In this episode, Caleb and Todd talk with Derek Thompson, about his book, Hit Makers.

Guest Links

Derek on Twitter

Hit Makers by Derek Thompson

The Learner's Corner Recommended Resource

That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

What We Learned

Hits follow rules, not formulas.

If you're trying to sell something surprising, make it familiar. If you're trying to sell something familiar, make it surprising.

Hits are a reflection of human nature.

Hits have the power to persuade.

Information doesn't only spread between people, but through broadcasts.

Almost nothing just catches on, almost everything requires marketing.

What does your process look like for collecting stories?

• I read a lot.
• I only put a story into the book if it's surprising.
• I went to research papers and read them.

To go big it pays to aim small. Focus on the niche.

MAYA: Most Advanced Yet Acceptable

We are torn between seeking novelty and familiarity.

What surprised you the most?

• The importance of distribution.
• The flukiness of hits

Hits are probabilities. Nothing is certain.

Think of your product as a cult. Make a positive rebellion against an illegitimate mainstream.

How do you learn best?

• I try to find connections between ideas as I read
• Vertical thinkers: going deep on one subject
• Horizontal thinkers: going broad across multiple subjects

Quotes to Tweet

"Hits follow rules, but not formulas." - Derek Thompson Click to Tweet

"If you're trying to sell something surprising, make it familiar. If you're trying to sell something familiar, make it surprising." - Derek Thompson Click to Tweet

"Information doesn't only spread between people, but through broadcasts." - Derek Thompson Click to Tweet

"To go big it pays to aim small." - Derek Thompson Click to Tweet

"Hits are probabilities. Nothing is certain." - Derek Thompson Click to Tweet

"Vertical thinkers go deep in one subject. Horizontal thinkers go broad across multiple subjects." - Derek Thompson Click to Tweet

New Episode Every Tuesday

Thank you for listening to the Learner's Corner Podcast.

We hope you'll join us for next week's episode.
Until next time, keep learning and keep growing.