Obama Baton: We’re Just Faster
It’s hard for big companies (and agencies) to compete with the speed of inspired individuals.
While the examples are certainly focused on politically-motivated people, I think the same is pretty much true for most organizations. It’s hard to be nimble. It’s scary to launch and learn. It takes a lot of constant monitoring and hands on responding.
This week has been a solid one for Obama Baton. Just over two weeks since the original idea was had, we’re building momentum and an audience of supporters, many of whom are following on Twitter and joined our Facebook groups for New York and Chicago. We’ve also received some really nice shout-outs.
Yet, when it comes to the spreading of an idea, we can’t even compare to “That One”. Within a day of the second Presidential debate—when McCain referred to Senator Obama using the term in quotes—this site was live and selling “That One” gear. They recognized the meme immediately when they heard it, and now their Facebook page already has over 21,000 fans.
My final example (not to be confused with the final countdown - via @lilmissjen) of a person compelled to create by Barack has got to be Mike Cuffe with The Obama Experiment - via @darrylohrt. And though it may have taken longer than the above creations from idea to execution, he has promoted his work with a video of art speed painting.
Lastly, I want to wish good luck to Kevin, who will be running the Chicago Marathon this Sunday with Obama Baton. Thanks everyone for your support. Please continue to pass it on.
4 Comments to Obama Baton: We’re Just Faster
Great to see things up and “running”. Looking forward to spreading the word tomorrow.
[...] more information checkout my friend Seth’s description of the Barack Baton addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketing.fm%2F2008%2F10%2F14%2Fobama-baton%2F’; addthis_title = [...]
Thanks Eric - appreciate it. I’m working out the logistics for passing it along during the marathon this week.
[...] Just some ideas from around the web that have stuck with me lately. Firstly, Faris and Seth share two great reasons why people are better than companies at social [...]


October 13, 2008