How do you know if you’re writing a hit song?

Music executives have long known the secret. When focus groups rate a song, if 30-40% of people love the song, and 15% violently hate it, you’ve got a hit song on your hands.

And to make sure we’re clear, it’s not a hit in spite of the 15%. No no. It’s because there’s 15% repulsed by the song that you know you’ve got a winner.

The worst thing you could do is try and change the song to make the 15% happy. Instead, find out exactly what makes that 15% so angry, and then turn that thing up to eleven.

Because anything that has the power to move the needle on the “who cares” meter won’t move everyone in the same direction.

What about you? Have you cultivated a healthy population of haters?

Because if you’re trying to make a difference. If you’re trying to make people care. If you want them to sit up and take notice; then be on the lookout for your 15-percenters.

And rejoice when they’ve found you.

It means you’re doing something right.

– Zac Smith