Google Has Self Transcended

A psychologist named Abraham Maslow devised a 6 step-pyramid now commonly referred to as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs that fits all people in everything we do.

The basic premise is that humans are driven to meet certain needs. When we are homeless, hungry, drowning, choking, etc. we are not thinking about lofty ideas like helping others, leaving a legacy, or donating to a charity.

Conversely, if our basic needs for safety, survival and recognition are met, we just might feel the need to actually help others.

Common criticism of Maslow’s system is that it cant be applied to all uniformly, and this is true…except.

I can be on level 3 of Maslow’s hierarchy when it comes to blogging, but level 4 when it comes to riding a motorcycle. When taken on those terms, Maslow’s system applies to everyone.

What’s Maslow Got To Do With It?

Have you noticed that the things that go viral have certain things in common?

Videos (for example) that go viral are not selling anything. They are not advertising, promoting, or pushing a product or a service. Its usually something that someone has put out there expecting exactly nothing in return.

Folks who put out content on Social Media channels expect nothing (or very little) in return. They are on the 6th level of Malsow’s Hierarchy of Needs

In other words, we take our interests out of the picture entirely and attempt to service others with our actions and knowledge.

Conversely, folks who try to go viral but dont succeed, or pay many many moneys for moderate success at best; their content reeks of self-interest, and it shows.

Are there exceptions?

That stupid Friday song might be one exception. Also, that “I hate that I find it so entertaining” Old Spice commercial. Although, I think the campaign to convince everyone that Old Spice campaign was successful is probably a bigger story there. But I digress…

But Dino, you say. I’m trying to make a living here. How do I do that?

Do what google does.

Google has Self Transcended

My best advice is to do what google does. Make money though the “side door“.

When I ask people “what business is google in?”, they usually answer “oh, they do search engine thing online, right?” Wrong!

Google gives away the search expecting exactly nothing in return. Then, they make money through the side door. Advertising.

As bloggers, we already do what google does. We give away something valuable for free. Our content.

But what does it say on your side door?

• What is your side door strategy?
• How will YOUR blog become a vehicle for a paycheck?