AuctionBytes reporter Julia Wilkinson sat down with Guy and asked him about how eBayers can apply his principles of evangelism to their eBay businesses.
Q: It's exciting that you are presenting at eBay Live this year. Do you buy or sell on eBay, or both? Can you tell us about what some of your favorite purchases or sales have been?
A: I'm afraid to get started on eBay--buying or selling. I love the entire concept of eBay, but I'm afraid that I'll get addicted. And I don't need any more addictions!
Q: As many people know, you worked at Apple Computer in the '80s. Do you see any parallels between the way Apple and eBay evolved, or are evolving, and what are they? Or, what comparisons could you make between Apple and eBay?
The most significant parallel is between Pierre Omidayar and Steve Wozniak. Both were nerds, both trying to do something cool. They certainly weren't "marketing driven" in the MBA sense of the words. This is a good lesson for all entrepreneurs: "Build it and sometimes people will come."
Q: One of your incarnations has been as a "secular evangelist." Can you explain more about what that term means?
A secular evangelist positions his or her product/service as a way to make the world a better place. It is "good news" that he or she is trying to spread. The motivation is not so much to "get rich" but to "change the world."
Q: And what are some of the ways eBay sellers can use evangelism to improve their businesses?
A: The key is to look at what you sell as a way to enrich people's lives. If you do, then these people will spread the word for you--without compensation or monetary motivation. The motive is actually quite pure: to make the world a better place.
Check out the rest at AuctionBytes.com.
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