Why Do Most Businesses Struggle to Implement the True Purple Cow Meaning?

Standing out in a crowded market is one of the biggest challenges businesses face. While most companies focus on improving their products or services, only a few succeed in getting noticed. This is where the concept of the “Purple Cow” comes in. Coined by Seth Godin, the idea is simple—being remarkable in a way that makes people take notice and remember you.

But applying this idea in real business settings is not as easy as it sounds. Many companies try to follow this principle, but few manage to do it successfully. This article discusses the reasons why most businesses fail to implement the actual Purple Cow meaning.

Misunderstanding What Being Remarkable Really Means

The first issue lies in how businesses interpret the idea. Being remarkable doesn’t just mean doing something different. It means doing something that makes people talk about you. Most companies think adding a feature, changing a color, or running a new ad campaign is enough. But these are surface-level changes that don’t usually create real attention or customer engagement.

To apply the Purple Cow concept effectively, a business must create something that truly stands apart in its category. This is often confused with minor changes that don’t leave a lasting impression. Without a proper understanding of the concept, the execution often falls flat.

Fear of Taking Risks

Standing out often involves doing something that hasn’t been done before. Many businesses are not comfortable with this approach. There’s a strong tendency to follow what has already worked for others. While this may seem like a safe option, it usually results in similar products, services, and marketing messages.

Trying something different involves risk. There is always the chance that the idea might not work. But without taking that chance, companies end up offering what everyone else is already doing. This leads to competition based on pricing and promotions rather than value or identity. The fear of stepping out of their comfort zone holds back many businesses from creating something truly remarkable.

Overreliance on Market Research and Data

Market research is important, but relying entirely on data to shape ideas can be limiting. Most data reflects past behavior, not future possibilities. If businesses only follow what the data tells them, they are likely to repeat what has already been done.

Creating a “Purple Cow” often means going beyond what the numbers suggest. It requires thinking differently and sometimes trusting instincts over statistics. While insights from research are useful, they should not be the only guiding factor in shaping a product or message that stands out.

Trying to Please Everyone

Another common problem is the effort to appeal to a broad audience. In trying to attract everyone, the message becomes too general and loses its impact. A true “Purple Cow” often speaks directly to a specific group of people. It may not work for everyone, but it leaves a strong impression on those it is meant for.

Businesses that aim to be safe and universal tend to blend into the background. A more focused approach allows for sharper messaging and better customer connection. By being specific, a company can stand out more clearly and avoid becoming just another option in the market.

Lack of Consistent Execution

Even when a business comes up with a strong idea, many fail to deliver it consistently. Being remarkable is not a one-time effort. It needs to be reflected in the product, service, messaging, and customer experience. Inconsistent execution can confuse customers and reduce the impact of even a good idea.

For example, if a brand promises a bold new experience but delivers something average, the initial attention quickly fades. Consistency helps build trust and reinforces the brand’s message over time. Without it, the “remarkable” idea may never reach its full potential.

Focusing Only on Short-Term Results

Many companies are under pressure to produce quick outcomes. This leads to strategies that favor immediate results over long-term value. Creating something truly remarkable often takes time. It involves trial, adjustment, and patience.

Short-term thinking can lead to abandoning good ideas too soon. If a campaign doesn’t go viral in the first week or sales don’t spike immediately, businesses may give up on it. But real impact often takes longer to build. Patience and commitment are needed to make a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Implementing the true Purple Cow meaning requires more than just a different look or a catchy slogan. It calls for a mindset that is open to risk, creativity, and long-term focus. Businesses must stop trying to fit into existing categories and start looking for ways to stand out within their own context. Without a clear understanding of what it means to be remarkable and a plan to act on it consistently, most companies will continue to struggle.

While the idea of a “Purple Cow” sounds simple, putting it into practice requires more than inspiration—it needs action that aligns with the core message and value of the business.