Posted by Adam Franklin on 20.04.2010

Purple Cow in Cairns

Seth Godin’s notion of a purple cow is “something that catches your attention & is so good you remark about it to friends.” By definition, this means it is ‘remarkable’.

Just like seeing a purple cow on the side of a highway.

On my trip up to Cairns last week to give a social media workshop for the Australian Marketing Institute, I noticed my first ‘purple cow’!

How is this for remarkable?

The Hotel Cairns has smart cars that are free for guests! Plus if you spend $100 in their Plantation Restaurant you stay the night for free!

Free smart cars for guests

Managed Web Strategy: If your business is remarkable & you’d like to spread your ideas using the web, consider calling Bluewire Media on 1300 258 394.

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Posted on 20.04.2010 at 6:43 pm . See other posts by Adam Franklin 3 Comments »
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http://rabbitweb.com.au Tim

Oh I don't know if just being a purple cow is the answer. Sure it may get you noticed, but at what expense? Surely giving away free rooms eats all their profit margins.

You can go the opposite way too. Last time I ordered a tradie, it was because the previous job he spent time cleaning up and he did a good job. Then…some people may consider doing a good job these days a purple cow. I prefer to think of it as good service One has to ask, what's a better ROI?

http://www.BluewireMedia.com.au/blog Adam Franklin

Hi Tim,

I certainly agree that getting noticed or talked about is only the first step. It must be
followed up by walking the talk – after all you have a reputation to live up to now.

In Hotel Cairns' situation (like many hotels or airlines for that matter) an empty room is worth nothing once the day has passed. If you can fill it by having an incentive that is remarkable, then your ROI is better than would otherwise be.

I see a doing a great job (eg. your tradie cleaning up after himself) and having your hotel stay memorable (eg having the free use of a smart car) as purple cows. Both are examples of the little things that make a big difference.

Interesting point you make about good service — it does seem to be a purple cow these days!

Thanks for your comment.