Marketing professionals can draw immense inspiration from reading books that educate, inform and open minds to wildly new perspectives. In a field that constantly evolves with changing consumer behaviors and technology, staying ahead of the curve is crucial.
Whether it’s a book on behavioral economics explaining why consumers make certain choices, a deep dive into the psychology of storytelling or a book about pirates, literature can provide valuable tools and frameworks for crafting effective marketing.
As anyone who’s enjoyed a book club will likely agree, sharing a book with a colleague can spark insightful discussions and expand each other’s horizons beyond the office. It’s like building a mini library of inspiration right at your workplace.
Here are a few of the books that Visioneers read recently and would like to pass along to you.
“Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others” by Stephen M. R. Covey
A group of Visioneers recently read this inspired approach to people and leadership, fostering rich discussions. The full title of this book includes “How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others” and this book offers a style of leading that starts with the belief that people are creative, collaborative and full of potential. It builds to how to unleash the potential of your team. If the author’s name sounds familiar, he is also the author of “Speed of Trust” and his father wrote the bestselling “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”
PULLQUOTE
“This book is a game changer when it comes to leadership. I agree with the author that everyone has greatness inside of them and it is our job as leaders to identify it and cultivate a culture conducive to unleashing that greatness…and do it in a way that has traditionally been seen as a weakness when leading others, such as being humble, authentic, vulnerable, empathetic, serving and trustful. As the world around us has drastically changed in recent times, I believe “Trust & Inspire” is not only the present and future of leadership, but it is timeless because it meets the innate needs of every human being to be trusted, inspired and know that their life has purpose.”
- Visioneer Maricela
“Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping,” by Paco Underhill
Is there a method to our madness when it comes to shopping? Actually, yes. Anne is reading the updated version of this classic that explores the science of shopping. Underhill, in his page-turning writing style, explores the numerous factors that cause consumers to purchase a good or service — or deter them from making an acquisition. For example, shoppers share certain tendencies such as the propensity to look to the right rather than to the left, and marketers must be keenly aware of this.
PULLQUOTE
“Paco reminds those of us who are immersed in commerce marketing to notice everything. How are shoppers behaving? Where are they shopping? When do consumers turn into buyers? What kicks them into it? What causes them to abandon a cart? We need to understand retailers’ wins and pain points. Instore or online, approaches need to be curious, open-minded and with the idea that what we’re interested in is discovering and solving.”
- Visioneer Anne
“Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,” by Susan Cain
Brianna passed this book along to fellow Visioneer Taylor who can’t stop talking about this wealth of useful advice that elevates the conversation about introverts in our outwardly oriented society. The author gives excellent portraits of a number of introverts and shatters misconceptions, helping readers discover the secret power behind being introverted. In a gentle way, you can shake the world.
PULLQUOTES
“This book gave me a confidence I didn’t think I would ever have. Oftentimes, the ideal for success (especially in business) leans towards extroverts. Those who prefer solitude or don’t speak up first in group settings often get left behind or even overshadowed. As an introvert, this can make you question yourself in many situations, especially at work. But this book changed my perception and has made me realize that being shy or quiet is not a weakness or something I have to change. There is power in being introspective and just like extroverts, I provide invaluable contributions.”
- Visioneer Brianna
“This book has been empowering to read as it dives into introversion on a more biological standpoint than a personality type that we choose. In the book, Cain discusses how those who are outgoing, or extroverted, are more valued in society and that we shouldn’t forget about introverts as they have the power to change the world, too. Silence can be more valuable than we think. It’s truly a must-read for anyone who identifies as an introvert, or who just wants to understand introverts better, and loves these self-discovery types of books.”
- Visioneer Taylor
“The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” by David Grann
If the title rings a bell, you may have heard that it is being adapted into a feature film by director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who also teamed up for this fall’s new movie based on Grann’s book “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
This nonfiction-that-reads-like fiction takes us onboard a British vessel with the men of Her Majesty’s Ship the Wager that left England in 1740 on a secret mission during an imperial war with Spain. This incredible story is not only a gripping saga, but also an affirmation of the power of narratives, one that can shape our perception of reality.
PULLQUOTE
“A relentless tale of survival and the mysteries of human nature. Wager is at the top of his game here. “The Wager” is a masterclass in using words to paint pictures in the mind. It almost reads like a screenplay at times – the pacing, characters and settings all leap off the page. It’s a good reminder that the most effective storytelling is all about clarity and simplicity. Don’t overthink. Let the idea lead the way.”
- Visioneer Todd
“The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
Think you have challenges today? His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, distinguished recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, have endured over half a century of exile and the harrowing brutality of oppression. Rather than being diminished by these adversities, they have emerged as two of the most exuberant individuals on Earth. This instant bestseller provides a unique window into their extraordinary and unparalleled week together, chronicling their journey from the initial embrace to their poignant farewell.
PULLQUOTE
“This book humbles the ego and makes you realize you are who you surround yourself with. Joy cannot be purchased or touched, it is simply the result of finding humor in everyday life (because things can and will go wrong) and knowing the greatest reward in life comes from offering a helping hand with no expectations in return.”
- Visioneer Marlene