Inspired Marketing: The Essential Reading List for Small Business Owners

From unraveling the secrets behind viral ideas to learning how storytelling can captivate audiences, this book list encapsulates the wisdom and insights for building a modern marketing plan. These books can serve as guides in navigating the dynamic landscape of marketing.

"Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age,"
by Jonah Berger, is a deep dive into the science behind viral ideas and why certain products, messages, or initiatives spread like wildfire.

"Contagious" focuses on strategies that will increase the visibility of a brand in the digital age. By understanding the psychology of why content goes viral, as a promotional product distributor, you can create content that showcases products from your unique perspective and in turn will resonate with your audience on a more personal level. The book provides real-world examples, making it an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs seeking to amplify their digital presence in a cost-effective and impactful manner.
We view events as a core element of our overall communications strategy. We connect as a community in a variety of ways, including virtual meetings and webinars – but our in-person events take center stage because they help us create the authentic connection that builds community.

"Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable,"
by Seth Godin, is a groundbreaking exploration of how businesses can thrive in a world inundated with choices. In this book, Godin challenges the conventional notion of marketing and advocates for businesses to be truly remarkable—like a "Purple Cow" in a field of brown cows.

The central theme revolves around the idea that in a market saturated with similar products and services, standing out is imperative. Godin urges readers to embrace innovation, uniqueness, and boldness, emphasizing that being remarkable is the key to capturing attention and creating a loyal customer base.

"Purple Cow" encourages entrepreneurs to rethink their marketing approach and shift to a mindset of constant innovation and differentiation. By employing Godin’s insights promotional products distributors can cut through the noise, identify a niche, and attract a dedicated customer following.

"Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen,"
by Donald Miller, is a guide for small business owners seeking to craft a compelling brand message. Miller introduces a storytelling framework to engage customers effectively. By clarifying the narrative of your brand and positioning customers as the heroes of the story, this book simplifies the communication process. This can be applied when promotional product distributors are building case studies of successful programs and curating customer testimonials or even evolving their brand messaging.

This book provides actionable steps for creating a clear, concise, and customer-centric message that cuts through the noise. Promotional products distributors can leverage this methodology to strengthen their brand identity, enhance customer relationships, and ultimately drive business success through a narrative that captures and retains the attention of their target audience.

"Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content,"
by Ann Handley, is a must-read for entrepreneurs aiming to elevate their content marketing game. Handley, a veteran in the field, delivers practical insights and actionable tips on writing compelling content. From blog posts to social media updates, she covers it all, guiding clarity, authenticity, and effective storytelling.

The book is a comprehensive resource that demystifies the writing process, making it accessible to everyone. Small business owners can benefit from Handley's expertise to shift writing from an art to a habit. Embracing the messy first draft is just one of Handley’s insights that prevent many entrepreneurs from getting started.

"Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World,"
by Gary Vaynerchuk, is a dynamic guide for anyone navigating the complex landscape of social media marketing. Vaynerchuk emphasizes the importance of strategic storytelling and engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The book introduces the metaphor of the "jab" (providing value) before the "right hook" (making an ask) in social media interactions.

Promotional product distributors can gain the nuances of each social media platform, the importance of delivering consistent and valuable content, and then strategically incorporate calls to action. Vaynerchuk's insights empower entrepreneurs to cut through the social media noise, build genuine connections, and craft compelling narratives that drive business results.


From understanding the nature of ideas to clarifying brand messages, mastering digital storytelling, and honing the art of creating ridiculously good content — these themes provide a comprehensive framework for crafting a modern marketing plan. As you delve into these books, consider how these themes resonate with your own experiences and strategies that can help shape new perspectives and chart the course for marketing success!