One of my favorite summertime traditions is sitting in the sun with my toes in the sand catching up with a good book. I tend to share this tradition with others, trading books, talking about them at length, and ultimately reading books I wouldn’t have picked out in the first place. The following list of suggestions include books I’ve read and ones I’m currently reading all about marketing and growing a business. I would love to hear about what you’re reading in the comments!
Five Marketing Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List
1- The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
I’m about halfway through the Power of Habit and I’m finding the whole concept really fascinating. The book is separated into three parts: looking at habits of individuals, habits of successful organizations, and the habits of societies. While it’s a great read if you’re interested in impacting an organization, it’s also a great read to help you impact your life. Trying to eat healthy but always stopping for a snack in the office kitchen in the afternoon? You’d be surprised that you may actually be able to change that by looking at the cue and reward you really want out of that kitchen trip.
2- Mad Women by Jane Maas
We held an event at Overdrive few months ago for the release of Mad Women by Jane Maas, and I’ve finally gotten around to reading it. It is a wonderful story into the life of a real mad woman, and tells of all the gossip, struggles and successes of advertising in the Mad Men era. A fun summer read for sure.
3- Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
I read this book in 2011 and still think of its concepts often. Guy focuses on becoming part of the lives of many small people in a very big way, instead of trying to force your concept or company on the high-profile people you may want to reach. It’s a great book to go back to the heart of why people create a business. My favorite quote from Guy, also found on the background of my computer, “When you enchant People, your goal is not to make money from them or to get them to do what you want, but to fill them with great delight.”
4- The Method Method by Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry
I love reading books about successful businesses who worked hard, and The Method Method is certainly one of those. Written by the creators of Method, primarily known for its soap in fun water-droplet shaped bottles, this book openly talks about all of the struggles they had when they first began, and how sticking to their core principles has really helped them grow. This business book reads more like a novel, hearing the story of two young hopefuls trying to find a place with the big consumer goods brands.
5- Onward by Howard Schultz
There’s nothing like sitting down with your grande passion iced tea lemonade and reading a book about the king of Starbucks himself. I loved reading about the ups and downs of Starbucks, mostly because all I had ever really remembered was the successful Starbucks, and Schultz’ decision making process as his company progressed. This is a great story about company branding and keeping to your principles.
What marketing books are on your Summer Reading List?
