Over the past 10-15 years, I have read countless books on marketing.
Unfortunately, most of them were a waste of time. They could have easily been blog posts or even newsletter emails. (Or they're just a long opt-in to a product/program 😒).
Instead, I encourage you to give these three a read.
They're well worth the time.
Until now, I didn't realize the books were gold on the outside. The inside... ROCK. SOLID. GOLD.
Book #1: Cumulative Advantage, Mark Schaefer
I first read this book in 2021 after loving another of his books, Marketing Rebellion.
And here's why you'll love it:
You need to rely on momentum when you're a small business with limited resources. This book is a masterclass on generating momentum.
Like his other books, Schaefer doesn't hold back. Follow the lessons, and results will come.
Book #2: The Minimalist Entrepreneur, Sahil Lavingia
This book was recommended to me on Twitter, of all places. Sahil Lavingia is the founder of the e-commerce platform Gumroad.
Here's why I think you'll love it:
Lavingia's story is compelling. When he started Gumroad, he intended to become a funded unicorn with a parachute. When that didn't work out (epically/catastrophically), he embarked on a new path — becoming a minimalist entrepreneur.
Although not a 'marketing book' per se, Lavingia's chapters on selling to your first hundred customers and how to market by being you are SOLID GOLD.
Book #3: Everybody Writes, Ann Handley
Finally, I think everyone should read this book, even if you hate writing and don't consider yourself a content creator or marketer or you think AI writing tools are amazing (they're not).
And here's why I think you'll love it:
It's funny.
And, despite what the AI robots say, marketing is about two things: storytelling and relationships.
Master both, and your business becomes unstoppable.
Not Much of a Reader? Get Ongoing Training & Support You Can Trust
Based on my 1:1 marketing consulting work and contracts with Prosper Portland and Xcelerate Women, I've created a marketing support system called the Strategic Marketing Membership.
The membership addresses four critical areas:
- A coach or advisor to answer key questions and demystify marketing
- Time to execute marketing goals
- Accountability to reinforce follow-through
- Marketing training for business owners (not practitioners) to make informed decisions
If you're an overwhelmed self-marketer running a service-based business who's tired of going it alone, I've got you.
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💌 That's a wrap.
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Have a great day,
Jen
Jen McFarland, CEO
Women Conquer Business
P.S. Here's how Women Conquer Business can help you:
- Join the Strategic Marketing Membership because DIY marketing is hard — this supportive group helps you set your goals, get support, and dedicate time to work.
- Marketing Coaching, confidence-boosting guidance with a patient teacher, action-oriented goal-setting, and accountability in a safe, confidential space.
- Get a Marketing Blueprint to position your business for future growth.