Tip It, Tip It Good!

When I first heard that we would be required to read a book and write a paper on it, I had any student’s natural reaction: dread. We all know that assigned books are usually never a thing to look forward to. However, as I began reading Malcolm Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point,” I found that his book was not only tolerable but also interesting and valid. Gladwell’s theories about how and why certain ideas, products or behaviors turn into epidemics could be essential in PR campaigns and deserve a close look. In his book, he breaks down all of the pieces required for something to “tip” and make its way to a phenomenon. Gladwell would define his Tipping Point as the point at which the idea, product or social behavior tips over a brink and into widespread popularity.

Gladwell discusses an array of topics that might nudge an idea to its point of tipping. The Power of Context is one of these topics that Gladwell exemplifies by looking at how crime rates are directly affected by the dirty and graffiti-ridden subways of New York. He shows that people were more likely to commit crimes not only in a crime-friendly environment like the dingy subways and run-down neighborhoods but also around others who committed crimes. When people were fare-beating in the subways, many people who would not normally be inclined to break the law did so because of the actions of so many others.

I believe the Power of Context is going to be very important in guest participation/money-making at the Athletics Auction. Hopefully, the atmosphere we create will leave guests feeling ready to spend money. The guests will also see others bidding and will be more likely to throw their money around than usual. The current state of the economy leaves us with a bigger challenge to not only create a money-loose atmosphere, but also to make sure there are people in the seats. This means that we will have to make sure there is a certain “Stickiness Factor” to our auction. Gladwell talks of this stickiness factor as something that something that people will remember; something that will “stick” with them. We have done our very best to make invitations and posters that will draw people in. Who is going to forget a bobcat motorcyclist? Let’s hope no one! Let’s also hope there will be some connectors, mavens and salespeople that think our auction is a good idea as well!

I think our stickiness factor at the auction will have to be our professionalism and overall look of the auction. We want people to be impressed by the event. We have to work hard to give the auction the fun and hard feel of a motorcyclist but also a classy, professional feel as well. People must respect the Athletics department first, before they give money. If we can just get started on everything, then I think this atmosphere is definitely attainable!

Gladwell’s Law of the Few attributes some tipping points to a combination of three different kinds of people: connectors, mavens, and salespeople. As I read this section, I had trouble really defining myself as any of these, but I think I can draw a little from the mavens and salespeople. While I do not actively seek out information on all the products I buy, I do want to share any knowledge I might have. If I do come upon some valuable information about products, I will want all of my friends to know the benefits and drawbacks about products. When I have this kind of information, I get really into it and get behind whatever the best deal is. So I think my passion comes through to other people and through it, I can be persuasive about said product. I know it is kind of a stretch to compare myself to mavens and salespeople but we all don’t fit into three categories, right?

I definitely do not think I have reached the Tipping Point for blogging yet. It is still a little new to me, and I’m not sure that anyone cares what I write about. Twitter, on the other hand, has tipped for me. I never thought I would acknowledge Twitter as something of importance in my life, but I really do enjoy seeing what is going on in people’s lives. I think my tipping point was that so many celebrities are on there and are willing to open up about their daily lives. Unfortunately, I am a sucker for the entertainment media, so when I feel like I know the celebrity I get sucked in! Also, it has been a big help in communication with my fellow classmates.

I do not think that Twitter has reached its Tipping Point yet, but I believe it is well on its way. There are still many people who have never heard of it but it is getting more and more press. I think it will eventually become bigger and tip when enough people and the right people continue to talk about it. Our society seems to be fully embracing social media, so why not ad another outlet to the list?