Comments on: Critical Mass

By: Justin, Airsoft Rifles

Justin, Airsoft Rifles — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:23:16 +0000

I know exactly what you mean about critical mass. About a year and a half ago, I could pinpoint exactly when my business hit critical mass, and it was amazing. We ended up selling the business and now I have a new one, and it hasn’t hit yet, but I believe I have the characteristics you listed to do so.

By: David

David — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:09:39 +0000

I don’t know how many people remember the “pet rocks” or other frenetic bandwagon marketing campaigns. One minute it was here then it vanished. Other products seem to peak and then are able to sustain themselves in the marketplace. Critical mass, to me, is like “Tipping Point” something is suddenly “here.” FaceBook and all these other social interactive sites are based connecting people and sharing information. This is a basic human characteristic. The “critical mass” in this comes when most people realize there is a new tool available to facilitate social interaction. I think if we dig deep enough, we’ll find a human feeling behind the popularity of those silly old pet rocks.

By: Tisha Morris

Tisha Morris — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:23:01 +0000

My thoughts exactly to the commenter above. Critical mass is like the Tipping Point. And it is alive and well. If someone puts enough energy into something that is in alignment with them, it will eventually hit its tipping point whether it be that one important person that wears your product (like the Hush Puppy story) or enough people that spread the word about your service.

By: Patty

Patty — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:54:07 +0000

The whole concept of critical mass here sounds like many of the concepts discussed in Malcolm Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point”. What’s interesting is that, in his model, even established brands can reignite critical mass. In the very first chapter, he talks about Hush Puppy shoes and how they almost disappeared until someone started wearing them and passing the news along to others and before you know it, Hush Puppies brand didn’t have enough existing stock to maintain demand!

By: Laurie

Laurie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:40:36 +0000

I truly believe that my business has the potential to hit critical mass. People are energized by what we offer to schools. It hits the greatest need here in TX and does it in an innovative way. We were presenting at one school and the teacher left for a moment and returned giving us her resume. I think we inspired her!

By: Dave Pancost

Dave Pancost — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:29:50 +0000

I think that critical mass is something not to worry about. It’s an interesting concept, but I’m not sure it’s actually achievable and/or maintainable.

I believe that what is most important is that you be true to your vision, committed to doing your best, and building great relationships. That will draw to you those who resonate with your vision. I believe in the 1000 true fans concept, and you don’t build true fans when you are focused on appealing to the masses.

Of course all of this depends on your goals, which are always personal. Building and maintaining a business doesn’t have to be a burden, though. If your business vision is connected to a deep passion, then working on your business becomes a source of pleasure not a burden.

By: Cody Dream-Life-Coaching

Cody Dream-Life-Coaching — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:33:54 +0000

It kind of like applying heat to ice, nothing happens, nothing happens then all of a sudden it melts. Although it seemed nothing was happening, all that heat was need to bring the ice to a melting point.

By: Gerald

Gerald — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Critical mass in a business is a little like trying to capture lightning in a bottle, but it can be done. To Mitchell’s point, McDonald’s still spends a ton on advertising. Of course they are- all businesses advertise. The question is how much MORE would they be paying for the same headcounts. Obvioulsy, they would be spending less.

In the auto business, critical mass is easily achieved if you are King of Cars with a t.v. show, or with a particular hook. Since there are so many brands and there is such a great reputation of car sales people in general, critical mass is more difficult (impossible?) to achieve in this industry. Perhaps social networking will make it easier and more attainable.

By: positivelypresent

positivelypresent — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:38:32 +0000

This concept is really interesting. From the sounds of it, it can be awesome or awful depending on the situation (and your reaction to it). I’m not sure if it’s something that can be bought, but that’s an interesting thing to think about…

By: Mitchell York

Mitchell York — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:35:19 +0000

I think critical mass works great in nuclear explosions but I am not so sure about in business. Yes, there are certain franchises (everything from McDonald’s to Seth Godin) where the brand has enough momentum and prior customers so that certain attributes are a given. But McDonald’s still has to spend billions a year on advertising, and Seth still has to blog every day, to keep the momentum going. If critical mass in business were really true, Mickey D and Seth would be on a beach somewhere. Or maybe not. Good question though.