The more you know, the more you grow. This reading list includes marketing books both old and new. It’s smart to keep it fresh, but there’s nothing like a good re-read to complement recent real-world experience. Looking for something outside your normal territory? There’s something for you too. Happy reading and happy fall…finally…sort of.
Hug Your Haters, by Jay Baer
The concept of embracing negativity isn’t usually instinctual, it takes practice. Thus, if you’ve read this book before, a re-read wouldn’t hurt. The Internet has opened the door for people to easily put negativity out into the world through spiteful comments on social media and critical reviews. What do we do with this information? Author Jay Baer has a great perspective, and it doesn’t involve ignoring the haters.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On, by Jonah Berger
If your CMO keeps pushing you to produce the next great viral video, read this book for some knowledge. What makes something catch on and spread like wildfire? How can you create content that’s inherently magnetic? All great questions, now go get some answers. If you didn’t read this book when it came out two years ago, it’s not too late to gather some educated thoughts before the topic of viral videos comes up again in the next marketing meeting.
We Are All Weird: The Rise of Tribes and the End of Normal, by Seth Godin
I was once on a creative team where each one of us had some sort of food allergy or followed some strict dietary choice. It had nothing to do with work, but it oddly brought us closer together as a team. Why? Because we weren’t just weird on our own, we were weird together. Also an oldie but goodie, this book is an in-depth analysis of tribes and why many people identify with one or more.
Brand Now: How to Stand Out in a Crowded, Distracted World, by Nick Westergaard
A new one published this year, Brand Now is for those who work in brand development. Even if you think you know everything. Technology changes things daily. How can your brand stand out in a space where everyone and their mother and their mother’s mother has a blog? Many companies feel like they’re elbowing their way through only to be heard by a few people. The importance of branding has grown exponentially over the years. Let author Nick Westergaard tell you why and how to do it right.
10% Happier, by Dan Harris
This isn’t a marketing book. And that’s the point. Can you really grow as a professional if you’re not growing as a person? This book is written by Nightline anchor Dan Harris. It begins with a full stress tank and many doubts about modern self-care techniques, like meditation. For something so beneficial yet widely unapproachable, Harris pulls back the curtain for all the other skeptics out there. Take a page from this story and read something that makes you uncomfortable.
