Who Moved My Cheese?

[mmurtha]

A friend of mine turned me on to a book titled, “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson M.D.

Yup, it’s that book with 4 different characters in it: Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw.

Ever heard of it?

It’s a very short book, but well worth the read.

I don’t want to spoil the read too much, so won’t add everything in this post, but there are some great marketing lessons to be had from simple little books like this one.

I just got the book yesterday, read it, and was thinking of different ways it applies to marketing.

First off, for those who aren’t in the know, the book is about 2 mice, and 2 little people caught in a maze trying to find cheese. When they finally figured out where the cheese is located, and eat it for some time, the cheese is moved to a different location.

Sound familiar?

Sniff, and Scurry (the mice), with their smaller brains, don’t seem to worry about anything but finding out where the location of the cheese is once it got moved. They immediately went searching for more cheese.

But the little people, with their much larger brains, seemed to over analyze what just happened, why they were now being deprived from the pile of cheese they once grown accustomed to, and who was responsible for their dilemma.

They became complacent and arrogant, and were stopped dead in their tracks.

The mice ended up finding where the cheese was placed next and got their fill, while the little people were left thinking, plotting, and crying the blues.

Sound familiar yet?

Think about it this way if you still don’t see where this story is going …

Substitute the word “cheese” for “the Internet”, and then think about what once worked for you in your Internet Business that isn’t working as well as it used to.

What were your immediate thoughts and actions?

Were you like the mice, which didn’t seem to worry about “who did what, when and how?”, but went searching for the new pile of cheese (hot spot)?

Or were you more like the little people, stopped in mid-air, who over analyzed their situation, got all emotional, and then ended up resenting their position, putting everyone else to blame for why they were going hungry?

These 4 characters were named, Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw for a reason.

Think about it, if we just move forward and not worry about the trivial crap, we’d probably find the new location of our favorite cheese and get our fill!

I found some very profound concepts in this one book that will apply to every situation under the sun, including groups, corporations, families, and other relationships, and just thought I'd share some of them with you.

I'm game for a deeper discussion.

All the best ...


Mary

[Beau]

I love the audio book version - you just put it on while you're working...

:-) B

[John Rogers]

I was going to say Sutton, but then I realized you said "moved my" not "cut the".

[mmurtha]

John,

Lol I was going to make a comment in that nature but ...



Beau,

No, I didn't know it camein audio. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!


Mary

[Beau]

I love audio books - especially live lectures - you really get more passion from them I feel.

:-) B

[Chris W. Sutton]

You know, John and Mary, I'm just not feeling the love tonight! You are running the risk of me NEVER commenting on another post you make. Naw, just kidding, I'll continue to post you two big galoots you!

[mmurtha]

Umm .. Chris, that is big of you. As long as you don't sing in my thread I'll be happy!

J/K of course!

All joking aside, I was hoping to create a good discussion ...

It simply amazes me why people stop altogether instead of trying something different with their business.

For instance, how many people had problems moving forward making good earnings when Adsense clicks began to come up with results like $ .01? Did they stop and curse Google instead of moving to another hot spot?

From what I am hear there are many that simply let this type of thing paralyze them or criple them at best.


Mary

[trafficwave]

I was just talking about that book with my two oldest sons. In fact, I'll be picking up a couple of copies for them this weekend.

I highly recommend it.

[purple]

I might have to look into the audio, but even the summary you gave really makes you think. There is a delicate balance between focusing on the problem, the why or just moving on and getting back the cheese.

[mmurtha]

trafficwave,

Cool about getting copies for your sons! I just gave a copy away this eve to a young man who is going off to college tomorrow.

It will definately inspire the young croud ... err let's hope so.


Purple,

There is a delicate balance between focusing on the problem, the why or just moving on and getting back the cheese.

That's exactly right! There is a balance to be had, but some lose their balance when things change. People need to change and adapt, not waste time moaning and groaning about their plight.

[Andyhenry]

Hi Mary,

This is one of those books that you usually hear about from a friend.

I used to buy 10 copies at a time to give to people that hadn't heard of it. I think I have 2 or 3 still at my home in the UK.

It's a very basic book with some simple but powerful messages and it's been selling well for years.

I remember my sister going on about it when she first started training in life coaching and it seemed to resonate with her.

I read a lot so this was just one of a barrage of books that came through my hands over the years. It was cute and had some good messages but I think what you get from it depends on where you are in your life.

If I'd found it while I was getting divorced I think I'd have loved it, but as it was I found it interesting and thought that people new to personal development would like it as it's very readable so I just started sharing it as one of those books you send people to who are finally realising there's more to life than work and football

There are tons of good little books based on stories which are metaphors for interesting concepts in business and life, so this one is worth a read for anyone who hasn't read it.

[J Elizabeth Dize]

I used to be a summer camp counselor and we watched the video and read the book together. I don't remember much of it, but I'll have to take a peek at it again! Cool stuff

[Craig Desorcy]

Great book! Read it like five times.

eStore

Craig

[mmurtha]

Andy,

Actually, I was looking for a book that had some simple concepts about change I could use for a specific set a people that have a tough time in that depatment.

I thought it might be good reading material.

Jenn,

You probably know what type of group I am refering to. It's a very good teaching tool.

Yeah, I'd take the time to read it again.


Mary

[Frank Ayres]

Sounds interesting i will have to see if i can buy a copy in the UK for my son.

[jbolte1976]

Mary,

This is a great book. Like we discussed I read it about 5 years ago and just read it again recently and it's really amazing how you will pull something different from it depending on where you're currently at in your life.

This time around the lesson I learned was I have a tendency over analyzing things and therefore....not take action. Fear is the root of most procrastination. We tend to put things off that we fear....This could be the fear of failure, looking stupid, feeling stupid, etc. Whatever it is.

Not taking action = procrastination = not achieving your goals.

I'm going to try and make a point of reading this more often. Good stuff.

[Norma Holt]

I still laugh when I hear the title. Its a beaut.

[mmurtha]

Hey JB,

Yeah, it's a great little book.

Btw, you are so spot on with procrastination.

Thanks ...


Hey Norma,

Yeah it is. I brought it in to introduce it to a group of youths I work with. They laughed when they read the title. But the funny thing was, almost all of them asked me where they can get a copy lol. Now that was cool.


Mary

[Dan Liptak]

"Who moved my cheese?" The best answer I have heard was by Sean Roach, "Who cares, make your own damn cheese!" It was at a seminar, so I might not have the exact quote (and I might have been drunk), but that was the jist of it. I think he has a book coming out with that title.

[mmurtha]

Dan,

Yup! It's the crux of the book.

And no, I wasn't aware that he may release another. Thanks!


Mary

[Ross Dalangin]

I love that book and highly recommend to young people as a foundation.

[Scott Lundergan]

Originally Posted by Dan Liptak

"Who moved my cheese?" The best answer I have heard was by Sean Roach, "Who cares, make your own damn cheese!" It was at a seminar, so I might not have the exact quote (and I might have been drunk), but that was the jist of it. I think he has a book coming out with that title.

Are you sure that was the speaker? Or was it Johnny Carson's old tv host stand in and co-creator of Bill Nye, the Science Guy...Ross Shafer?

Amazon.com: Nobody Moved Your Cheese!: Ross...

Some may find his take on the personal development industry a bit "different". I saw him live last year and I remember the entire video team who has seen just about everything say, "Now THAT guy knows how to deliver a message, by far one of the most talented speakers ever."

[moodykitty]

Wow Mary, what a timely post. The last several days I've been thinking a lot about my business and maybe doing something new (in addition to what I already do) The internet is ever changing, sometimes it's hard to keep up. My cheese has been moving around a bit lately so it's really got me thinking about other ways to get it
I appreciate your post

[Raquel]

Great book about changes in your life and work. I read it 5 or 6 yrs ago and read it again last month and I gave my friends a copy too.

[ExRat]

Hi Moodykitty,

My cheese has been moving around a bit lately so it's really got me thinking about other ways to get it

You don't fool us, it's not the cheese you're after

[Rachel Goodchild]

Originally Posted by ExRat

Hi Moodykitty,



You don't fool us, it's not the cheese you're after

Ok admit it

you only answered that post becasue a. the login name moodykitty. and b. youwanted to use that icon

[Ian Jackson]

No one moves my cheese - its always in the same place on my bookshelf whenever I feel like a read of it! Yes, it's an excellent book

IJ

[ExRat]

Hi Goodo,

Ok admit it

you only answered that post becasue a. the login name moodykitty. and b. youwanted to use that icon

Just look at Moody Kitty's picture! Does that cat look like it wants cheese or something that squeaks?



Lucky I've got my mates to look out for me.

[Rachel Goodchild]

oh now you're just being cute

Originally Posted by ExRat

Hi Goodo,



Just look at Moody Kitty's picture! Does that cat look like it wants cheese or something that squeaks?



Lucky I've got my mates to look out for me.

[Neil Morgan]

I have a copy in my bookcase, given to me by my wife's sister and her partner in 2004 when I took my online business full-time.

I think I'll blow the dust off it this weekend and have a trip down Nostalgia Lane!

Cheers,

Neil