Hopefully you've begun reading Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki, and started thinking about "The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions".
Here are the questions for the introductory items through the first part of Chapter 2. You do not need to respond to each question, but do give your thoughts and impressions after reading the chapter. (Feedback for this assignment should be go in the comments section of this post. You have until the next Book Chat is posted to answer.)
Here are some questions to help you get started.
1. What are your thoughts on his premise that, "When you enchant people your goal is not to make money..., but to fill them with great delight."
2. What is a brand that delights you? How is delight better than just good?
3. What is your reaction to Guy's four factors that make a good first impression?
- Make Crow's Feet
- Dress for a Tie
- Perfect Your Handshake
- Use the Right Words
1. I'm glad this statement was mentioned at the beginning of the book in order to set the stage for the true meaning of enchantment. I think a lot of times in our culture success is measured with wealth, and this reminds us that not all goals have to involve monetary achievements. I feel as though many people desire to make a difference, but they need some help with how to be more enchanting so that others will be more open to accepting and implementing their ideas. Enchantment goes beyond turning a profit, it's more about making your business, organization, team, etc. a better place with something that is mutually beneficial; There doesn't always have to be winners and losers.
ReplyDelete3. I think Guy's tips for a great first impression are spot on. You only get one chance, so why not present yourself in a friendly, open, and likable manner? I thought it was interesting that he pointed out the difference between fake vs. real smiles. And he's right, fake smiles are fairly easy to spot, and they definitely leave room for negative interpretations and doubt. I also like how he encourages everyone, even superiors within an organization, to be flexible, ask questions, and listen. We've all been taught how we should dress in a professional situation, give a proper handshake, and communicate, but Guy breaks these down in a way that make them seem easy and personable. He stresses being comfortable with who you are and embracing it. After all, there is not one way to make a perfect first impression. The goal is to stand out, but still be comfortable with who you are and what you represent.
I love this book so far!
Bailiegh
1. I love the idea of "enchanting" people. I appreciate a business so much more when they take the time to care about their customers instead of finding the quickest way to turn a profit. As many people say, money can't buy you happiness. It has to be much more fulfilling for a company to know they have changed someone's life for the better. Obviously, a company will not succeed if they do not make money, but by focusing on enchantment companies will most likely be successful financially.
ReplyDelete2. A brand that delights me is TOMS. I love buying a pair of shoes knowing that another pair will be sent to a person in need. I love companies who give back to others. Plus, it does not hurt that I love the way TOMS look.
3. I love the section about the cost of a smile. Personally, I know when I am in a bad mood it is difficult for me to force a smile. A fake smile will only drive people away and anyone can see through it. I love the mention of George Clooney because he has such an inviting smile that makes it hard not to like him. His smile seems genuine. I also like that Guy mentioned we have to be ourselves. People can read through a fake personality just like a fake smile.
This book has given some great advice and we are only two chapters in. I cannot wait to see what else I can learn from it.
Bri
Even though we are only two chapters in, I think this book is a great choice for this class. I think it will be super helpful for all us entering "the real world" later this year.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of enchantment is just so interesting and I can imagine it takes a lot of practice. I think that the goal being not to being about making money, but filling people with great delight is spot on. In order to establish a relationship with customer, co-workers, friends, etc. it so important to establish a meaningful relationship and trust. But, Kawasaki states that enchantment is not just building a relationship, but getting the others to dream the same dream. I think a lot of businesses are not willing to take the next step into enchantment, or they just don't know how. All in all, enchantment will help a business achieve long term success.
Also, his 4 tips for success are wonderful! My personal favorite was "make crow's-feet." There is nothing worse than meeting someone who just does not seem happy. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes it is difficult for me to get out a real smile. But, from the reading I learned the key is too think happy thoughts because there is nothing better that being greeted with a big, genuine smile.
1. I like that Guy makes the distinction between manipulating people to get ones way, and actually enchanting them; implying the transformation of people and situations. I think I liked this best because we so often get caught up in an idea that when selling something, we are trying to manipulate the audience so that they will purchase the products, services, etc. Therefore, the ideas of helping someone see through your eyes, or through those of another is inspiring and brings out a new perspective, for me at least. Also, on a personal level, I am working on a Senior project and section where he discusses the greater difficulty equaling greater need for enchantment struck a cord. The reading really helped me see where I needed to take my project and how to go about it. I’m really looking forward to reading more of this book.
ReplyDelete2. Guy does a great job of explaining each of the elements of a first impression. I particularly enjoyed the part about the crows feet, and I found myself “studying” my smiling habits as I was reading. We all know when we are truly smiling or just putting on a show, and bringing that to our attention to keep in mind for interacting with people is key I think. If we know we’re not being genuine, chances are others always can too.
Rebecca
I agree with the author that the goal of enchantment is not to make a sale, but to delight your audience. These two goals are entirely different and very much so dependent on who you are talking to. Making a sale is a one-time exchange that is often easily forgotten and not regarded as anything particularly important. Enchanting a customer, on the other hand, is creating a lasting relationship with them and making the communication much more meaningful than simply for profit. Brands and stores that have enchanted me have made me feel like a valued customer, and have made my purchases seem like important transactions for both parties. I feel much more proud about these purchases than any others.
ReplyDeleteBrands that delight me are those that keep me interested and engaged, typically with their employees and overall message rather than on social media. I am constantly checking back to see what new items they have and go to these stores before any others. The relationship is never about giving me coupons or deals to keep me buying more, it is always about how the store/company values me as one of their customers. They don't keep bothering me to make a sale, but rather want me to know about store updates and make purchase decisions on my own. They offer suggestions of what I might like, what the newest items are, and the best kept secrets or hidden deals are (that they only give valued customers). For me, part of being enchanted is not feeling that I need to constantly spend but that instead I need to constantly check in with these favorite brands. This relationship is much more meaningful and keeps me delighted throughout my entire purchase history with the store.
Kaitlin Olson
I loved having to hear what Guy had to say about the word enchantment and what it means in our society today. The word itself is one that evokes a lot of emotions. I think he hit the nail on the head by saying that the goal of enchantment isn't to make money but to fill people with great delight. When I think of enchantment I think of those emotions such as delight, excitement, interest, engagement, not money and conformity. After reading this chapter, I almost had a new found appreciation for the word and realized that enchanting people is a task that is not easy by any means. It made me realize, though, that if one successfully enchants someone it can be a powerful thing.
ReplyDeleteA brand that delights me is Lululemon. Every time I go in the store, despite the sometimes outrageous prices, I seem to get in a great mood. The workers there along with the atmosphere at the store make me feel very "at home" as odd as that sounds. I think this is something that separates a brand from delighting someone and being just good. Brands that delight someone allow them to feel connected to the brand, maybe because they feel that brand fits their lifestyle or values. Brands that delight someone keep a customer coming back for more and wanting to maintain that strong relationship with the brand, and not just experience satisfaction once or twice.
Overall, I really felt that I was able to take some valuable insight away from these two chapters. I loved reading about Guy's recommended approach to communicating and conversing with other individuals and making a strong first impression. I also really appreciated what he had to say about respecting other people and really trying to understand someone before jumping to conclusions. One big thing I took away from chapter 2 was how beneficial it can be to assume the good in everyone and every situation, rather than assuming the worst. Optimism and positivity can be beautiful things!
Lauren Zerante
1. I think Guy's thoughts on enchantment are great. While I read through the first chapter, I couldn't help but to think about people with a career in professional sales. Most of the time, these people are thought of as irritating and seem to be more interested in benefitting themselves rather than the customer. However, if this idea of enchantment was applied to their efforts, I think this stereotype could be removed.
ReplyDelete3. I completely agree that a smile can cause a good first impression. In my own experience, even outside of a professional environment, this proves to be true. For example, just last week I was in need of a new car battery. So, after waiting about half an hour, the mechanic brought in my keys and told me my car was ready to go. It was cold and pretty early in the morning so I could tell he wasn't in the best mood. I smiled and thanked him, this initiated a conversation and come to find out he had been through my little hometown in California. Crazy what a little smile can do!
Alex Chanlder
1. I really enjoyed reading about Guy's views n enchanting others. I feel that when you enchant someone you are getting them to believe you rather than just trying to sell something. I also feel that other people know when someone is trying to sell you something, and that's why there is a lot of rejection in business. However, I feel enchanting someone is forming a relationship that seems effortless and natural.
ReplyDelete3. I think Guy could not be more correct on his four factors to making a good first impression. I found that all of the professional people in my life that I have met and respected right off the bat have had all of these four factors. Crows feet, or smiling can seem like such an obvious one but especially for myself I find that I do not do this that often and that I need to work on it. It's not that I am angry all of the time, it's just that when I have no expression on my face I find that I can look very angry when that's not the case at all. All of the factors as well are very good tips that some of I had not really thought of in the sense how it may change the way others see you. I believe that a lot of it ties into knowing the environment you are going to be walking into and a background of the people you are meeting in order to create a good first impression.
Aly Clemente
1. I think that this is an important part of dealing with people in general, not just in a marketing situation. People are not as blind as we often like to perceive them. It's not that hard for someone to see through you to your motives. For instance, if your motivation at a job is simply to make money it will come through very quickly. It doesn't take very much to see when money is what's motivating someone. However, if you are motivated in your job to please your boss and do a good job, then that will be noticed and taken into account.
ReplyDelete2. Well, there isn't exactly a brand that delights me, but there is a music store called Ribbon Records that always seems to lift my spirits when I shop there. I know that they sell good high-quality vinyl and that they will take a record back for in store credit if it is damaged. In the vinyl world this is pretty unheard of and I feel secure and happy when shopping there compared to anywhere else. It makes me feel good to support a business that cares enough about their customer to right wrongs generously. That kind of service delights me.
3. I know that when I meet new people it is encourages me when they smile and are genuinely friendly. It is easy to tell when a person is being friendly just because they have to. A smile can put anyone at ease and make any situation better. Sometimes a friendly face can change a bad day to a good one simply because of a smile.
Joseph Crumrine
So far, I am enjoying reading Enchantment. I appreciate that the author is following his own advice of, “Big words seldom accompany good deeds,” because his simple vocabulary is making this an easy read! I really love what Guy said about the goal of enchantment isn’t to make money but to fill people with great delight. As a customer, I truly appreciate companies that care more about what you think of the quality of their product than the purchase and the profit that comes with it. Enchantment is a means of leaving your target audience speechless and awestruck. I can’t say that I have ever been enchanted by a specific brand, but I am looking forward to when that finally happens! There are many brands that impress me but I don’t think I have ever been accurately enchanted.
ReplyDeleteI loved Guy’s four factors to a good impression. I think that first impressions mean everything, especially in the business world. Make Crow’s Feet while smiling is so important, and Guy’s statement “What does it cost to smile? Nothing. What does it cost not to smile? Everything.” Smiling is a simple action that can make a huge impact, and no one likes to deal with a grumpy person! Dress for a Tie is a nice pun, and I agree that you never want to outshine someone you are trying to impress. Perfect Your Handshake is very important because you don’t want your hand to feel like a wet noodle when meeting a stranger! And finally, Use the Right Words is key; simply stating something will be far more impressive than speaking way out of your league.
I am looking forward to future advice from Guy!
1. I love Guy's take on "enchantment." I think it is so true in that striving to make people happy while being happy yourself is what the ultimate goal is in any business setting. I enjoy what he has to say; it is refreshing to see on paper that we all inherently have what it takes to be successful in the professional realm by simply utilizing our biggest marketing tool - ourselves. He captures the audience with his simplistic writing that puts he and us on this same playing field. This definitely makes me feel much less intimidated to enter the business world. I have been enchanted by many people and brands before, but never thought anyone could put the formula to creating those moments on paper.
ReplyDelete2. Not so much a brand, but a person that brands herself really well. Sophia Bush. If you don't know who she is, she is an actress from Chicago, probably most known for her role on One Tree Hill and now Chicago PD. When I think of enchantment, I think of her. She is very active on social media that shows all of her charity work and genuine interactions with her fans and supporters. She is not only an actress but a serious activist and I really look up to people like her. I'd say just from following her on twitter and instagram I can tell that she's quite the enchanter outside of the social media world as well. There are a few brands I can say I really am delighted by, such as TOMS, but I wanted to give an example of how important it is for individuals to also essentially market themselves well, and I think Sophia Bush does an excellent job simply by being herself. Justin Bieber, not so much these days.
3. These tips Guy gives for a successful and enchanting first impression are so spot on. I had no idea there was a term for a genuine smile, but that was my favorite part of these two chapters! Smiles are a huge deal - for me, my day is basically made if someone smiles at me or I share a gut-busting laugh with someone. It's nice to think that simply by allowing yourself to get to know people and sharing moments that elicit a smile can be the road to success.
1. I think this is a very great and true statement. Many people today are caught up on the idea that material things are needed to enchant someone no matter what type of relationship; personal or business, money is used to impress. I think it is important to remember that true enchantment is about intentions and relating to people on a personal level through personal acts of kindness, such as chatting over coffee, as is mentioned in the reading.
ReplyDelete2. A brand that enchants me...I'd have to say Modcloth does a great job! It's an online shopping site full of vintage styled clothes, shoes, accessories, and unique gifts and home decor. They are a very funky, unique company that started off with a high school girl’s passion for thrift shopping and fashion. She later turned her passion into a career, which I always find inspiring. I really enjoy this brand because of their uniqueness, which I mentioned previously. As you scroll through the site each item has a clever name, which I enjoy reading. They also have fun boxes when you order items from them. I once ordered a dress and the box was covered with humorous sayings about being excited to show me what was inside and the interior had decorative walls. I found this to be a very minor but enchanting element. Details like these are things that I feel spread word of mouth marketing about a brand and separate them from competitors.
I'm really enjoying this book so far. Everything he is saying makes sense & I can see working in multiple situations. I think if you are wanting to spread something great & all intentions are honest that it shouldn't be solely about revenue. I love sharing neat things that I find, not for my own profit, but just to share cool things.
ReplyDeleteI think it's known that I looooooove Groupon. (I just broke my month off break, it was rough.) My connection to Groupon is more than just 'good' because even when I don't buy anything for a month I am still the first person to tell others about them. The language that is used on their site is humors & it seems very causal. I'm not sure who their target market is, but if it is me they are spot on. I can see aspects of the second chapter all over Groupon.
I think Guy's steps to make a good impression are valid. Just today I wasn't overwhelmed with joy to have the un-enthused FedEx guy help me. He didn't smile or attempt any sort of conversation until right before we left he gave us a real smile & told us to have a good day. As soon as he did that I felt a little bad I had not made an effort as well. I missed the opportunity to make 'bffs' with this FedEx man. I think the way that people are dressed can make one or both parties uncomfortable. This was the most interesting and I could definitely see it making a difference.
My favorite part of the reading was about swearing to be a little edgy & rateable. The BEST part was his view on women swearing & how it should happen. I view women swearing as somewhat powerful & independent (when used as he described).
I'm actually excited to reading the rest of this book! It seems pretty interesting.
The notion of enchantment is defined by Merriam-Webster as: "a feeling of being attracted by something interesting, pretty, etc." In a sense, successful marketing is all about the level of enchantment one is able to cultivate about a product or idea; not just from the customers, but the employees and everyone else within the product network surrounding one's offering. Good business is done when people on both sides of the counter are crazy about what an idea stands for and who can best best meet the needs of meeting those desires that a simple idea can set. There are many short-term and not fully ethical routes a person or brand can take, but over the long haul those will not prove to be successful. Human beings are emotionally driven creatures who are able to sense levels of respect, honesty, and goodwill over long terms; that's how we build our friendships. Being able to ethically go about your business and being able to share your passion with others will lead to success. Money will follow, but cannot be the first priority.
ReplyDeleteThe four factors of making a good first impression I believe were right on the money. Most likely, a second impression will not be made unless the first one was at least decently successful. Overall, it's better to be you and not a temporal "you" for the sake of receiving a benefit of some sort. It's important to stay inside your bounds and only go outside when it's necessary (as he talked about with the interview involving profanity)
Much of what goes into being a personable and likeable individual is your effort toward presenting yourself and how you want to connect with people. Taking advantage of today's amenities is crucial to building relationships with people. With mobile technology, we are always tethered with people now and that has not always been the case. It used to be you'd have to wait until your next personal encounter with someone to share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and concerns. Nowadays, it's done instantly and nonchalantly.
I did want to touch on the page about Zappos as well. That just goes to show you that such little things can create a whole new environment in defying the norm. Getting rid of cubicles, while not a dramatic change, can totally change the working atmosphere and increase comfortability with co-workers. Taking time and effort out of our busy days to find ways to communicate and also recognize and be recognized by others can really go a long way in building new relationships we otherwise would have not had.
1. Enchantment means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Providing personal stories and anecdotes to define what enchantment means in this book was crucial in understanding Kawasaki's message, and man were the two first chapters "Enchanting"! To make money, you first have to buy people. Buying people is not offering them promos and cute pictures or advertisements. Their is an art in the way to charm people into envisioning what you personally dream. Using the right words and not a bunch of words and understanding what makes people happy are the most important, I believe. The most successful companies make you believe what they are believing and that is extremely powerful.
ReplyDelete2. Coca Cola is a brand I really enjoy. Even though I know it is terrible for me, I still buy it. I like the way they market and I especially enjoy their new ad from the SuperBowl. Taking risks can kill a brand or revive it and this ad might have lost some (for lack of a better word) idiot conservatives, but I guarantee it gained some new immigrants from Mexico to Asia.
Another brand that I really like is Burberry. It is way out of my price range and I've bought two pairs of jeans from them (and a gift for my girlfriend ;)). They make GREAT products, their stores are mesmerizing and their is just nothing like a really really nice pair of jeans to make the day a little better.
My Dad has been a businessman for almost 40 years and once I put down the book I called him to tell him about it. I was sure he knew some things already, but I really enjoyed what Guy Kawasaki had to say and I had to share it with someone else who could appreciate and learn form it. I can't wait to read more and it is refreshing to FINALLY have a "text book" that is worth reading and I learn something valuable every paragraph.
ReplyDelete1. I really liked that Kawasaki explained enchantment this way. I think in order to truly like what you are doing and be truly successful, you can't just worry about yourself and money. I think people get caught up in monetary value and material goods that nothing else matters, which is explainable. When it comes to business and customers, you need to show you care and witnessing them feel that is enchantment in itself (IMO).
2. A brand that enchants me is Disney. Ever since I was little, I have loved DIsney and everything about it. Walt Disney, all he did, and all he was always interested me and made me feel good about the brand. From the Disney Store to Disney World, Disney has never failed to make me feel special and like a princess just like the rest.
1. I think Kawasaki's statement here perfectly describes one of the greatest challenges that businesses and consumers face today. Businesses are so intent on making money that it becomes the focus, rather than creating a positive experience for their consumers. However, if businesses devoted all of their energy to quality and "delighting" their consumers, making money would be a natural result of doing so. Customers will be so pleased with their experience that they will continue to come back and to refer their friends. So, in a way, making "delight" the primary goal will also satisfy the other needs of the business, like making a profit (in most cases).
ReplyDelete2. One of my favorite brands is charity: water, a non-profit organization in New York City that funds the construction of wells in developing countries. I think their dedication to powerful and innovative design and donor experience is unparalleled in the non-profit sector. They are also one of the first organizations to contribute 100% of public donations to the cause itself, not for funding their operations costs. I've always been so impressed with the work that they do, the way that they do business, and the campaigns and tools that they use to support their efforts. As a result, I have been a supporter of their organization for many years and have raised over $5,000 for their cause through one of my on-campus organizations. Their brand has "delighted" me to the point that I know I will remain a committed supporter for years to come.
3. I agreed with Kawasaki's list of characteristics that make for a great first impression. No matter how knowledgeable you are or how much you have to offer to someone, they will not be willing to use your resources or provide resources to you if they don't think you are personable. In business, one of the most important qualities to have is to be enjoyable to work with. Consumers are willing to pay more, spend more time, and switch to a new company in order to get the positive interaction they desire. You will position yourself better by demonstrating that you have those qualities right off the bat.
The best thing about this chapter was that the idea of enchantment, can apply to any career path you want to go into. Enchantment, as Kawasaki defines it, can be an essential piece to an essential career.
ReplyDelete1. I think Kawasaki sums it up well. Money is important, but relationships and getting people on your side is important. I think Kawasaki is saying that delight can eventually lead to money. Enchantment isn't all about money, but it could lead to money if done correctly.
2. A brand that enchants me is Heifer International. It is one of my favorite charitable organizations, but what they are able to accomplish is amazing. They are able to provide for those people who cannot provide for themselves. When they give an animal to a needy family in a developing country, it makes you feel good and also the person you give the animal too as well.
3. I think Kawasaki nailed it with his list of characteristics. These are all things everyone should strive for everyday. The first impression is so important and if a person never sees you again that is the only thought they will have of you. You can talk someones ear off but if they don't understand what you are saying the conversation no longer possesses any value. These characteristics are important, and something I will have to take more into consideration.
1. I agree with Kawasaki that enchanting people is not about making money. Enchanting someone is about effortlessly making them like you. When you enchant someone, they will be drawn to you. They will want to hear more of what you have to say, they will want to see more of you, and they will be genuinely interested in you. However, when it comes to business, isn’t the end goal to make a profit? When enchanting someone that you want to do business with, there is a motive there, and that motive ultimately is making money.
ReplyDelete2. When I think of an enchanting brand, no one does it better than Disney. The Disney brand truly brings delight to people young and old. From their movies to their cruise line, Disney definitely knows how to impress and delight their customers. Delight surpasses good, because good is mediocre. When I think of delight, I think of exceptional happiness.
3. Kawasaki’s four factors that make a good impression are similar to advice that I have heard before. I believe that a genuine smile (making crow’s feet) is the most important aspect of creating a first impression. People do judge you on your clothes, but if someone is making eye contact with you and giving you a genuine smile, that smile is contagious and will surely soften your attitude towards them. Dressing correctly is also important. You have to dress for the situation, as Kawasaki discusses. I believe that having a firm handshake and skin that someone would want to touch is also an important aspect. As a woman, I think it is extremely important to have a firm handshake, because it is a way of showing your strength and that you mean business. You only have one chance to make a first impression with someone, and Kawasaki gives good advice on how to make it a memorable one.
I am really enjoying this book so far, the way it is written, and all of the quotes in it.
1. What are your thoughts on his premise that, "When you enchant people your goal is not to make money..., but to fill them with great delight."
ReplyDeleteI agree with this statement because the goal of a company is to have happy,satisfied customers who will come back for more. In order to do this, the firm would have to delight the customer, not view them as a transaction.
2. What is a brand that delights you? How is delight better than just good?
I have no brand that I'm loyal to. I always switch brands for EVERYTHING and I'm always looking for something better. I suppose I'm one of those customers that is never satisfied and wants to try out everything that is new.
3. What is your reaction to Guy's four factors that make a good first impression?
Make Crow's Feet
Dress for a Tie
Perfect Your Handshake
Use the Right Words
These are things that I've been told by business people everywhere so they don't really surprise me at all. The only thing I found interesting is the fact that he encourages swearing where appropriate but I find his input rather common-sense.
Overall, I'm enjoying this book because of the language that the author writes with and his examples. Its obvious that he isn't American though because he said to use cricket as an analogy for Americans and I have no clue about cricket at all nor do I know anyone who plays it. I'm looking forward to reading more this semester.