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7 Summer Reads for the Forward-Thinking Marketer

Written by Amanda McGill & Risa Bolash | Jul 18, 2024 10:00:00 AM

The marketing industry is as dynamic as they come, which is why it’s important to stay ahead of the curve by committing to continuous learning and adaptation, no matter your department. From mastering the art of persuasion to understanding the power of introversion, there’s no shortage of topics to be covered. But how do you know where to begin? Well, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation and compiled a list of seven marketing books for you to study up on this summer.


Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion - Robert Cialdini

Best For: Marketing professionals and business leaders looking to master the art of persuasion and influence.

Topics Covered: The psychology of persuasion and six key principles that drive consumer behavior.

Goodreads Rating: 4.22

“A well-known principle of human behavior says that when we ask someone to do us a favor we will be more successful if we provide a reason. People simply like to have reasons for what they do.”

 


Hey Whipple, Squeeze This: The Classic Guide to Creating Great Ads - Luke Sullivan

Best For: Aspiring copywriters and marketing professionals seeking inspiration and practical advice about their careers in creative advertising.

Topics Covered: Techniques for crafting compelling ads that truly resonate with audiences.

Goodreads Rating: 4.21

“A brand is the sum total of all the emotions, thoughts, images, history, possibilities, and gossip that exist in the marketplace about a certain company.”

 


Outliers: The Story of Success - Malcolm Gladwell

Best For: Young entrepreneurs or business students interested in understanding the key factors behind extraordinary success.

Topics Covered: Factors that contribute to high levels of success.

Goodreads Rating: 4.19

“Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.”

 


Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business - Gino Wickman

Best For: Business owners and startup founders looking for proven business growth strategies.

Topics Covered: The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a comprehensive framework for running a business.

Goodreads Rating: 4.14

“If you’re truly going to commit to building a great company, a strong leadership team, and getting the right people in the right seats, you must prepare for change on your leadership team.”

 


Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions - Dan Ariely

Best For: Marketers and consumer behavior analysts aiming to understand the irrational side of decision-making.

Topics Covered: The hidden forces that contribute to irrational decision-making.

Goodreads Rating: 4.12

“But suppose we are nothing more than the sum of our first, naive, random behaviors. What then?”

 


Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - Susan Cain

Best For: Introverted professionals and leaders who want to leverage their strengths in the workplace.

Topics Covered: Undervalued strengths of introverts living and working in an extroverted society.

Goodreads Rating: 4.08

“There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”

 


Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking - Malcolm Gladwell

Best For: Decision-makers and professionals interested in the power of intuitive thinking and snap judgements.

Topics Covered: How unconscious minds can make better decisions in high-pressure situations.

Goodreads Rating: 3.96

 

“The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding. We are swimming in the former. We are desperately lacking in the latter.”

 

 

Together, these seven advertising reads represent a diverse and enriching collection of knowledge essential for marketers at every stage of their career. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to pass the torch, these books offer valuable insights that can help you turn everyday decisions into winning strategies. Get ready to embrace the wisdom found within their pages and start experience marketing as it should be.

 

Happy reading!