Amazon.com has released a device for reading ebooks called the Kindle. It’s like ipod for books. It’s been selling like hot cakes… and Amazon doesn’t want that to stop.
Recently, Amazon sent out a press release titled “Runaway Bestseller ”The Last Lecture” is Sold Out Everywhere, But Not For Amazon Kindle Owners.”
A few months ago, Randy Pausch gave his “Last Lecture”. It was a powerful talk and combined with the fact that he only had a few months to live due to terminal cancer, the message had an added sense of urgency & genuineness. The video of this talk went viral immediately.
Pausch’s new book promises to provide insight into the talk and his experiences. Appropriately, the book is sold out everywhere.
This is where Kindle shines. It uses a digital copy of the book which means the book is always “in stock” and ready for delivery to your Kindle. Amazon jumped on this opportunity to point this out using a press release. The media has taken the bait and is now running a variety of stories on it… generating tons of “free” exposure for Kindle. Of course, it’s not free. It took some clear thinking and quick decision making to make things happen. But the ROI is so much better than running full page ads in newspapers that it is relatively free.
So what? What can you take away from this move by Amazon?
- Keep an eye out for when & where you can showcase how you’re offering is different & better.
- Use recent events and a good story to give the media food for thought… and food for writing.
[ Update: Unfortunately, Randy Pausch has past away. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. ]
