Marketing is a fast moving industry. Those who are interested in earning a marketing degree will find success if they consider change a friend instead of a foe. To find inspiration and determine whether you are a good fit for a marketing career, consider purchasing these five must-read books. The list includes:
• “80/20 Sales and Marketing”
• “How Customers Think: Essential Insights into the Mind of the Market”
• “Influence: Science and Practice”
• “How to Become a Rainmaker: The Rules for Getting and Keeping Customers and Clients”
• “Permission Marketing”
“80/20 Sales and Marketing”
Inspired by a Forbes quote that said, “96 percent of what you do is a waste,” the “80/20 Sales and Marketing” book narrows down the most effective marketing techniques. Author Perry Marshall explains how to work less and make more. The book also outlines methods for zeroing in on the profitable areas of the market. While reading it, you’ll discover which marketing strategies are a waste of time as well as invisible profit areas that are waiting to be found. In the book, you’ll learn how to sell to buyers who respond to sales pitches and avoid people who don’t. This guide is helpful for novices and professionals.
“How Customers Think: Essential Insights into the Mind of the Market”
Gerald Zaltman wrote “How Customers Think: Essential Insights into the Mind of the Market” to help those in the industry understand how customers think. This book will give you advertising ideas. It also offers ways to influence the buying process. To write the book, Zaltman researched various disciplines including sociology, neurology and cognitive science. He explains how some companies have figured out how to gain insight into the minds of their customers. In the book, he’ll help you establish ways to measure consumer reactions to advertising campaigns. He also shares innovative marketing tools and techniques.
”Influence: Science and Practice”
Robert B. Cialdini is the author of “Influence: Science and Practice.” By reading the book, you’ll learn the psychology behind compliance, which is especially helpful in the marketing field. In particular, you’ll gain an understanding as to why a person says “yes” to another person’s request. You can use this information to develop advertising campaigns. In the book, he includes proof of his research methods by sharing evidence that he compiled from several of his previous career positions. He worked as a fundraiser, advertiser and salesperson. The book is written in a style that combines narrative with educational research, and this makes for easy reading.
“How to Become a Rainmaker: The Rules for Getting and Keeping Customers and Clients”
In “How to Become a Rainmaker: The Rules for Getting and Keeping Customers and Clients,” Jeffrey J. Fox explains the doctrine that successful rainmakers use along with sales tips. According to Fox, rainmakers are the ones who make the most profits. They do this for their companies and themselves. This is the person who has the biggest clients, which translates into major deals. These employees are usually the highest paid within any given organization. As a marketing professional, you can use the tips in this book to develop your advertising strategies.
”Permission Marketing”
To get ahead of the competition, be sure to read “Permission Marketing” by Seth Godin. As one of the world’s leading online promoters, you’ll gain marketing information from a professional. In the book, Godin contends that the advertising world should be shifting from the traditional form of interruption advertising to authorization-based marketing. In this form of advertising, a customer is giving his or her time willingly to listen to your message, so they have more interest and pay better attention. It is also more successful. Because this strategy has yet to become a part of the mainstream, you could be at the forefront of a marketing revolution.
Related Reading: 5 Enlightening Seth Godin Quotes
Gaining insight from the Professionals
Read these five books to gain insight from professionals in the business world. With their help, you’ll be ready to use your marketing degree to create advertising campaigns that will thrill your higher ups while increasing profits for your company.
