Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger

Review: This is a fascinating read about what makes ideas contagious. Backed by research, the author uses contemporary examples (Will it Blend? on YouTube; the song Friday by Rebecca Black; and United Breaks Guitars) to demonstrate why these videos caught on. He breaks down the reasons into six key STEPPS (Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories.) While it’s easy to see how these concepts could be applied to products and services, they can also be used for your own ideas in the workplace. If you’re interested in getting traction for your ideas, read this book.