|
Looking for books
that have been read and recommended by 'people like you'? More than just
copywriting books, this list comprises titles that have won the approval
of subscribers to the Excess Voice newsletter.
If you subscribe to
the newsletter and have read any books you would like to recommend, send
the titles, author names and brief summaries to me at nick@excessvoice.com.
SALES
AND MARKETING
Purple
Cow: Transform your Business by Being Remarkable, by Seth Godin
"To me it's about keeping it simple ... this is a quick easy read
which deals with the importance of standing out, and it relates well to
all with common everyday business case scenarios." B.A.
Selling
with Emotional Intelligence, by Mitch Anthony
"Wow. This is a very good book. Unlike many "sales" books
it's almost devoid of hype. It's almost a clinical consultation, with
DIY exercises to assess your own emotional smarts. Turns out I could do
with more restraint and resilience, while I'm pretty strong at empathy.
Knowing your personal needs really focuses you on the rest of the book
- the answers to problems you yourself identified. Good copywriting principle
there!" S.Y.
The
22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by Al Ries
"It's fun to read and provides an excellent view into how to improve
your marketing strategy." K.Q.
The
Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, by Malcolm
Gladwell
"The best way to understand the dramatic transformation of unknown
books into bestsellers, or the rise of teenage smoking, or the phenomena
of word of mouth or any number of the other mysterious changes that mark
everyday life, is to think of them as epidemics. Ideas and products and
messages and behaviors spread just like viruses do."
Selling
the Invisible, by Harry Beck
"The best sales book I've read. A must for anyone in business, not
just the sales staff." N.P.
How
To Become A Marketing Superstar, by Jeffrey Fox
"I know some people think it's lame and there is no real content
to it, but I found the format and the advice offered to be invaluable.
In particular, his comments on dollarization I think could really help
copywriters." J.H.
Commonsense
Direct Marketing, by Drayton Bird
"A real nuts and bolts book about what works and doesn't in the world
of direct marketing." P.W.
The
Creative Habit, by Twyla Tharp
"So far it is one of the best and most thorough books on how to learn
the creative habit and put it into practice every day. Haven't gotten
all the way through it yet, but so far it's worth every penny." R.M.
The
Cluetrain Manifesto, by Chris Locke et al
"It changed the focus of all my ideas about business since the Internet
arrived on the scene. Eye-opening and an easy read!" C.A.
WRITING, DESIGN & USABILITY
Read
This! Business Writing that Works, by Robert Gentle
"It's on business writing in general, but many of the things apply
to webcopy as well, and I can't praise it enough." E.D.
It's
Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be, by Paul Arden
"Arden is a former ad man at Saatchi & Saatchi in the UK. It's
a fun read and although it's not only about the writing craft, I've found
it applicable to work life for most creative folks." R.M.
STARTING AND BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS
Adventures
of a Bystander, by Peter Drucker
"Fantastic. It's not a 'business book', but it is the equivalent
of a fireside chat with one of the 20th century's greatest business thinkers.
Great character studies of people he knew in an fascinating time of history
- Austria between the world wars." S.Y.
Getting
Business to Come to You, by Paul and Sarah Edwards
"It has lots of great ideas for generating more business leads."
K.A.
The
Business Side of Creativity: The Complete Guide for Running a Graphic
Design or Communications Business, by Cameron S. Foote
"This is the best overall business book I've ever read. Very practical
advice for all aspects of running and growing a communication based business.
Good information about freelancing, setting rates, managing subcontractors,
contracting to big companies and making sure you get paid." J.F.
The
Six Month Fix: Adventures in Rescuing Failing Companies, by Gary Sutton
"The author is an accomplished turnaround specialist who works with
ailing and failing businesses. What he's captured in this easy-to-read
gem can be applied to your business, whether you're a start-up or you
simply want to improve performance and minimize the likelihood of future
problems. Mr. Sutton emphasizes that the time to act is now, not later."
J.M.
Don't
miss out on future issues of Excess Voice. Sign up now:
(Your email address
will be used only for the purpose of sending you this newsletter, and
you'll be free to unsubscribe at any time.)
|
