10 Content Trap Takeaways

The Content Trap ©2016 Bharat Anand

Bharat Anand’s The Content Trap is an exploration of the value of connection over substance, specifically in context of forming and executing sound business strategy in the midst of digital* change.

*Mr Anand names the change “digital change” but his advice to recognize the importance of connections and use them as a building block of strategy holds water in the face of any change. Or, no change. Even in a static environment, there is oft-overlooked value in connections.

I both listened to the audio and read the paper book. This is what Mr Anand would call bundling, if the publisher had offered me both at a price I was willing to pay. In this case I was forced to self-bundle, but I must say, the price was right. The office paid for my print copy and I got the audiobook free with a new Audible membership.

The audiobook narrator’s crisp enunciation and rich baritone made listening quite enjoyable, and — not to fall into any traps — the content is compelling. (I mean, I listened to AND read the book, so I think I have some credibility here.)

These ten takeaways are meant to entice you to read (or, listen to) the book, — not to imply the book can be condensed to ten points. These points are bare bones; Mr Anand’s case studies are the lifeblood of his writing.

Without further ado…

10 Content Trap Takeaways

1. Borrow the principles. Forget the particulars.
2. The value of bundling is not in combining products — it’s in combining customers, especially and ironically: customers with different preferences.
3. Neither content quality, quantity, nor availability determine price. Reader preference for content does.
4. It’s about the use case, not the device. (It’s about the use case, not the content.)
5. Understand what differentiates you. That’s what people will pay for.
6. Give the game away. Sell the power-ups.
7. Operational excellence is futile.
8. Predicting triggers is futile.
9. Media consumption is inherently social.
10. Embrace piracy.

If you’ve read the book, what are your takeaways? If not, did this review inspire you to do so? Either way — leave some “content” and we’ll make a connection!