Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up. Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up. This time on Lessons from DMJ, Kirby talks with Liane Davey about why conflict can be healthy at work. Watch now!
In this insightful discussion, Liane Davey, renowned author of “The Good Fight,” sheds light on the often misunderstood concept of conflict in the workplace. She argues that not only is conflict inevitable in any organization, but it can also be a healthy and productive force if managed correctly. Davey’s perspective challenges the conventional wisdom that conflict is inherently destructive and should be avoided at all costs. Instead, she presents a compelling case for embracing conflict as a catalyst for innovation, risk mitigation, and robust discussions about trade-offs.
Throughout the video, Davey provides practical advice on how to navigate conflict effectively, emphasizing the importance of feedback, the use of different managerial tools, and the art of handling difficult conversations. She also underscores the importance of reflection and follow-up after these conversations. This article delves into these key points, providing a comprehensive summary of Davey’s enlightening discussion.
Defining Conflict
At the heart of Davey’s discussion is a nuanced definition of conflict. She describes conflict as the struggle between incompatible needs and wishes, a natural occurrence in any environment where diverse individuals work together. Importantly, she clarifies that conflict does not necessarily involve negative behavior or bullying. Instead, it can lead to productive discussions about trade-offs, fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
Moreover, Davey posits that conflict can be a potent source of innovation and risk mitigation. When employees feel comfortable expressing differing opinions and challenging the status quo, it can spark creative solutions and preempt potential problems. This perspective reframes conflict as a valuable resource for organizations, rather than a problem to be eradicated.
Giving Feedback
Another key theme in Davey’s discussion is the role of feedback in managing conflict. She defines feedback as providing novel information about the impact of behavior on others. This is crucial because most people lack self-awareness and may not realize how their actions affect their colleagues. By focusing on the impact of behavior, rather than passing judgment, feedback can be a powerful tool for personal growth and improved interpersonal dynamics.
According to Davey, feedback can be positive or negative, but it should always provide insight and value. It’s not about criticizing or praising for the sake of it, but about helping individuals understand the consequences of their actions and how they can improve. This approach to feedback fosters a culture of continuous learning and mutual respect, where employees feel valued and empowered to grow.
Different Managerial Tools
Davey also explores the use of different managerial tools in dealing with conflict and providing feedback. She emphasizes that feedback is subjective and suits situations with different choices. However, other tools like instruction, coaching, advice, and evaluation can also be effective, depending on the situation.
Instruction provides specific guidance on tasks or processes, while coaching helps individuals think differently and find new ways to achieve their goals. Advice draws from personal experiences to help others avoid mistakes, and evaluation assesses contributions relative to standards or objectives. By using these tools judiciously, managers can effectively navigate conflict and foster a positive work environment.
After Difficult Conversations
Finally, Davey discusses the importance of what happens after difficult conversations. She advises ending the conversation with a resolution or a thank you to tie a bow around it. This provides closure and reaffirms the value of the conversation, even if it was challenging.
She also emphasizes the importance of following up with any commitments made during the conversation. This demonstrates integrity and accountability, reinforcing trust within the team. Lastly, Davey encourages reflection on the conversation’s impact and expressing gratitude for the relationship. This helps to maintain a positive relationship, even in the face of conflict.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Liane Davey’s discussion provides a fresh perspective on conflict at work, arguing that it can be healthy and lead to productive outcomes. By giving effective feedback, using different managerial tools, and handling difficult conversations effectively, organizations can foster a positive work environment where conflict is seen not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
As we approach 2024, it’s time to reevaluate our social media habits. The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and so too should our approach to it. This article discusses four key behaviors that need to be left behind as we move forward. These practices not only hinder personal growth but can also negatively impact businesses and their online presence. By understanding and addressing these habits, we can use social media more effectively and positively.
These four areas of focus include incessant selling without providing value, arguing with strangers on the internet, calling out other businesses for their practices, and comparing one’s life and success to others on social media. Each of these behaviors can lead to negative outcomes, from damaging a business’s reputation to causing personal dissatisfaction and unhappiness. It’s time to shift our focus and use social media as a tool for growth, both personally and professionally.
Stop Incessantly Selling Without Providing Value
The first point to address is the habit of incessantly selling on social media without providing any value. Businesses often fall into the trap of using social media solely as a platform for constant sales pitches. This approach, however, can be off-putting to audiences and may lead to a decrease in engagement and followers.
Instead, businesses should focus on providing value to their audience before asking for sales. This can be achieved by sharing useful content, engaging with followers, and building a community around your brand. By building trust and integrity through valuable content, businesses can foster a more loyal customer base and lead to more successful sales in the long run.
Stop Arguing with Strangers on the Internet
The second point is to stop arguing with strangers on the internet. As we head into an election cycle, the temptation to engage in online debates can be strong. However, these arguments are rarely productive and can be detrimental to mental health and business reputation.
Instead of wasting time arguing, focus on personal growth and filling your mind with positive content. Engage in discussions that are beneficial and constructive. As the election cycle approaches, it’s important to remember that getting caught up in online debates that serve no purpose will only lead to stress and negativity.
Stop Calling Out Other Businesses for Their Practices
The third point is to stop calling out other businesses for their practices. While it’s important to hold businesses accountable, constantly criticizing others takes attention away from personal growth and improvement. It also creates a negative online environment and can harm your own business’s reputation.
Instead, focus on providing value to customers and reaching more potential customers. Look for ways to improve your own business and practices. Shift the focus from what others are doing wrong to what can be done better in your own business. This positive approach can lead to better business outcomes and a more positive online presence.
Stop Comparing Your Life to Others on Social Media
The fourth and final point is to stop comparing one’s life and success to others on social media. This habit can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness, as it’s easy to feel inadequate when comparing oneself to the highlight reels often showcased on social media.
Remember that social media is not a full reflection of someone’s life. It’s important to avoid comparing behind-the-scenes struggles to others’ seemingly perfect lives online. Instead, use social media as a tool for inspiration and growth, not as a measure of personal success.
Conclusion
As we move into 2024, it’s important to use social media responsibly and positively. These platforms can be powerful tools for personal and business growth when used correctly. By avoiding these four common pitfalls, we can create a more positive online environment and use social media to its full potential.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
The effectiveness of branded merchandise in marketing campaigns is a topic that has been widely discussed, yet often misunderstood. Many businesses invest heavily in branded merchandise, but few know how to measure its impact accurately. The goal here is to shed light on this topic, providing insights into how promotional products can boost open rates, increase orders, and create brand affinity. We will also discuss the challenges businesses face in measuring the effectiveness of branded merchandise and how to overcome them.
Branded merchandise is not just about slapping your logo on a product; it’s about creating a meaningful connection with your audience. It’s about using a physical item to convey your brand’s values and personality. But how do you know if your branded merchandise is achieving these goals? That’s where measurement comes in. By understanding how to measure the effectiveness of your branded merchandise, you can make more informed decisions and maximize your return on investment.
Promotional Products and Open Rates
One of the most significant benefits of promotional products is their ability to increase the open rate on direct mail. According to a study by the International Organization of Promotional Products, well-executed promotional products can boost open rates by up to 75%. This is because promotional products create a sense of curiosity that a basic letter may not. The physical presence of a product, often referred to as “bumpy mail,” can pique the recipient’s interest and encourage them to open the mail.
However, the effectiveness of promotional products is not just about creating curiosity; it’s also about delivering value. The more useful and relevant the promotional product is to the recipient, the more likely they are to open the mail and engage with your brand. Therefore, when choosing promotional products, it’s crucial to consider your audience’s needs and preferences.
Branded Merch and Reorders
Branded merchandise can also play a significant role in driving reorders. A study involving a dry cleaner and new residents found that giving branded merchandise to new residents increased their likelihood of ordering by 18%. This is compared to giving nothing or just a coupon. The tangible nature of branded merchandise can create a stronger connection with the brand, leading to faster and increased orders.
However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of branded merchandise in driving reorders depends on the quality of the merchandise and its relevance to the customer. Poor quality merchandise can harm your brand’s reputation, while irrelevant merchandise may not resonate with your customers. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in high-quality merchandise that reflects your brand’s values and meets your customers’ needs.
Brand Affinity and Positive Association
Branded merchandise can also help create brand affinity and a positive association with your brand. Studies have shown that receiving branded merchandise can make customers feel more connected to the brand. This is especially true when the merchandise is of high quality and aligns with the customer’s values and lifestyle.
Creating a positive association with your brand through branded merchandise can have long-term benefits. It can increase customer loyalty, encourage word-of-mouth referrals, and even influence purchasing decisions. Therefore, when planning your branded merchandise strategy, it’s important to consider not just the immediate impact but also the long-term effects on your brand perception.
Challenges in Measuring Effectiveness
Despite the potential benefits of branded merchandise, many businesses struggle to measure its effectiveness. One of the main challenges is a lack of understanding of what to measure. While it’s easy to compare the reach of branded merchandise with other marketing channels, this may not accurately reflect its effectiveness. The impact of branded merchandise extends beyond reach; it also includes factors like brand perception, customer loyalty, and reorder rates.
To overcome these challenges, businesses need to establish clear objectives for their branded merchandise campaigns. These objectives should align with the overall marketing strategy and be measurable. By setting clear objectives, businesses can track the performance of their branded merchandise campaigns and make necessary adjustments to maximize their effectiveness.
Targeted Use of Branded Merchandise
Branded merchandise is most effective when used in a targeted fashion. Simply throwing a bunch of branded merchandise without a specific target is not effective. Instead, businesses should identify their target audience and tailor their branded merchandise to meet their needs and preferences. This targeted approach can lead to greater effectiveness and a higher return on investment.
For example, if your target audience is environmentally conscious, you might consider using eco-friendly branded merchandise. This not only aligns with your audience’s values but also reinforces your brand’s commitment to sustainability. By understanding your audience and aligning your branded merchandise with their values, you can create a stronger connection with your audience and increase the effectiveness of your branded merchandise.
Differentiating Brand Marketing and Direct Marketing
When measuring the effectiveness of branded merchandise, it’s important to differentiate between brand marketing and direct marketing. Brand marketing focuses on building brand awareness and recognition, while direct marketing aims for direct response and immediate action. Therefore, the metrics used to measure the effectiveness of brand marketing may not accurately reflect the effectiveness of direct marketing, and vice versa.
For example, brand marketing might measure the increase in brand awareness and perception, while direct marketing might measure the increase in sales or leads. By understanding the difference between brand marketing and direct marketing, businesses can choose the right metrics to measure the effectiveness of their branded merchandise and make more informed decisions.
Understanding the Purpose of the Campaign
Understanding the purpose of the branded merchandise campaign is crucial in measuring its effectiveness. Different types of branded merchandise campaigns serve different purposes. For example, brand marketing campaigns focus on raising awareness and recognition, while direct marketing campaigns aim for direct response and specific actions. Therefore, the metrics used to measure the effectiveness of a branded merchandise campaign should align with its purpose.
For instance, if the purpose of the campaign is to increase brand awareness, you might measure the increase in brand mentions on social media or the increase in website traffic. On the other hand, if the purpose of the campaign is to drive sales, you might measure the increase in sales or the conversion rate. By aligning the metrics with the purpose of the campaign, you can accurately measure the effectiveness of your branded merchandise.
Examples of Branded Merchandise Campaigns
The video provides examples of different types of branded merchandise campaigns and how to measure their effectiveness. One example is a monthly branded merchandise campaign, where a different piece of branded merchandise is used each month to reach out to clients and set up meetings. By understanding the purpose of each campaign, businesses can measure its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to improve future campaigns.
For instance, if the purpose of the campaign is to set up meetings, businesses might measure the number of meetings set up as a result of the campaign. If the purpose of the campaign is to increase brand awareness, businesses might measure the increase in brand mentions on social media or the increase in website traffic. By aligning the metrics with the purpose of the campaign, businesses can accurately measure the effectiveness of their branded merchandise.
Conclusion
Measuring the effectiveness of branded merchandise is not a straightforward task. It requires a clear understanding of the purpose of the campaign, the target audience, and the right metrics to measure. However, with the right approach, businesses can accurately measure the effectiveness of their branded merchandise and maximize their return on investment.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into how to measure the effectiveness of branded merchandise. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. And don’t forget to subscribe and rate our podcast for more valuable content on marketing and branding.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
Branded Merchandise, or ‘merch’ as it’s commonly referred to, is a crucial aspect of any organization or personal brand. It serves as a tangible representation of the brand, often acting as a physical reminder of a brand’s values, image, and identity. However, not all merch is created equal. In this video and blog, we discuss the importance of avoiding bad merch and the detrimental effects it can have on your brand. It’s not just about saving a few bucks, it’s about preserving the integrity of your brand, respecting the environment, and making a smart investment.
It’s essential to understand that cheap and inexpensive are not synonymous when it comes to merch. The quality of the merch can significantly impact the brand’s image and reputation. Furthermore, bad merch is not only harmful to the brand but also to the environment. It contributes to landfill waste and promotes a culture of disposability. Lastly, bad branded merch is a bad investment. It does not leave a lasting impression and may not even be used by the recipients. In this article, we delve into these points in detail, providing you with four compelling reasons not to buy bad merch.
Cheap vs. Inexpensive Merch
When it comes to branded merch, there’s a significant distinction between cheap and inexpensive. Cheap merch often lacks quality and durability, leading to a poor representation of your brand. On the other hand, inexpensive merch can still be of high quality. For instance, a high-quality lip balm can be an inexpensive yet effective piece of merch. It’s essential to strike a balance between cost and quality when choosing your merch.
Investing in cheap merch may seem like a cost-effective strategy in the short term. However, the long-term effects can be detrimental to your brand. Cheap merch often breaks easily, doesn’t function properly, or wears out quickly, leading to a negative impression of your brand. On the other hand, inexpensive, high-quality merch can leave a positive, lasting impression, enhancing your brand’s image and reputation.
Bad Merch is Bad for the Brand
Branded Merch is a physical representation of your brand. It’s a tangible extension of your brand’s values, image, and identity. Therefore, bad merch can significantly harm your brand. It’s crucial to choose merch that aligns with your brand’s values and image. If the merch contradicts these, it can be detrimental to your brand’s reputation.
Imagine handing out pens that don’t write or t-shirts that fade after a few washes. This not only frustrates the recipient but also reflects poorly on your brand. It sends a message that your brand doesn’t value quality or customer satisfaction. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in high-quality merch that accurately represents your brand and resonates with your target audience.
Bad Merch is Bad for the Earth
Bad merch isn’t just bad for your brand; it’s also bad for the environment. Cheap, low-quality merch often ends up in the trash after a short period of use, contributing to landfill waste. This not only harms the environment but also reflects poorly on your brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Choosing sustainable and reusable merch is a better option. Not only does it show your brand’s commitment to the environment, but it also provides a lasting, useful product for the recipient. For instance, a reusable shopping bag or a stainless steel water bottle can be a great piece of merch that aligns with your brand’s sustainability values and provides value to the recipient.
Bad Merch is a Bad Investment
Investing in bad merch is like throwing money down the drain. It doesn’t leave a lasting impression, and it may not even be used by the recipient. The perceived value of the merch is crucial for its usage and impact. If the merch falls apart or doesn’t function properly, it’s likely to be discarded, wasting your investment.
On the other hand, investing in high-quality, useful branded merch can have a significant return on investment. It can enhance your brand’s image, increase customer loyalty, and even generate new business. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the quality and functionality of the merch before making an investment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right branded merch is crucial for any brand. It’s not just about the cost; it’s about the quality, the impact on the environment, and the return on investment. It’s important to choose merch that aligns with your brand’s values and image. Consider your target audience and what would bring them joy and lasting use. A well-thought-out merch strategy can significantly enhance your brand’s image and reputation, leading to increased customer loyalty and business growth.
So, before you make your next merch purchase, remember these four reasons not to buy bad merch. Invest in quality, align with your brand values, consider the environment, and make a smart investment. Your brand, your customers, and the earth will thank you.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
You know what time it is! It’s time for Thirsty Thursday! Thirsty Thursday is the award-winning piece of content from Hasseman Marketing where we take a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware! Be careful…it’s not for everyone. This week we feature the Venture Lite 24 oz Water Bottle from Tervis. It’s a fun one. Get ready to giggle…and be jealous of this new piece of drinkware. Watch now!
Why Should You Consider the Venture Lite 24 oz Water Bottle from Tervis?
Our 24oz classic Venture Lite water bottle features an easy-to-swap chug spout and straw spout so you can choose how to drink. It also has a push-button opening for one-handed operation, a safety lock to prevent spillage and a comfortable handle for easy carrying. Its large lid opening means ice cubes go in easily.
This printed wrap-around design is sealed between the bottle walls. Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold longer and reduces condensation to keep hands dry in warmer weather.
Impact-resistant, BPA-free material makes these water bottles shatterproof. They’re also lightweight and leakproof for peace of mind when carrying.
Most classic water bottles are freezer and dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended, or away from heat element if on the bottom rack) and fit most cup holders.
Each classic water bottle is proudly made in the US with American and imported parts, and backed by a Lifetime Guarantee* so you can buy with confidence.
I love blogs, podcasts, and videos. Each of these has the chance to inspire me and lift me up. I have created time in my morning routine to put some good into my brain each day…and these are often my tools of choice. But if I really want to take a deep dive into a topic, I still am inspired by books. Whether I read a physical book or simply take a walk with the author (in audio form), books help me grow (and level up).
Over the course of the last 10 years, I have had the chance to read hundreds of books. Some have been forgettable. Others have been what I needed to hear at the moment. But here is a list of 37 Game-Changing Books for Business that have impacted me. I wanted to share them with you.
I originally wrote this list in 2021. So I updated this list again to add a few new favorites!
The E-Myth Revisited
This is one of the best business books ever. I have bought countless copies and have recommended it more times than I can remember. I have probably read it 10 different times and have found myself in a different place on the journey each time. If you are in business or want to start a business, this is awesome.
Profit First
When I first listened to Profit-First, I thought author Mike Michaelowicx was following me around. It spoke to the challenges I was having in my business’s cash flow right then. We tentatively adopted the philosophy and have not looked back. It’s been a game-changer for us. Mike’s goal is to “eliminate entrepreneurial poverty,” and for many in business, that is a real thing. Love this book.
I think each one of Sinek’s books has gotten stronger. And while I really enjoyed “Start with Why,” I thought “Leaders Eat Last” was even better. Sinek goes into what makes a great leader and even the biological reasons for it. Powerful information…and super interesting too!
Infinite Game
As you might expect, this is my favorite of Simon Sinek’s books. He explains the difference between a finite game and an infinite game and why it matters so much to know what kind of game you are playing. For me, it crystallized the idea of playing a “long game” in business. It’s what I have long believed and discussed, but Sinek does it in a much more articulate way than me!
The Thank You Economy
I love Gary Vaynerchuk. I am a fan. But while I love his content, his energy, his speaking, and his philosophy, I don’t always LOVE his books. But The Thank You Economy was different. Gary talks about using social media to create appreciation, value, and connection at scale. Loved this one.
Pumpkin Plan
This is the second Mike Michaelowicz book on the list. I am a fan of Mike’s work and this is a powerful one about differentiation. He says “The Riches are in the Niches” and explains how to find your niche and grow into it. He even spends a bit of time explaining how to “fire a client” which just seems so hard for some entrepreneurs. The Pumpkin Plan is worth harvesting.
Purple Cow
I am an unapologetic fan of Seth Godin. He is a thought leader in business and marketing. And he has the ability to say things in a way that is simple, yet powerful. “If you want to be remarkable, you have to do something worth remarketing about.” Read this one if you want to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
The Dip
While this is probably not Godin’s most famous book, it is the one I find myself quoting the most often. It’s short and powerful. When you start something new, you will be learning fast and your improvements will be fast. Then, that will excitement and progress will slow down. It will not be as exciting. This is the Dip…and it’s when most people quit. Get through the Dip…and you become the expert.
The Practice
His most recent book (as I type this), The Practice is a powerful reminder about how we get better at anything. If you want to build a career, a business, your fitness, content, or a life…creating a Practice will help you do it.
Ultimate Selling Machine
If you are an entrepreneur or are in sales (and we are all in sales), this book is powerful. There are strategies for everything from creating a sales process to building real relationships. Love this one.
High Trust Selling
I read this one a long time ago, and it was one of the first books that changed my business. Duncan’s observation is that 80% of our results in sales come from 20% of activities. But as salespeople, we tend to focus on the wrong part of the business. We need to hire out the 80% that does not make us money.
The 5-Second Rule
File this under “simple but powerful.” Mel Robbins gives you a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 solution for procrastination. Along the way, she gives powerful insights into performance and life. Oh…and this is a great audiobook if you enjoy those.
Finish
Jon Acuff is a great writer and speaker. His sense of humor helps me get lessons I might otherwise miss. While I love his book Start (Punch Fear in the Face), the book Finish was more powerful for me. I have never had problems starting things…but finishing? Squirrel! He gives some great tips on getting your project to the finish line.
I got this book recently at the recommendation from a friend. It’s a great look at how to improve a bottleneck and flies in the face of traditional manufacturing policy.
Known
Want to build your personal brand? I really enjoyed this book from Mark Schaeffer on how to make it happen. In this book, he outlines the 5 steps you need to take to build your brand and become Known.
Building Your Storybrand
Donald Miller wrote this gem that outlines why most companies get their marketing wrong. It was a real “a-ha” moment for me and shined a light on why sometimes messages work and sometimes they don’t. Who is your marketing making “the hero of the story?” Most of us make ourselves the hero. The customer needs to be the hero. Miller explains why in this wonderful book.
Marketing Made Simple
Now that you understand that the customer needs to be the hero of your marketing story, Marketing Made Simple digs into the tactics of how to make that happen. This book outlines a step-by-step process to create a marketing machine that works for your business.
Dare To Lead
Most of us are afraid to put ourselves out there. We don’t want to be completely authentic because it doesn’t feel like “what a strong leader would do.” Brene Brown breaks down those myths and challenges us to lean into them. I feel like this book made me a better leader by making me a better person.
Extreme Ownership
And speaking of leadership, it’s hard to learn from better teachers than Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. These two team up to give amazing lessons in leadership combined with stories from leading teams in combat. Oh…and if something is going wrong in your company, or division, or family…you should take extreme ownership. Good one here.
Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics
Everywhere I looked, I saw people telling me I needed to meditate. But I didn’t know how. I felt like I was doing it wrong. It felt strange and weird. This book breaks down some of those myths and gives you permission to get started with “just one minute” if that’s what you need to do. This is a good introduction for someone that feels they might need meditation in your life…but does not know where to start.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
If you are offended by strong language, this book is not for you. However, if you can get past that, there is a zen-like quality to much of this book that really connected with me. One of my favorite lessons, which I talk about here, is the idea that successful people are willing to “suffer through” things to get to what they want. Not everything will be easy. If you want to reach your goal, you need to decide what you are willing to suffer through.
Scrum
This book is sort of the bible for Agile productivity. We read it as a team. If you want to get more done as a team, this book is a must-read. Can you break down tasks into small enough pieces so that every member of the team can help? You probably can…and SCRUM lines up how.
4 Disciplines of Execution
Let me see if you have been there. We come back from a conference (or read a book) and want to implement a great idea. We start strong, but then the “whirlwind” of business and life gets in the way. The 4 Disciplines breaks down how to identify the Wildly Important Goal, and create a process to make improvements with your team.
Epic Content Marketing
If you want to do content marketing “right,” this is your manual. Joe Pulizzi talks about the start of his company and how creating compelling content (for the customer) works. He shows you how to create an audience and story-tell in a way that will build your brand. Loved this one.
Hug Your Haters
So you have created a social media following that is worth having. What do you do when “the haters” show up? Jay Baer says you need to “Hug Your Haters” in this book about dealing with tough comments on social. Jay gives the playbook on what to do when complaints happen (and they will). Most of us want to ignore the comments so they go away. Jay explains why that is the wrong play…and how doing it right can change haters into fans!
Never Split the Difference
Life is a negotiation. If you are in business, you already know this. In this powerful book, Chris Voss takes us inside some amazing stories from a hostage negotiator…and how many of them can apply to you.
Living With a Seal
This is a fun one. Jesse Itzler tells the story of how he invited the “toughest man on the planet” David Goggins to live with him for a month and train him. When I listened to this, no one knew who David Goggins was…but it all makes sense now. While there are some sincere lessons here about how far we (as humans) can go, this one was fun.
The Power of One More
If you have followed me over the past few years, I talk a lot about Ed Mylett. His book The Power of One More is a great personal development read. If you want to level up in any area of your life, Mylett gives you the tools to do that. And I love the way he frames so many of these important topics.
Soundtracks
Jon Acuff is funny and insightful…and this is probably my favorite book from him. Here Jon talks about the voice that we hear all of the time in our heads…our own. Most of us can be our own worst enemies, and he gives us permission to push back on that voice…and tools to do just that. Totally worth a read or a listen.
Buy Back Your Time
Most of the entrepreneurs I know struggle with two things…cash and time. While this book doesn’t give you any cash, it does give you lots of tactics on how to better use your time in order to grow.
$100 Million Offers
Alex Hermozi doesn’t need any recommendations from me…but he is going to get it anyway! This book $100 Million Offers, and his follow-up $100 Million Leads, are must-reads if you want to grow your business. And if you are not following him on social media already, you really should check him out!
Traction
I read this a long time ago…but I didn’t implement it. I went back to re-read after so many people I respect mentioned the book. We have worked to implement the tactics at Hasseman Marketing, and now I understand the appeal.
The 6 Types of Working Genius
Sometimes you read a book and it changes the way you look at your team. This was one of those books for me. I love the concept of how there are 6 types of work in each project. Then Patrick Lencioni explains how to increase efficiency and avoid burnout by putting people (and yourself) in your area of genius as much as possible.
12 Months To $1 Million
If you want to start a business, I think this is a great place to start. There are concepts here that will help you get started off right…and great reminders for those who have been doing this for a while. Great book!
Hit The TARGET
This is my one selfish plug, but if you are struggling with your marketing, I really think this can help. Hit The TARGET is my latest book, written as a parable, that helps you identify your perfect customer and grow your business with them.
So there you have it! This is my updated list of 37 Game-Changing Books for Business.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
