If you like to read business and marketing books like we do, then we recommend any of the following titles. For easy shopping, you can click on any of the titles to go directly to that listing on Amazon. (We don't make any money from your purchases there.)

Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind

by Al Ries & Jack Trout

David Says: One of the all time classics in marketing thought and strategy.

Don't Make Me Think

A Common-Sense Approach to Web Usability

by Steve Krug

David Says: A good book on the topic of Web site usability. Sound too simple… like it’s only common sense? Actually designing a Web site this way is harder to pull off than it looks.

The Goal

A Process of Ongoing Improvement

by Eliyahu M. Goldratt, Jeff Cox

Bruce Says: This is an amazing book — who would've guessed that a book about manufacturing process improvement theory (written like a novel) would be significantly relevant to a marketing services business? No matter what your business, this book will forever change the way you think about operational improvements and the factors that REALLY influence your profitability.

Building Trust at the Speed of Change

The Power of the Relationship-Based Corporation

by Edward Marshall

Bruce Says: Not only is Edward a friend, but he's a world-class expert on trust-based collaborative cultures — and particularly change process management — within large enterprises. This book is his second about the importance of trust-based collaboration. This book will transform the way you think about building and managing relationships at your workplace, whether small or large.

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable

by Seth Godin

David Says: Seth is a familiar name for Fast Company magazine readers — this is the latest from the author of the recent classic Permission Marketing.

Inside the Magic Kingdom

Seven Keys to Disney's Success

Tom Connellan

Bruce Says: Ever wonder why Disney has been so successful at maintaining it brand "magic?" Read and find out. Hint: The devil is in the details.

The Tipping Point

How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

Malcolm Gladwell

Bruce Says: I can't say much about this book that hasn't already been said. But if there's a role in your current or future business for viral (referral) marketing — or if you're trying to engineer a success for a forthcoming product introduction — you should read this book. You'll learn how to spot the characteristics of important market influencers and to consider the sometimes obscure factors that can tip the scales in favor of your success.

The Attention Economy

Understanding the New Currency of Business

by Tomas H. Davenport & John C. Beck

Bruce Says: This somewhat academic treatise makes the case that marketers and business executives need to win and manage the attention of their customers and markets. We all need to understand that attention can be bought, sold, and traded just like any other currency. Having your customers' attention won't guarantee success, but NOT having it will almost certainly predict failure. The next time you want a dose of marketplace theory, read this.

The Professional Service Firm 50

Fifty Ways to Transform Your "Department" into a Professional Service Firm Whose Trademarks Are Passion and Innovation (Reinventing Work)

by Tom Peters

David Says: Peters' "Brand You" concept has probably drawn more attention recently, but this companion book in his ‘50’ series had more relevance for me when trying to think through what it would take to be a free agent.