I am pretty sure I first heard about the Bolt Bus in a post from Seth Godin. Sorry Seth. I can’t remember which one or I’d link to it.
I took this picture through the front windshield of my car when I was driving around University City in Philadelphia recently.
Seth is a prolific author about all things marketing. Probably his most famous book is Purple Cow. The simple premise of Purple Cow is that no one notices a brown cow, but everyone would remember if they saw a purple cow.
The Bolt Bus people have not only created a Purple Cow – you wouldn’t miss seeing that bus would you – but they have also followed Seth Godin’s other mantra given to us in another of his books, Tribes. Build a loyal following who tell others about you.
You can find all of Seth’s books here.
The Bolt Bus isn’t for everyone. They have targeted a very specific audience of folks who don’t have a lot of disposable income, have fairly flexible schedules and value conveniences like Internet access. College students and 20-somethings are a pretty large cohort. But with airline travel such a hassle now and gasoline so expensive, the appeal goes beyond that group.
Look at the back of the bus in the picture. BOLT FOR A BUCK. Pretty clear what they are selling, right? Right beneath it says, Boston – New York – Philadelphia – DC. Now you know where you can go. How much? There is at least one $1 seat on every bus. Wi-Fi & outlets aplenty. They have removed seats for extra legroom. Bathrooms. Air-Conditioning. A new fleet. Buy tickets online and you are guaranteed a seat. Pretty cool, right? Go to BoltBus.com for more information
This is not your grandmother’s bus company. Travel by bus redefined and appealing!
What could you do in your business to make your product or service a Purple Cow and make it so appealing that your Tribe started selling it for you through referrals?
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I can attest to the value and timeliness of the Bolt Bus service into NYC. I use it regularly when heading into the city.