You may not realize it now, but there is so much we can learn from leaders like Socrates and Oprah and Cleopatra. In episode 141 of the Science of Social Media, Brian and Hailley break down concepts like the Socratic Method, transparency, rhetoric, and lots more. Feel free to jump around and explore each of these top marketing lessons from history’s most influential leaders in this week’s Science of Social Media: Let’s dive in! He breaks down persuasion into the three categories: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos. Socrates Next up on our list of marketing lessons from historical leaders, born 90 years before Aristotle, is Socrates. That is one of the most important marketing lessons Oprah has taught us from her success. Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four hours sharpening the axe.” Marketers should understand that the more time spent on preparation, the less work they have to do in executing. Catherine the Great is a shining example to modern marketers that it often takes incredible courage to make your vision come true. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is world-famous still today. It’s our hope that you’ll join our 27,000+ weekly iTunes listeners and rock your social media channels as a result!
This week we’re taking a journey through time and uncovering some of the greatest, yet most unexpected marketing lessons from some of history’s most influential thinkers, philosophers, and leaders.
You may not realize it now, but there is so much we can learn from leaders like Socrates and Oprah and Cleopatra. Much of what they would consider their mantra has a ton of implications on marketing today.
In episode 141 of the Science of Social Media, Brian and Hailley break down concepts like the Socratic Method, transparency, rhetoric, and lots more.
8 Unexpected Marketing Lessons from History’s Most Influential Leaders
What follows is a detailed summary of the episode transcript. Feel free to jump around and explore each of these top marketing lessons from history’s most influential leaders in this week’s Science of Social Media:
Let’s dive in!
1. Aristotle
One of the most well-known philosophies of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle (born in 384 BC), is his idea of persuasion, otherwise known as rhetoric.
He breaks down persuasion into the three categories: Logos, Pathos, and Ethos.
These three concepts can be valuable for content marketers, writers, and bloggers. After all, isn’t persuasion one of the most important parts in marketing?
- Logos: The application of logic in efforts to persuade. Logos tries to persuade an audience using logical arguments and supportive evidence.
- Pathos: Playing to human emotions. Using anecdotes and stories, marketers can connect with their audience, adding a human element to content.
- Ethos: The concept of ethics. It works off the idea that it is impossible to persuade anyone of anything if you’re not credible.
You must establish your credibility and reputation as a writer. This is done through personal branding and your ability to build a following. Ideally this would results in brand building and thought leadership.
2. Socrates
Next up on our list of marketing lessons from historical leaders, born 90 years before Aristotle, is Socrates.
Those that took a middle school science class learned about the Socratic Method. The Socratic Method is used in asking questions and posing theories to investigate and to stimulate the foundation of new ideas.
The Socratic Method applies to the interactive aspect of marketing. Get your readers involved by asking them questions or looking for their ideas on certain issues and engage them with interactive content.
Invite your audience to engage in a lively debate. Actively involve them in your marketing process so that your team can generate new product ideas, marketing campaigns, and content topics based on the feedback you’ve received directly from the people that matter most.
Most of all, don’t forget that the Socratic Method applies internally as well. Your team should be debating and questioning trends, norms, traditions, and ideas at all times.
3. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey has built much of the rapport she has with fans by being honest throughout her career.
Oprah stayed true to herself and was honest to her audience through ups and downs. She also held her guests to this standard as well – ensuring that honesty was always the number one priority.
The benefit of this honesty and transparency in marketing is that it helps to build trust with your customers. Think of all of the brands that create a memorable customer experience by being genuine, human and transparent.
A modern social media strategy demands authenticity and being transparent is something you can’t ignore. That is one of the most important marketing lessons Oprah has taught us from her success.
4. Abraham Lincoln
As the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln became famous primarily because of his contributions to the abolition of slavery and the American Civil War. But aside from his political and human rights achievements, Lincoln is also known for his oratory skills.
He has articulated some of the most memorable lines throughout his political career. In fact, his Gettysburg Address in 1863 became…
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