Review - Go Big: Make Your Shot Count in the Connected World

Go Big: Make Your Shot Count in the Connected World

Author: Cory Cotton

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I accepted the opportunity to review Go Big by Cory Cotton.  My husband is a basketball fanatic and had heard of their Dude Perfect videos, but I’d never had the chance to see them in action.  They are quite the trick shot basketball athletes! 

This is a how-to marketing book.  However, it’s not your dry, step-by-step, how-to-market-your-brand type book.  It’s about five guys in a backyard to hit upon a viral phenomenon when they decided to put their trick shots on YouTube and their rationale for success.

What impresses me most about this book is the tone it is written in and the authenticity with which these young college students have gone about making their mark.  They want to be the “Ambassadors of Fun”, but, clearly, they have more going for them than a fun mantra.  They discuss finding people to help and using their talents, making sure you live in the moment and don’t “blink” missing an opportunity, and using the social media machine to really develop and display your brand.

Additionally, on the more human side, they address their passion for Christ and for being thankful for all their blessings rather than developing a “me” attitude.  How refreshing!   It was pleasure to read about young men wanting to take the spotlight off of themselves rather than seeking it.  While they are certainly “out there” in terms of their Dude Perfect approach, humility and faith have remained at the forefront something youth and Hollywood could take lessons from. 

Their final chapter is about giving back.  Not just writing a check and patting yourself on the back, but finding ways to use your talents to really give back to those less fortunate.  Since their motif is fun, one thing they are doing is bringing toys to orphanages in Africa where kids have a roof and food, but have never owned a toy.  What a great idea!  They give back in several other ways as well.  Right up front, they tell the audience – if you aren’t interested in giving back, they aren’t interested in you.  I like that stance.  Expect generosity along with humility. 

What they do is amazing!  They have found their niche and used their collective talents and skills to turn it into a phenomenon.  Cory’s book makes you want to step outside the box and actually follow your dream.  He says you know you have one – what are you gonna do about it?  I know I felt motivated to begin exploring my dreams rather than sitting back saying what if.  I’m keeping this book – it will be required reading for my homeschooled high school student as he takes his marketing elective.  I’d like him to understand the principles of marketing along with the principle of maintaining your values and your focus on Christ.

***  I received this book free from Tyndale Media Center in exchange for my honest review.