Marketing ideas from business often find their way into personal development. One such concept is the “Purple Cow,” a term introduced by Seth Godin. It refers to doing something remarkable that grabs attention immediately, like spotting a purple cow in a field of regular cows.
But can this idea help someone build their personal brand? Yes. And here is how to look at the Purple Cow meaning through the lens of personal branding.
What Is the Purple Cow Meaning?
The Purple Cow stands for being remarkable in a crowded space. In business, it means standing out in a saturated market by doing something different that catches the eye and makes people talk.
When we apply this to personal branding, the idea stays the same. People who manage to stand out from others in their field are often the ones who are remembered. Instead of blending in, the focus is on doing something that instantly makes others pay attention.
This doesn’t mean creating a fake personality. It means finding a trait, a strength, or a skill that can serve as your standout point, something that makes people stop and notice.
Why Personal Branding Needs a Purple Cow
Every field has competition. Whether you are a designer, developer, writer, coach, or engineer, there are many others offering similar services. A regular profile, even if it is well-built, may not grab attention fast enough.
That is where the Purple Cow concept comes in. It gives you a new way to look at your branding. Instead of just improving what you already have, it pushes you to rethink the foundation of your visibility.
Ask a basic question: What would make someone remember you after a short meeting or glance at your profile?
If you can find that answer and use it well, then you are applying the Purple Cow meaning correctly.
Examples of Applying the Purple Cow in Personal Branding
Let us say you are a developer who also draws comics about software bugs. That’s not common. By sharing those comics on social media, you become more than just a coder, you become someone who makes tech fun.
Or consider a career coach who films short street interviews with people about job struggles. This format is different from what most coaches do, and it draws attention.
These examples show how doing one thing differently can change how people see you. You still do your main work, but you also give others something that sticks in their mind.
How to Find Your Purple Cow
You do not need to invent something new from scratch. Look at your regular habits, side interests, or hobbies. Sometimes, the best ideas come from combining two normal things.
Follow this simple list to find your standout point:
- Look at your strengths – What are you good at that others often point out?
- Check your story – What part of your journey feels different from others in your field?
- Mix your skills – Can you combine two skills to present your work in a new way?
- Notice reactions – What part of your work or story makes people curious or ask questions?
When you answer these points, you might find a pattern. That pattern could lead to your standout idea.
Using the Purple Cow Daily
Having a Purple Cow idea is only part of the work. You also need to share it. A strong idea hidden in a corner won’t help your branding.
So, start including it in your regular posts, talks, website, or portfolio. The goal is to use it enough that people begin to associate it with you. Repetition is important.
Also, be open to improving it. What you start with might change later. But once you start showing something that stands out, people begin to remember you for that.
Risks and Balance
Trying to stand out can feel like a risk. You may wonder if people will take you seriously. But the risk of being ignored is often bigger than the risk of being different.
Still, there is a balance. The standout idea must connect to your actual work. A random act just for attention will fade quickly. But a fresh angle that still reflects your values and skills will last longer.
Keep checking whether your idea adds value or just creates noise. The right kind of difference will make people stay and learn more about you.
Final Thoughts
The Purple Cow meaning goes beyond marketing products. It can change how you approach personal branding. It asks one core question; are you doing anything that others remember?
If not, this might be the right time to find that edge.
Start small. Test your idea. Talk about it. And slowly, your personal brand can grow stronger, backed by something people will not forget quickly.
The goal is not to be loud. It is to be clear, fresh, and remembered.
