Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

What Makes Something Go Viral? 5 Reasons Ideas Catch On

What makes something go viral? Why do some ideas catch on when others don’t? Economist Robert J. Shiller contends that narratives drive behavior far more than we might realize. He outlines five factors that contribute to the widespread dissemination of economic narratives: memorable visuals, emotional resonance, influential endorsers, holistic explanations, and a human-centric focus. Continue reading to understand these virality factors that apply to narratives of all kinds.

And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

Why did the Republican Party choose Abraham Lincoln as a presidential candidate? Why was he motivated to sign the Emancipation Proclamation? What’s his legacy today? In And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, Jon Meacham breaks down the myths and legends that surround Abraham Lincoln. He argues that Lincoln had good intentions and accomplished great things but was still as flawed and prone to mistakes as anyone else. Continue reading for an overview of this New York Times bestseller by a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson: Book Overview & Takeaways

Why should you launch a movement and not just a product? How often should you publish content for your audience? How should your strategy change when you sell to a large group? Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson answers these questions and many more. The book serves as a how-to guide for creating excitement for your idea that turns potential customers into lifelong buyers, focusing on how you can tap into your audience’s emotions. Continue reading for an overview of this book, and learn the main “secrets” that will help you create loyal customers.

Gold Standard vs. Fiat Currency: Is the Issue Just Psychological?

Which is better—the gold standard or fiat currency? Could you make a sound economic argument for your position? In Narrative Economics, economist Robert J. Shiller argues that human beliefs and actions, rather than numbers and statistics, ultimately drive economics. Specifically, he writes that beliefs about the gold standard are part of a recurring American economic narrative. Read more to learn Shiller’s take on the gold standard vs. fiat currency debate.

Market Specialization: How to Reach the Niche in Your Submarket

Is it better to specialize or mass market? How did Dove soap carve out a niche? You should have a core market. Within that, you should have a submarket. Within that submarket, you should have a niche. Then, according to Russell Brunson, you should concentrate even further by creating a new category. Read more to learn Brunson’s advice for market specialization and to get some alternative ideas from other marketing experts.

Abraham Lincoln’s Early Life: 1809-1829 (And There Was Light)

What was Abraham Lincoln’s relationship with his father like? How did other children regard him? What influences formed his political views? Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential biographer Jon Meacham describes Abraham Lincoln’s early life in his book And There Was Light. He provides insights into Lincoln’s parents, education, and faith that help us understand America’s 16th president. Read more to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s early life.

How to Develop Your Public Persona as a Trusted Expert

Do others look to you as an expert? Do people online tend to trust you and follow your lead? Even if you have a product rather than a personal brand, you would do well to develop an appealing public persona. Your customers might like your product just fine, but they’re more likely to stay loyal if they’re inspired by you and your expertise. Read more to learn how to develop your public persona as a trusted expert.

Machines Taking Over Jobs: A Tale as Old as Time

Are you worried that you’ll lose your job to a machine? What’s the historical precedence for this concern? Economist Robert J. Shiller points to several narratives that tap into fundamental themes that have shaped our collective understanding of past economic events. In turn, the narratives themselves come to have a profound influence on future events. One of these narratives entails machines taking over jobs. Keep reading to learn about this recurring economic narrative that provides some needed perspective.

Abraham Lincoln’s Christianity: His Guiding Light of Faith

What role did religion play in Abraham Lincoln’s life? What did he believe? In And There Was Light, Jon Meacham writes about America’s 16th president. Meacham emphasizes Abraham Lincoln’s Christianity, and he frequently refers to Lincoln’s religious beliefs to explain how they helped guide Lincoln’s thoughts and actions. Keep reading for an inspiring discussion of Lincoln’s Christianity.

How to Create a Movement (and Not Just a Business)

What makes something a movement? What if you could create a movement instead of just running a business? Imagine you have a product or service that can change people’s lives—one that can help them reach their most ambitious goals financially or personally. Russell Brunson says you should look at your product or service as merely a tool that supports something much greater—a movement. Read more to learn how to create a movement and not just a business.