Marketing Resources

[Jester]

Good evening all

I've been involved in marketing a niche service for around 7 years now, I'm in the process of setting up a marketing business doing essentially what I do now but working for myself.

The thing is I often come unstuck on trying to apply my knowledge of marketing to different sectors, I think because I've been working in a ultra specific sector my knowledge isn't as well rounded as it could be.

With that in mind I thought it would be a good idea to have a thread dedicated to posting marketing guides etc that we have all found useful.

It can be books, blogs, whatever, just so long as it has given you advice that you have found effective.

First of I'll recommend 'The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Book' by Dee Blick. Its very good for starting out and covers a nice range of topics without going to in depth and confusing a beginner.

 

[annavissi]

I would recommend "Social Media bible" by Lon Safco - an amazing book on social media channels

 

[AlexanderR]

Have any of these books given you any valuable information? I wonder if Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates ever read one.

I haven't, I'd rather go with what I know and I have tested, than what my competitors have written.

 

[MikeAppleton]

I think that motivational books are best and the only thing I can really recommend. Legislation constantly shifts and I've found myself following incorrect and illegal advice in the past simply because it was dated.

 

[S-Marketing]

Have any of these books given you any valuable information? I wonder if Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates ever read one.

I haven't, I'd rather go with what I know and I have tested, than what my competitors have written.

That is funny.

The point you are missing is that by having no education in a particular field, you don't know when you are right and when you are wrong. You also have no foundation of knowledge to build upon. The thing you need to realise is that your competitors as you call them, know a lot more about these things than you do, so you would do well to read as much as you possibly can.

Admitting that you have never read a book, because you don't care how others do things, is ludicrous.

My advice to you is get reading. Yes, much of what is published about marketing is nonsense, but without education you will never be able to tell what is rubbish and what is gold.

 

[AlexanderR]

That is funny.

The point you are missing is that by having no education in a particular field, you don't know when you are right and when you are wrong. You also have no foundation of knowledge to build upon. The thing you need to realise is that your competitors as you call them, know a lot more about these things than you do, so you would do well to read as much as you possibly can.

Admitting that you have never read a book, because you don't care how others do things, is ludicrous.

My advice to you is get reading. Yes, much of what is published about marketing is nonsense, but without education you will never be able to tell what is rubbish and what is gold.

My education in the subject came from the people who taught me, personally. Working alongside others in the same office also gave me more of an education than any book will. If your successful at something, why bother changing it? Why bother reading a book, following a competitors advice, and not being comfortable with the process the book suggested. In my opinion, there is no point.

However, the motivational books, thats a good idea, I'd recommend anything by Jim Rohn.

 

[S-Marketing]

My education in the subject came from the people who taught me, personally. Working alongside others in the same office also gave me more of an education than any book will. If your successful at something, why bother changing it? Why bother reading a book, following a competitors advice, and not being comfortable with the process the book suggested. In my opinion, there is no point.

However, the motivational books, thats a good idea, I'd yrecommend anything by Jim Rohn.

You can't really believe that, surely.

I speak to a lot of people each and every day (usually about marketing) and have yet to speak to anyone with such a poor understanding of how to build a decent understanding of the subject.

The only sensible conclusion I can draw from such a daft post is that you must be trolling.

 

[AlexanderR]

Of course Stretchy, in your book, thats the only logical solution.

When someone builds an understanding of a subject from a young age, under the wing of successful people, and then continues to learn by doing. Yeah, sure, thats trolling.

I'm sure that all of the world greats, also believe your theory too.

 

[S-Marketing]

Of course Stretchy, in your book, thats the only logical solution.

When someone builds an understanding of a subject from a young age, under the wing of successful people, and then continues to learn by doing. Yeah, sure, thats trolling.

I'm sure that all of the world greats, also believe your theory too.

If you had an understanding of the subject I would see a point in discussing it. The fact you have little understanding of marketing, and are trying to tell me that your laughable theory has merit is beyond daft. The only logical conclusion is that you are a troll, posting nonsense about marketing, hoping someone will take the bait.

My advice to you, and the op, is read as much as you can, its as simple as that.

 

[AlexanderR]

I wonder if Steven Sharp has the same view as you Stretchy.

 

[S-Marketing]

I wonder if Steven Sharp has the same view as you Stretchy.

I really couldn't say. Not that his opinion would be relevant anyway.

If you want to ask marketing related questions, start a new thread. This one is about the value of books on the subject.

 

[Force Digital]

I would highly recommend marketing donut as a very useful website for SME's looking to run their own marketing campaigns. Books tend to date very quickly so I prefer recommending online platforms for advice that is extremely current.

 

[hughsie0016]

The School of hard Knocks... still works for me

Nothing wrong with continuing on the education side of things which I recommend but the best is to put yourself out their confidently, trust in yourself and rely on your gut instinct...they will serve you well.

Failing that I have often taken on the services of a mentor who has real world results and experience to cut down the learning curve time.

 

[ethical PR]

I would highly recommend marketing donut as a very useful website for SME's looking to run their own marketing campaigns. Books tend to date very quickly so I prefer recommending online platforms for advice that is extremely current.

Agree I've been recommending it on here for years. However I would also recommend books, and ongoing training and development.

 

[Jester]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

Just fyi, this isn't just limited to books, any blogs, podcasts etc would also be well received

 

[PIngels]

Where it comes to marketing (online) I go for Content Marketing. So here is a good start from the Content Marketing Institute:

http://contentmarketinginstitute.co...2bresearch2013cmi-121023151728-phpapp01-1.pdf

 

[Jester]

Just read an amusing little story from Drayton Bird's(DB) "Commonsense Direct & Digital Marketing" thought I would share it because it seems very relevant to the above debate. It's a conversation that occurred when DB was interviewing for a new art director (AD) for his agency.

DB: what books have you read on direct marketing or advertising?
AD: Well none, really. I don't believe in theory. It kind of, well...I don't like to restrict my imagination.
DB: Really. Then how do you learn about the business?
AD: Well, you know, you kind of pick it up by being around. You know, reading Campaign and that sort of thing.
DB: (getting agitated) What sort of thing?
AD: Well, working in a good agency, and watching what happens...
DB: (restraining certain violent tendencies) Would you expect to pick up brain surgery by standing around the casualty department at University College Hospital?
AD: Well no, That's different, isn't it?
DB: Yes. Everything is different. But that doesn't mean you don't have to learn it properly.

Oh, and the book is incredible by the way, packed with information, for anyone thinking about reading it.

 

[amac]

I use eConsultancy a lot. The reports give you excellent data to base your marketing operations on. My advice is to start with the analytics i.e measuring what you do.

 

[TelesMedia]

I would say not knowing a sector could also be a positive for you. Means you dont come to the table with the same ideas that everyone else does.

You have complete fresh eyes looking at a business and can become creative with new ways to market.

 

[sophiagrace46]

All these are good directions to learn about online business for beginners, currently I am doing blogging and it is a grand online business.

 

[jeungblut]

Would recommend books by Kotler