The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell

The Power of Context

(Rich’s Note: Here’s a book that’s worth a read if you’re getting ready to launch a revolution or change a church)

The basic tenant of the book is, when it comes to epidemics, a tiny percentage of people do the majority of the work. When it comes to making a change happen (at your church) you are not looking for everybody to get on board at first. You are looking for a few exceptional people energetic, knowledgeable, influential among peers.

The Law of the Few: One exceptional person, through social connections, energy and enthusiasm and personality, spreads the word. Word of mouth is perhaps the only kind of advertising most people respond to anymore. The only reason you’ll spend big bucks at a big buck restaurant is if a friend recommends it. The only reason they’ll come to your church, commit to a day at a conference (and spend a day of their most valuable currency – time), or even give you a chance is if a friend recommends it. (It’s the “Peter and Andrew Principle” as opposed to the “Peter Principle.”)

According to Gladwell, when it comes to starting an epidemic, there are only three kinds of people who matter.

1. Connectors: Six degrees of separation doesn’t mean everyone is linked to everyone else in just six steps. It means that a very small number of people are linked to everyone else in a few steps, and the rest of us are linked to the world through those special few. Your social circle is not a circle, but in reality, a pyramid. At the top of the pyramid is one or two people who are responsible for connecting you to all the rest. Your social circle is not yours. It belongs to one or two connectors. It’s more like a club that the connector invites you to join. People with a special gift for bringing others together are Connectors. A Connector knows lots of people. Between 20 and 40 the number of people you know roughly doubles. There are a small group of truly extraordinary knack of making friends and acquaintances. They are Connectors.

2. Mavens are the influencers. When they talk, people listen.

3. Sales People know how to get people to sign on the line, make a commitment. You need all three types if you’re going to reach a tipping point.

The Stickiness Factor means that a message makes an impact. You can’t get it out of your head. It stiiiiccccks in your memory. Stickiness is a critical component in tipping. Unless you can remember what I tell you, why would you go out and do what I suggest?

(Note: You can find a link to this book on the left-side of the page.)

Comments

[Jan Rohn]

Speaking of stickiness, you do a great job in Faith Stepping Stones of having the baptismal promises that parents make become a lot more sticky. In fact, the entire program is very sticky! Nice job!