We all know Richard Dawkins invented the concept of a meme in the Selfish Gene.   A meme, is an idea that is transmitted from one mind to another through speech, gestures, rituals, or other imitable phenomena.  Ive heard someone say that meme is "Anything that can be copied from one mind to another".   We know what it is when we experience it.  The classic phrase "Got Milk" is instantly recognizable as a meme because its simple,  conveys a purpose and is infectious.   Meme's arent labels or even brands.   The swoosh symbol is a brand but is not a meme.


Popular culture does memes best especially over the internet from "I can has Cheezburger" to "All your base are belong to us" with Raptor Jesus in between.    When you are marketing yourself and your personal brand we might learn something about getting mindshare.    Memes are ideas that stick and are easily transmitted.  Our personal brand is our unique set of skills which no one can take away. 

My lovely wife Jacquelyn says that you cant just make up a meme - they sorta just happen.   I think that might be true but we can observe the things that go into an existing meme and see if you can reproduce some of the characteristics.

 I have seen good taglines propagate.    My friend Greg who refers to himself as the "Geek who can Speak" has an infectious tagline.  Ive seen that expression propagate for Greg.   The downside for Greg is the tagline skill of speaking is just one of the things that he does - its not the center of who he is entirely.   If Greg were to focus his entire work effort to being a public advocate for a technical company - this tagline is great.

I always wanted a great tagline.  My tagline for a while now is "Simplify Organize Finish" which represents my skill as a software architect.   Some people know me as the "Simplifier" and some ask me why is that. I always tell them its because no one wants to hire a "complex-ifier".   Still not catchy enough - it sorta sticks - but it also doesnt address my personality and my skill at social media evangelism.  

I mean "Where's the Beef?"   I have to think there is an element of humor to having a good meme.   I always understood that humor is related to creativity.  We laugh at things that are unnaturally juxtaposed.  Its a form of invention.  Godliness is all about humor.  God is about lightening up.     So I am going to have to add humor or unexpectedness as one of the ingredience to a good meme.

Whatever the opposite of "Epic Fail" is - I want to be.  But, success is not that funny in general - which is a problem.  The best we can do is LOL - another reference to humor.    

Im not sure if Apple's line "Think Different" is a meme or not.  Id like to think its a bit contagious.  We sort of know that it should be "Think Differently" but its ok because its different.   Im pretty sure being "different" is an ingredient.

My branding genius friend Rosalind says that I must answer two things to discover my personal meme.

1. Who is the most important audience for this meme? (Do not answer everyone.)
2. What do you want them to take away about you - more than anything?

While we might want to infect everyone - it doesn't do our brand any good to be that diluted.  I think for me I want to influence the social media technology and marketing space.  That's probably too broad - but its a start.   I believe I am cultivating a reputation in a specific area.  My wife asked me "Who's your audience?"  (You know all those great marketing people think alike - I come from technology and all the simple marketing truths don't always resonate first).  Rosalind's second question is poignant because she is asking what's the take away for my audience with the extra twist of "more than anything".   I wish I knew the exact answer for me - but I might start with saying I want my audience to trust, respect, and like me.  I want them to be excited when I appear on the scene and expect ideas to happen.

Got Meme?