Hasta La Creative!

My head is spinning. Yvon Chouinard’s memoir/manifesto, Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman, is the reason. I don’t know that I can successfully convey how important this book is. Yet, it’s imperative that I try.

First, let me say this book is the best “ad” I’ve ever seen. I’ve been a hard core fan of Patagonia for 25 years, but this book/ad has deepened my respect for the company. The example being set in Ventura is encouraging to say the least. Knowing that business is being done differently–that is, with an ethical compass firmly in hand–is proof that there’s reason to be hopeful.

There are hundreds of pull-quotes to share, but check this one out:

When I die and go to hell, the devil is going to make me the marketing director for a cola company. I’ll be in charge of trying to sell a product that no one needs, is identical to its competition, and can’t be sold on it merits. I’d be competing head-on in the cola wars, on price, distribution, advertising, and promotion, which would indeed be hell for me. I’d much rather design and sell products so good and unique that they have no competition.

In other words, a product that needs very little, or better yet, no advertising.