Marketing is an area in business in which you are always learning and growing. Some of your learning may come in the classroom, some from experience and some from books. However, you will find that some of the best book-lessons come from the most unexpected sources. Next time you are looking for some inspiration for your marketing plan, consider one of these non-marketing books that may have just the advice you need.
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu – This is actually an ancient Chinese military treatise composed of 13 chapters, each devoted to one particular aspect of warfare. It is commonly thought to be the definitive work when it comes to strategy and tactics. This book is considered a huge influence on not only military thinking but also business and legal tactics. Understanding Tzu’s thoughts on military strategy can completely influence your marketing strategy.
- Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson – This book teaches important lessons on how to deal with change in all aspects of life. Marketing is an area where change is a necessity and a constant, so understanding these strategies is vital. Nearly every marketer can benefit from the lessons learned in regards to “moving cheese.”
- The 4-hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss – This book promises to help nearly anyone achieve early retirement, earn more, work less and succeed in life. These strategies are not geared towards marketing in particular, but any marketer can take these ideas and work them into any type of marketing plan. This book is about creative ways to reach the pinnacle of success, be it through outsourcing internet design work overseas or hiring website content providers to help you fill that site with information.
- Breakthrough Rapid Reading by Peter Kump – Anyone who works in marketing, or any area of business for that matter can benefit from a few lessons in speed reading. As a marketer, you are presented with more information than you can possibly get through on a day-to-day basis. Understanding the principles behind speed reading will make one of the biggest impacts in your work life.
- It’s Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks by Howard Behar – This book explores the very antithesis of many marketing campaigns—putting people first. This strategy has made Starbucks huge, despite one of the smallest marketing budgets of any company of its size. The lessons learned from this book shows how “anti-marketing” can be a valid concept for any business.
As you can see, many books out there can positively influence your ability skills as a marketer. Take the time to brows the possibilities and look beyond the basic marketing manuals to find the information that can help you most!
What are you reading that’s made an impact on your marketing tactics?
Tracy S is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
