These are my Top 5 of 2009. Some of these have been out for a while, but I just got around to reading them this year.
Inbound Marketing: Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah
A practical guide for getting found on Google, and how you should use blogs and social media. I recommend this book for anyone trying to get found online, someone starting a blog and everyone in a marketing position. SEO is a crucial topic for today’s business world and this is the best book I’ve found at translating everything into easy to understand steps for improving your optimization.
Made to Stick: Chip Heath and Dan Heath
An interesting perspective on why some ideas, brands and marketing initiatives thrive. Their explanation of decision paralysis makes the book well worth reading. All designers and marketing people should read this book as a reminder for keeping ideas simple and fresh. A few of the concepts discussed are pulled from other books, but they bring an interesting twist to keep it from being recycled content.
This is a quick and fun read. If you’re looking for a little fire to get you rolling on your blog, this book is for you. Gary does a great job of outlining his steps to success with Wine Library TV, and he tosses in some wild ideas along the way. Read this if you are launching a blog, maintaining a blog, or have visions of Internet fame.
The E Myth Revisited: Michael E Gerber
I pulled one crucial piece of information from this book that makes it well worth the time and money:
Create systems so your business can grow. Don’t build a job.
The first half of this book is great, but the second half of the book begins to get a little repetitive and boring. That said, definitely read this book if you own your own business. Even if you’re an experienced entrepreneur, this book gives you some reminders and tips for structuring your company for healthy growth.
This book is a little dated, but the basic idea is great. There is often a disconnect between business/marketing strategy and design. This gap can cause massive problems. I love the three simple questions he suggests you ask yourself as a business. If you can’t answer these, you’re in trouble.
1. Who are you?
2. What do you do?
3. Why does it matter?
Read this book if you’re a designer, marketer, or business owner.
Please let me know if you found a gem this year. I’m always looking for a good read.
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