How to Become a Purple Cow

TRIBE Newsletter – December 6, 2024

December 06, 2024

Hey founders –

Before we jump in, we’re excited to tell you about TRIBE GOLD.

Tribe Gold is our new premium tier designed for entrepreneurs seeking next-level business growth. This exclusive membership includes:

  • Dedicated business advisor to take your business to the next level

  • Concierge travel planning services

  • Exclusive strategy sessions

  • Access to expert facilitators including Jason Pearl, John Hittler, Nik Hulewsky, and Trenton Hughes

Total investment: $1,750 per month

Qualifications:

  • $500k+ in revenue per year

  • Committed to massive growth

  • Ready to learn 

  • Ambitious AF

If you’re interested in learning more about TRIBE GOLD, please reach out to Trenton or Heather directly. 

– – 

This week, we’re diving into a game-changing principle from Seth Godin’s Purple Cow.

Businesses succeed when they are remarkable—when they stand out like a purple cow in a sea of sameness. 

But here’s the catch: being remarkable isn’t just about marketing, it’s about the very DNA of your product, service, or idea.

Let’s break down Purple Cow into actionable lessons to help you design a business that’s worth talking about.

1. Remarkable Is the New Standard

"Safe is risky. Very good is bad."

In today’s crowded market, a "very good" product simply isn’t enough. Customers are inundated with options and distractions, so if you want to stand out, aim for "remarkable." 

Remarkable means your product or service is worth noticing, worth sharing, and worth remembering.

  • What makes your product unique? If you can’t articulate it in a sentence, refine it.

  • If your product didn’t exist, would people miss it? If not, it’s time to rethink your approach.

  • Don’t just be "better"—be different.

2. Niching Down = Standing Out

“A product for everybody is a product for nobody.”

When you try to serve everyone, you dilute your impact. Instead, focus on a specific audience and serve them so well that they become your biggest advocates. 

Seth Godin calls these people "sneezers"—the early adopters who spread your message far and wide.

  • Find your niche. What’s the underserved market you can dominate?

  • Identify your sneezers. Who are the passionate customers most likely to share your product with others?

  • Tailor your messaging to speak directly to their needs, desires, and pain points.

3. Safe Marketing Doesn’t Go Viral

"Ideas that spread, win."

Creating a remarkable product is only half the battle. To succeed, your product needs to be talked about. 

Remarkable businesses design products that inherently spark conversations, making them easy to share and remember.

  • Make your product shareable. Whether it’s through bold design, unique features, or a powerful story, create something people can’t help but talk about.

  • Develop a memorable slogan. Your slogan should encapsulate your brand’s uniqueness in a way that’s easy to repeat.

  • Don’t be afraid to polarize. It’s better to deeply resonate with a few than mildly please everyone.

The Big Takeaway: Don’t Be Boring

Safe is the riskiest thing you can do. In today’s world, standing out isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Start small, but think big. Solve a real problem in a way that surprises and delights your audience. Design products and services that don’t just fit in—they stand out and demand attention.

Questions for the Road

  • What’s one way your product or service could stand out more?

  • Who is your otaku (your die-hard fans)? How can you serve them better?

  • What’s your version of the “Purple Cow”?

Let’s keep building businesses worth talking about.

— The Tribe Team