After our giveaway ever last week of the Tools for Titans book (Congrats to Heather M, who came away the winner), I was asked by a few people which other marketing books I’d recommend, so I put together a list of my all-time favorites that I think every marketer, entrepreneur or, well….anyone should read.
Here they are – 23 Books Every Marketer Should Read!
The 4-Hour Workweek
Tactics to optimize, automate and outsource to design the life you want. Fantastic book, probably my #1 choice for everyone to read. That’s why we’re giving away Tim’s newest book at the bottom of this email!
Getting Things Done
It’s second on the list so I consider it another must read. I’ve read all of David Allen’s other books since I grabbed this one a few years ago. GTD (As you’ll learn to call it) is a simple methodology for, well, getting things done. I use a modified version of this to manage my life. I also love to discuss productivity methods, so shoot me an email if you’d like to discuss!
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Another Classic. I’d say this applies to every situation in life, but this book shows that success in business comes from developing strong relationships.
The Art of the Start 2.0
I’ve actually only read the original 1.0, but there’s no point reading that one now. This is an extensive guide to helping you start anything. Guy’s no BS approach is refreshing, and I promise you won’t be able to put this one down.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Another classic. This book by Robert Cialdini covers the psychology of persuasion and tactics used to influence others.
Decisive
A must have for the indecisive out there. Learn the reasons why our decision-making has road blocks that we weren’t even conscious of.
Predictive Analytics: Microsoft Excel
If you’ve downloaded one of my Excel templates, you know how much I love Excel. This book played off the fame of big data after the movie Moneyball was released. Now this one isn’t a light read. In fact, it’s a textbook for Excel. But after reading this, I built an Excel Spreadsheet for a client that was able to automatically track and update about 100 data points from all over the web for about ten competitors. It was insane.
Rework
I found this one at a used book sale at the library. So happy I did. It sheds light on a lot of traditional business wisdom that is completely false. If you don’t know Jason, he’s the CEO over at Basecamp.
The 48 Laws of Power
It’s as it sounds, 48 Laws of making it to the top. The format that Greene uses in his books make these excellent reads. Not kidding – there is a “50th Law” edition that he co-wrote with 50 Cent.
The 33 Strategies of War
I haven’t read his newest book yet, but this is another great book by Robert Greene. It applies military strategies to everyday life situations. I consider it a more modern and revised edition of the Art of War. OH, that reminds me…
The Art of War
This is essentially an ancient Chinese military strategy guide, written by Sun Tzu. Read it thinking it terms of business, and it offers some excellent lessons.
Getting to Yes
A negotiating classic by Roger Fisher. Warning: Don’t give this to anyone you regularly disagree with.
Purple Cow
I assume you know Seth Godin already. I’ve got a couple of his books on the list. Purple Cow explains why you need to stand out in the market; you need to be remarkable…like a purple cow.
Contagious
I heard Jonah Berger speak at a conference a few years ago and immediately bought the book. It talks about why some ideas go viral, and others flop.
Made to Stick
The first book (I think) from Chip and Dan Heath (they also did Decisive, listed above). This book covers why some ideas survive and others don’t. Before this book, I didn’t know about the six fundamental templates of quality ads.
Permission Marketing
Another great Seth Godin book. This book covers inbound marketing before it was “inbound marketing”.
All Marketers are Liars
Another excellent book by Seth Godin. Being authentic with your brand’s voice and storytelling is the best strategy.
The Rise of Superman
A look at flow and pushing the limits of human performance. An excellent read.
The Innovator’s Dilemma
This book will have you thinking about every company that fell victim to the dilemma (and there are lots). If you aren’t willing to adapt or move on from something that ONCE was a good idea, someone else will do it for you.
Outliers
I’ve got a few Malcolm Gladwell books on here. They raise some interesting points. A few of his points have been discredited, but I still think they’re worth the read.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You
Skills trump passion. Don’t follow your heart. Be the best.
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook
My buddy Roy gave me this one, who’s a big Gary V fan. It’s a great intro to social media marketing book. If you’re already an experienced social media marketer, this book might not offer a lot regarding new ideas, but if nothing else, Gary’s success story as a marketer will inspire.
The $100 Startup
A very light read that will serve as an excellent source of inspiration. It’s a collection of stories of entrepreneurs who bootstrapped their way to success with around $100.
Know of some other books that should be on this list? Just reply and let me know! Looking forward to getting some other great books for the new year!
Cheers,
Rick