In a world crowded with look-alike products and endless advertising, being ordinary is the fastest way to be ignored. Marketing guru Seth Godin asks a powerful question: How can you make people stop, notice, and talk about you?
The answer is the Purple Cow — a product, service, or idea so remarkable and unique that it can’t be overlooked. It’s not about doing more of the same; it’s about creating something unforgettable that spreads naturally.
In this summary, you’ll discover the key lessons from Purple Cow and how you can transform your project from “invisible” to truly remarkable.
The Purple Cow Concept
The Purple Cow, a term introduced by Seth Godin, represents what is remarkable and different.
During a countryside trip, Godin and his family were amazed by white cows at first. But soon, they became ordinary. Even a brown cow lost its uniqueness after repetition. He imagined that if there were a purple cow, it would stand out forever—unique, memorable, impossible to ignore.
The lesson: Familiar things become invisible. Remarkable things become unforgettable.
Businesses that embody the Purple Cow concept create products and ideas so unique that customers remember them instantly.
What Japan Taught Us with “Otaku”
The Japanese invented the word Otaku to describe people deeply passionate about anime, manga, or similar interests. For companies, otakus became a dream audience—willing to buy almost anything related to their passion.
This shows the power of smart targeting:
- Understand your audience’s passion.
- Build products around it.
- Promote them directly to this group.
When you target the right people, you don’t waste time on those who will simply ignore your product.
Why Competing on Price is Dangerous
Lowering your price may give you short-term wins, but it starts a race to the bottom. Competitors can lower theirs too, leaving you with little profit—or even losses.
Cheap pricing alone is not a winning Purple Cow strategy. Instead:
- Be transparent about your costs and packaging. Customers will respect honest pricing.
- Use creative loyalty systems (points, raffles, rewards) to add value without reducing quality.
The Purple Cow in Job Hunting
The concept also applies to job seekers.
Think of your résumé as an advertisement. Just like a company promotes a product, you promote yourself—your skills, experience, and uniqueness.
Those who continuously learn, improve, and step outside their comfort zones stand out as “Purple Cows” in the job market. They are remembered, recommended, and valued above others.
Lessons from Leading Brands
Top U.S. brands became unforgettable not by chance, but by:
- Creating ads that stick in memory.
- Offering affordable but high-quality services.
- Outshining competitors through stronger market positioning.
Each applied the Purple Cow principle: be different, be remarkable.
Strategy in Business: Listening is Power
Products and ads alone won’t build long-term success—you also need people.
Brad Anderson, former CEO of Best Buy, famously succeeded by selling what customers wanted, not what the company initially planned. His advice?
- Listen to employees and customers.
- Take notes.
- Act quickly on their feedback.
Sometimes, small details—like customer service tone, pricing, or fresh branding—create the biggest impact.
McDonald’s France: Winning with Honesty
In France, McDonald’s shocked the world with a bold ad campaign: it told customers the truth. They admitted that eating fast food too often—even at McDonald’s—was unhealthy, recommending visits just once a week.
At first, this stunned the U.S. headquarters. But soon they realized: honesty built trust. And trust builds long-term customer loyalty.
Reverse Strategies: What NOT to Do
Some brands try to shock audiences with strange, disturbing ads. While they grab attention, they rarely build trust. In fact, they usually damage the brand.
Don’t confuse attention with admiration. Real growth comes from strategies that make people remember you positively.
Conclusion: Be the Purple Cow
To succeed in business—or in life—you must stand out. Being remarkable, innovative, and different is the path to lasting success.
Embrace change when needed. Those who resist change fall behind. Those who adapt remain relevant and thrive.
Ask yourself: How can I be the Purple Cow in my industry, my career, or my life?
Want to learn more about standing out in a noisy world? Explore Seth Godin’s book Purple Cow, and keep following my blog for more insights on marketing, innovation, and personal growth.