DISQUS

Beiruta · 7 months ago

Dear Chris:

I am actually impressed with the ideas in this post: Very different, unique and creative!

I like the concept of going backwards, but how could, for example, a new start up apply this formula of yours?

Chris Brogan · 7 months ago

Easy cheesy. The backwards pattern for startups is to solve their paying customers' problems instead of just making something and hoping people will like it.

masud · 7 months ago

test comments

Stuart Foster · 7 months ago

It's why I ended up blogging after 3 years on Digg. Most people take the opposite route. I'm glad I did it the good way though :)

Chris Brogan · 7 months ago

I like that you have. And I'm always grateful for every comment you give. : )

Mark · 7 months ago

I love the switch that can get flipped if you really sit and take this in. I've discovered a few things that I never knew where there by seeing them backwards. Thanks Chris!

BarbaraKB · 7 months ago

Priests working backwards? It's possible. As you know, I work backwards every day. Keeps me sane. BTW, my favorite priest on Twitter is @FriarGreg. You should get to know this Franciscan. Peace! :)

Chris Brogan · 7 months ago

Priests definitely work backwards, eh? : )

BarbaraKB · 7 months ago

I know a few who do. How 'bout you? You know car salesmen (esp. from Cadillac & Ford) and I'm sure a *host* of PR account coordinators but what about a priest?

Chris Brogan · 7 months ago

I know @jnswanson. He's my own personal friend and pastor. : )

BarbaraKB · 7 months ago

He does seem like a nice online pastor. Peace!

masud · 7 months ago

Hi boss this is for testing............don't mind

masud · 7 months ago

hello bos.....

Isaac · 7 months ago

I like the mammoth-hunting analogy (allegory?). It well illustrates the excitement and danger going into something that's never been done before.

Thanks for the inspiration, this morning.

I'm experimenting with ides on my website to see what resonates with me and with my limited audience of friends before I fly...

David Murray · 7 months ago

Chris, this was the perfect read at the perfect time. I think Grod is my new hero. Thanks!

Suze · 7 months ago

The thing about being a trailblazer is there's no one in front of you to fight the tigers (or mammoths) along the way.

But that's the best part.

:)

clarabela · 7 months ago

This really hit home with me, because this is how I work. "The creative process isn’t linear."That is very true. Great ideas don't come as expected. I usually get my best ideas while I am working on something completely different. We all have to find a process that works best for us.

Sonny Gill · 7 months ago

For me, taking this approach has led to discovery that I would have otherwise not run into. This discovery wasn't instantaneous, it took time but it was time well spent in realizing dreams, passions and goals.

Loved this unique post, Chris.

jakrose · 7 months ago

I am a big fan of metaphors and the "Someone had to hunt the first mammoth" is classic Chris. Great stuff. Cuil going after Google comes to mind.

Milos · 7 months ago

Great concept...start wherever you can, however feels comfortable,natural and productive. Don't follow the norms and linear expectations imposed y the society, but rather create your own that will allow and enable you to thrive in that very environment.

Kelly Shibari · 7 months ago

Brilliant. Exactly what I needed to read today. Thanks, Chris :)

ajmunn · 7 months ago

"But just like jazz, learn some rules before you go breaking them."

Great quote.

Joshua Bucio · 7 months ago

LOL! I laughed out loud here at the office when I read the part about what the cavemen would do when they went back to the cave to discuss the story about how the rocks didn't work! I'm getting this image of clubs, tiger skin togas, and beers. Ha!

This is a very creative way of learing how to focus on your tasks on hand. Great post! I'll remember this when I'm needing a boost.

GlendaWH · 7 months ago

Thanks for the amusing images, Chris. I'm still trying to figure out how to use my laptop in the shower. That's where my most creative ideas strike - like you needed to know that!

socialnerdia · 7 months ago

"Jazz music doesn't resolve."

- Donald Miller

Anthony A. Ampania · 7 months ago

I love it Chris. Reminds me of countertyping a prototype. Just turn it all around and see if it works. Maybe spin off and create whole new markets. Crazed creativity may lead to disciplined execution if there's value.

Jamie Favreau · 7 months ago

I agree you need to try new ideas!! Different kinds of working works too. I am trying new ideas for my new campaign. I am trying to form a community from scratch and it is really hard. So if you have any ideas and can help please contact me...
Thanks...
Great post as always.

Ritsa · 7 months ago

Thanks Chris. Reminds me that sometimes we do our best work when we don't know what we don't know.

Sharon Hearty · 7 months ago

Hi Chris, very timely post for me to read as I am just starting out on my own, you have reminded me of something I learnt in my early days in the mar comms business - take stock of where the paying customer is at and consider the issues/opportunities, then work backwards to make sure you come up with the most relevant strategy to work forwards and best solve their problems. Thank for the inspiration. Sharon

John Haydon · 7 months ago

Nice post, Miles Davis!

Lisa Grimm · 7 months ago

I dig it. The fun thing here is how uncomfortable the stated concept(s) make most people feel, which is why so many play it safe and conform to the "norm". People like to follow rules, or roll with the grain - because it's safe and they know that if they just follow these simple, but usually boring, mundane and silly, steps that eventually they'll be SVP of a PR agency or achieve whatever success these steps have in store (and I need to note that I think that is great - nothing wrong with that at all. Hell, I'm somewhat on that track - sort of). The fun thing about your proposed ideas is that the possibilities are endless and personal growth and potential you have to truly be challenged are indescribable. I only say this from experience. I do it both ways. I follow a plan and rules half of the time and the other part I just try what works. I like aspects of both. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Brogan. They inspire great thought.

translation · 7 months ago

I agree with Beiruta. This post actually offers something to think about and something to action. Shake things up. Do things differently. Take a different path. All of these things provide a different perspective, and this in turn leads to discoveries. Thanks. I enjoyed reading it.

Kathy Chouteau · 7 months ago

This is excellent advice. The thought process is indeed not linear; even something as simple as reading a document from end to beginning for editing purposes can be a mini-revelation.

Tabbatha Marcus · 7 months ago

I'm so glad I read this today..was in the need of a little inspiration. Can't put my finger on why...but you always make me smile - even when you're not trying to be funny. I think it's your energy. Just love your energy!

Thanks for sharing!

@sarahmerion · 7 months ago

This is one of my favorite Chris Brogan articles. Something about the start at the back, break the rules, challenge the status quo and work in your underwear really got to me. Without meaning too you always manage to inspire and motivate me. Great job Chris!

saiful · 7 months ago

thanks to all

watch gossip girl online · 2 months ago

Thanks for this nice post! This has brilliant ideas in it. You know, you talk for the general and of the general here in your post and I liked it. I'll visit your site again! ;)

bodogbobby · 1 month ago

This has always been the way that I have worked. People used to call me crazy but it has worked so far and has actually helped me to succeed.

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