Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead
Author David Meerman Scott and Brian Halligan, CEO of Hubspot, have a new book out that’s generating a lot of Buzzzzzzzzz …
David and I have known each other since 2005. Since that time he’s written several great books including the international bestseller “The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How To Use News Releases, Blogs, Podcastiing, Viral Marketing & Online Media to Reach Buyers Directly,” which has been translated into 26 languages.
David’s writing is crisp, clean, easy to read and always full of helpful information and unique ways to authentically connect with people—and grow your business. That’s hard to pull off.
WRONG
I’m usually 100% supportive of David’s ideas and insights. Not this time. I think he and Brian got it totally wrong on the name and naming of the “Grateful Dead.”
RESEARCH
They must not have done their research. Had they done in-depth historical musical research, they would have uncovered where the Grateful Dead name really came from.
THE SECRET
As a business courtesy (back-stabbing) to David and Brian, it will be revealed here for the first time. That’s right. The real secret behind the naming of The Grateful Dead. Maybe David and Brian can correct their story in the second printing of the book to give credit where credit is due.
ALL FAIRNESS ASIDE
But, in all fairness, I’ll let them make their case first. Then I’ll expose their inaccuracies. Rip them to shreds. Professionally of course. But be prepared – some graphic pictures are coming your way. It may not be suitable for all readers. Make sure any kids under 50 are not in the room when you read this.
THEIR CASE …
A Marketing Lesson from the Grateful Dead – Choose Memorable Brand Names
By David Meerman Scott and Brian Halligan
The Grateful Dead.
If you stop to think about it, the name is sorta weird. Even a little scary.
But boy is it memorable.
Originally calling themselves The Warlocks when they formed in 1964, members of the band realized they needed to come up with a new name a year later when they found out that there was another band by the same name that had recorded a single. The guys debated names, suggesting ideas such as “Mythical Ethical Icicle Tricycle” (Garcia) and “His Own Sweet Advocates” (Weir). When they were unable to find a name they agreed on, they gathered at Phil Lesh’s house around a copy of Bartlett’s Quotations, read out a thousand possible names, but couldn’t agree on anything. Then Jerry Garcia opened a copy of Funk and Wagnall’s New Practical Standard Dictionary (1956 edition) and randomly pointed to a page. There, staring back at him, was GRATEFUL DEAD. Several members immediately fell in love with the name and wanted to use it. Others were a bit wary. But all agreed it was memorable so they decided to use it.
Love it, hate it, or don’t understand it—the Grateful Dead is a name that you remember.
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