The Impact Equation Book Summary - The Impact Equation Book explained in key points
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The Impact Equation summary

Are You Making Things Happen or Just Making Noise?

3.7 (13 ratings)
17 mins

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"The Impact Equation" by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith is a guide to building a successful brand online. It offers practical tips on creating valuable content, building relationships with your audience, and making a lasting impact in today's digital age.

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    The Impact Equation
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    There’s a handy equation to maximize your product’s impact; it relies on two key elements.  

    With the immediacy of social media and the rapid production potential of three-dimensional printing, it’s never been easier for companies to bring products to market.

    But once you’ve entered the market, how can you ensure that your product stands the test of time?

    Here’s where you need the impact equation. The impact equation is a formula for attaining and maintaining the product success you want. It’s simple; here’s the formula.

    IMPACT = Contrast x (Reach + Exposure + Articulation + Trust + Echo)

    But that’s a mouthful. It’s easier to remember as IMPACT = C x (R + E + A + T + E).

    To understand the equation, let’s start with exposure (E) and reach (R), as they’re the two elements that are the most essential in making your product’s presence resonate in a market.

    So what do these elements actually mean?

    Exposure is a marker of how often your audience hears your message. Reach measures the size of your audience. You’ll need to maximize both to succeed!

    One way to increase your reach is to take your business international, pushing your product to different countries and markets. US President Barack Obama once quoted a line from The Alchemist, a book by Paul Coelho. The president’s quote garnered worldwide attention, but primarily because Coelho’s book was translated and available in more than 170 countries. Similarly, for your message to resonate on an international level, people in many countries already need to know about your product.

    Separately, you can use exposure to heighten people’s expectations, for example by limiting exposure to rare public appearances in order to build excitement.

    Apple’s yearly product presentations were managed down to the most microscopic detail, so that when CEO Steve Jobs took the stage, you could almost hear the world hold its breath. This sort of exposure guaranteed ideal buzz for the next Apple gadget.

    So now you know how to expand your reach and increase your exposure – let’s explore the impact equation’s other elements.

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    What is The Impact Equation about?

    The Impact Equation (2012) takes a fresh look at how companies can successfully introduce a product to a market with maximum impact and keep it relevant over the long-term. These blinks will teach you how to articulate your message, deliver it effectively to your audience and build the trust necessary to keep customers coming back for more.

    The Impact Equation Review

    The Impact Equation (2012) explores the key factors that contribute to creating a successful online presence and establishing meaningful connections with others. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It provides practical strategies for leveraging social media platforms and online content to maximize your impact and reach a wider audience.
    • The book emphasizes the importance of authenticity and transparency in building trust and establishing meaningful connections with your audience.
    • With its insightful case studies and relevant examples, the book offers valuable insights into how to create compelling content that captures attention and drives engagement.

    Who should read The Impact Equation?

    • Marketers, entrepreneurs and communications specialists
    • People who want to make a difference in their personal life or at work

    About the Author

    Chris Brogan and Julien Smith are consultants and online communication experts, and have worked with many leading companies such as Google, Microsoft and American Express. Their work has been praised by self-help gurus Seth Godin and Tony Robbins.

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    The Impact Equation FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Impact Equation?

    The main message of The Impact Equation is that creating an impact requires a combination of great content and an effective strategy.

    How long does it take to read The Impact Equation?

    The reading time for The Impact Equation varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.

    Is The Impact Equation a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Impact Equation is worth reading because it provides valuable insights on how to create impact through content and strategy.

    Who is the author of The Impact Equation?

    The authors of The Impact Equation are Chris Brogan and Julien Smith.

    What to read after The Impact Equation?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Impact Equation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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