offering a vast array of products that cater to niche markets. Anderson discusses the three forces driving the long tail: democratization of tools of production, democratization of distribution, and connection between supply and demand. He also explores the impact of this phenomenon on various industries, including music, movies, and books, and how it has led to the rise of new tastemakers and consumer-driven markets.