Book picks similar to
Commonsense Direct Marketing by Drayton Bird


marketing
business
communication
direct-marketing-sales-copywritin

The End of Advertising as We Know It


Sergio Zyman - 2002
    He uses real-world examples to illustrate how modern advertising overemphasizes art and entertainment and neglects the most important rule of advertising-sell the product. With a keen eye and a no-holds-barred approach, Zyman discusses how advertising died, what killed it, and how to revive it. He addresses the most critical issues affecting any organization's sales and marketing departments, using his time-tested, unorthodox, and sometimes even counterintuitive principles in order to translate key strategies into positive business results. For marketing managers, advertisers, and CEOs, this book offers groundbreaking advice from one of the legends of modern marketing, as well as the knowledge, insights, tools, and direction to transform advertising strategies from hoping to planning, from art to science, from guessing to knowing, and from random success to planned success.

42 Rules of Product Management: Learn the Rules of Product Management from Leading Experts "From" Around the World


Brian Lawley - 2010
    The goal of this book is to expose you to the wisdom and knowledge from a group of the world's leading product management experts. Among the contributors, there are leading authors, professors, CEOs and vice presidents, bloggers, consultants, trainers, and even a few salespeople and engineers. In total, there are over five centuries of collected wisdom represented here.The contributors each share one rule they think is critical to succeed in product management based on their hands-on product management and product marketing experience with companies such as Apple, eBay, Intuit, SAP, and Yahoo!.Packed with pearls of product management wisdom, this book has something for everyone. You will learn: How to focus on market needs, not just individual requests How to clarify your product positioning before your next big decision How to align your product strategy with company strategy and then sell it Why agility is the key to product management success Why great execution trumps a great product ideaBest of all, it was written with the busy product manager in mind. Each rule is kept to two pages and designed to stand-on its own. The rules can be read in any order. In less than five minutes a day, you can learn from forty of the best product managers in the world. Whether you are a seasoned and experienced product manager or are just starting out, the "42 Rules of Product Management" will help you lead with greater effectiveness and influence.

What Great Salespeople Do: The Science of Selling Through Emotional Connection and the Power of Story


Michael Bosworth - 2011
    Until now, this has been considered an innate talent. What Great Salespeople Do challenges some of the most widely accepted paradigms in selling in order to prove that influencing change in buyers is a skill that anyone can learn.The creator of Solution Selling and CustomerCentric Selling, Michael Bosworth, along with veteran sales executive Ben Zoldan, synthesize discoveries in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other disciplines, combining it all into a field-tested framework-helping you break down barriers, build trust, forge meaningful relationships, and win more customers.

The Copywriter's Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells


Robert W. Bly - 1985
    . . even entrepreneurs and brand managers. It reveals dozens of copywriting techniques that can help you write ads, commercials, and direct mail that are clear, persuasive, and get more attention--and sell more products. Among the tips revealed are• eight headlines that work--and how to use them• eleven ways to make your copy more readable• fifteen ways to open a sales letter• the nine characteristics of successful print ads• how to build a successful freelance copywriting practice• fifteen techniques to ensure your e-mail marketing message is openedThis thoroughly revised third edition includes all new essential information for mastering copywriting in the Internet era, including advice on Web- and e-mail-based copywriting, multimedia presentations, and Internet research and source documentation, as well as updated resources. Now more indispensable than ever, The Copywriter's Handbook remains the ultimate guide for people who write or work with copy."I don't know a single copywriter whose work would not be improved by reading this book." --David Ogilvy

The Halbert Copywriting Method Part III: The Simple, Fast, & Easy Editing Formula That Forces Buyers To Read Every Word Of Your Ads


Bond Halbert - 2016
    this short book is the best source on editing sales copy ever created and critical to making more money in direct marketing. All the top copywriting courses say it over and over. The power in your marketing comes from understanding your buyers but... All the professionalism comes from polishing your copy to the point buyers can’t stop reading/listening to your sales message until they have an uncontrollable urge to buy. Nobody has ever covered the subject of editing copy to the degree outlined in this book and even the most seasoned ad writers have been learning a lot from the secrets shared inside this instant classic. The Halbert Copywriting Method Part III reveals the editing formulas and patterns found in the works of history’s best copywriters and shows you how to inject hidden psychology into your promotions few people have ever heard of but make no mistake. Even when it comes to the classic techniques explained in this book, you will want to read every line because Bond puts a powerful new twist on even the most well-known editing strategies. If The Halbert Copywriting Method Part III doesn’t make you a better copywriter, nothing will. This simple to use formula is great for... • Punching up your own copy • Smoothing out copy created using templates • Cleaning up ads generated by copywriting software Once you have devoured this quick read, you can then start using the simple checklist at the back with a complete understanding of how to create the famous “greased slide” effect which will add sales to all your promotions.

Ultimate Sales Machine


Chet Holmes - 2007
    And his advice starts with one simple concept: focus! Instead of trying to master four thousand strategies to improve your business, zero in on the few essential skill areas that make the big difference. Too many managers jump at every new trend, but don’t stick with any of them. Instead, says Holmes, focus on twelve critical areas of improvement—one at a time—and practice them over and over with pigheaded discipline. The Ultimate Sales Machine shows you how to tune up and soup up virtually every part of your business by spending just an hour per week on each impact area you want to improve. Like a tennis player who hits nothing but backhands for a few hours a week to perfect his game, you can systematically improve each key area. Holmes offers proven strategies for: • Management: Teach your people how to work smarter, not harder • Marketing: Get more bang from your Web site, advertising, trade shows, and public relations • Sales: Perfect every sales interaction by working on sales, not just in sales The Ultimate Sales Machine will put you and your company on a path to success and help you stay there!

Million Dollar Coach: The 9 Strategies That Drive A 7-Figure Coaching Business


Taki Moore - 2016
    Increase the income you earn, work when and how you want, watch your clients get incredible results...... and become empowered to live a life of massive personal freedom. Million Dollar Coach is designed to shift these issues you may be experiencing such as: • Too many coaches hit an income ceiling, and never make the kind of money (or the kind of impact) that they are capable of. They get stuck at one of the 3 plateaus: Survival, Stability or even Success • Most coaches blame themselves, and try to work on their MINDSET — But nothing changes because it’s not your mindset that’s the problem. It’s the MODEL that needs to change. • The model that you bought into when you started your coaching business is completely unscalable (Manual prospecting to get a few leads, followed by one-to-one selling and dealing with objections, excuses and stalls... and time-for-money coaching so there’s never any time for you). • For the last 5 years, the author has been working with a select group of coaches, taking them from Stability to Success and Scale. Taki Moore has a very new approach and he shares the very best of what is working for them to become a Million Dollar Coach. This book is essential reading for coaches of all types and experience-levels and is of particular value for anyone looking to start a coaching business to short cut growing pains and quickly rise to become a Million Dollar Coach.

Zero-Resistance Selling: Achieve Extraordinary Sales Results Using the World Renowned Techniques of Psycho-Cybernetics


Maxwell Maltz - 1998
    You'll find step-by-step strategies to harness the power of your imagination to wipe away resistance to your sales presentations ... become an irresistible "master closer" ... conquer self-defeating habits ... and use stress to your advantage.

LinkedIn Riches: How to Leverage the World's Largest Professional Network to Enhance Your Brand, Generate Leads and Increase Revenue!


John Nemo - 2014
    I did it all by myself, and I did it all inside a tiny niche. This isn't some get-rich-quick scheme or "push a button and make money" type approach. Rather, it's about understanding how to enhance your personal brand, how to leverage LinkedIn's built-in advantages and how to apply the specific type of selling psychology that generates nonstop leads and customers when done correctly. The simple formula I’ll teach you works in any niche, takes just a few minutes a day to apply and drives targeted, ready-to-buy prospects to your virtual front door. It doesn’t matter what your experience level is when it comes to LinkedIn – literally anyone can do this! Find out RIGHT NOW just how easy it is! Inside This Book You’ll Discover: - How to ensure your LinkedIn profile ranks #1 in your niche or industry - How to instantly locate your ideal prospects on LinkedIn no matter what industry you’re in - How to engage your ideal prospects on LinkedIn by creating instant likability and trust - How to create content on LinkedIn that establishes your credibility and attracts your ideal prospects - How to turn LinkedIn Groups into your own personal ATM Machine - How to move new LinkedIn connections from prospects to paying customers as quickly as possible ABOUT THE AUTHOR JOHN NEMO is a former Associated Press Reporter, Award-Winning PR Director and Social Media Consultant who generated more than $135,000 in revenue for his business in just 90 days using LinkedIn. He is the creator of www.LinkedInRiches.com, an online training course that helps brands, businesses and individuals leverage LinkedIn to generate more sales leads, add new clients and increase revenue. In addition to public speaking, live trainings and presentations, Nemo also offers 1-on-1 coaching and consulting services to clients worldwide in a variety of business development, marketing and lead generation areas. The author of five previous books, John Nemo has written for nearly 150 different national and regional publications over the past 20 years, including Sports Illustrated online, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Chicago Sun-Times and The Arizona Republic. He lives near St. Paul, Minnesota with his wife, Sara, their three sons and Rosie the dog.

Power Moves


NOT A BOOK - 2019
    Private corner offices and management by decree are out, as is unquestioned trust in the government and media. These former pillars of traditional power have been replaced by networks of informed citizens who collectively wield more power over their personal lives, employers, and worlds than ever before. So how do you navigate this new landscape and come out on top? Adam Grant, Wharton organizational psychologist and New York Times best-selling author of Give and Take, Originals, and Option B, went to the World Economic Forum in Davos, the epicenter of power, and sat down with thought leaders from around the world, to find out.In interviews with two dozen leaders and thinkers - from top executives at Google, GM, Slack, and Goldman Sachs, to the CEO of the Gates Foundation and NASA's former chief scientist - Grant shares hard-earned insight on how to succeed in this new era of hyper-linked power. He also explores how it's reshaping everything from how employees work to how employers manage their workers, from how women rise in the office to how scientists influence policy.The combination of captivating interviews, compelling data, and Grant's unmistakably incisive and actionable analysis results in an inspiring crash course from the frontlines on the changing nature of power today.

Hitting the Sweet Spot: How Consumer Insights Can Inspire Better Marketing and Advertising


Lisa Fortini-Campbell - 2001
    Clear and engaging - written by one of the top professionals in consumer insight. The book takes you through the process step by step - from Data to Information to Insight to Inspiration. This book is used worldwide by both students and professionals.

Triggers: 30 Sales Tools you can use to Control the Mind of your Prospect to Motivate, Influence and Persuade.


Joseph Sugarman - 1999
    Dramatically increase your ability to sell by learning how to control the mind of your prospect using 30 psychological tiggers to motivate, influence and persuade.

Breakthrough Copywriting: How To Generate Quick Cash With The Written Word


David Garfinkel - 2014
     "David Garfinkel is my friend, my mentor, and my copywriting guide. I've hired him in the past, we've coauthored projects together, and I turn to him for advice and guidance. I also send clients to him from time to time. He can make copywriting seem simple because of the way he teaches, explains, and gently awakens the slumbering copywriter inside you. If you have the opportunity to learn from him, take it — your life (and your fortune) will be changed forever for the better.” Joe Vitale, best selling author of "Attract Money Now", "Zero Limits", "The Miracles Manual" and more. "David Garfinkel has generated tens of millions of dollars in sales - and substantial profits - for his clients. To paraphrase the old Dean Witter ad, 'When David Garfinkel speaks or writes, savvy marketers listen and act.'" Alan N. Schlaifer, President, The Wharton School Club, Washington, DC "David, thank you for your copywriting help. With the information you helped me with, I was able to write a brand new website salesletter that sold over 211 CD's in less than 3 days. Because of this new salesletter, I will put a extra $60,000 of cold hard cash in my pocket this month. Your information is invaluable! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!" Matt Bacak, The Powerful Promoter, powerfulpromoter.com Copywriting is the heart of entrepreneurship and should: (1) produce a bankable return on investment from advertising, (2) generate measurable results and (3) rely on proven direct response methods that work by formula rather than by guesswork. Try getting that from mainstream ad agencies. Good luck. Because their agenda is not to help you make a profit… but… to make a profit for themselves. However, if you want to know what works in the real world… then… "Breakthrough Copywriting" is mandatory. Because you won’t stumble across this amazing stuff anywhere else. Here is just a little of what you will discover inside: • How to apply the secret Breakthrough Copywriting Model I invented! My four-part formula lets anyone write brutally-effective copy that maximizes the response and profits of any ad or website! • What “Copywriting Junction” is… and… why it holds the key to making the most money from advertising… no matter what business you’re in! • How to write better ad copy than 99.5% of all traditional agencies! (Never be at the mercy of another ad agency, consultant or copywriter who doesn’t know what they’re talking about – most don’t - again.) • The forbidden “Eavesdrop” secret - taught to Hollywood screenwriters – guaranteed to warp speed your copywriting ability from novice to expert in no time flat! • The “C” Factor: How it forces people to read your ad, letter or website from top to bottom… whip out their wallet… and… buy on the spot! • How to write emotion-packed copy that generates immediate response! • How to get a flood of customers – in fact, more than you could handle – without the usual frustration, stress and struggle! • How to tap the deep reservoirs of the

Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal


Oren Klaff - 2011
    Over the past 13 years, he has used his one-of-a- kind method to raise more than $400 million--and now, for the first time, he describes his formula to help you deliver a winning pitch in any business situation.Whether you're selling ideas to investors, pitching a client for new business, or even negotiating for a higher salary, "Pitch Anything "will transform the way you position your ideas.According to Klaff, creating and presenting a great pitch isn't an art--it's a simple science. Applying the latest findings in the field of neuroeconomics, while sharing eye-opening stories of his method in action, Klaff describes how the brain makes decisions and responds to pitches. With this information, you'll remain in complete control of every stage of the pitch process."Pitch Anything" introduces the exclusive STRONG method of pitching, which can be put to use immediately: Setting the Frame Telling the Story Revealing the Intrigue Offering the Prize Nailing the Hookpoint Getting a DecisionOne truly great pitch can improve your career, make you a lot of money--and even change your life. Success is dependent on the method you use, not how hard you try. "Better method, more money," Klaff says. "Much better method, much more money." Klaff is the best in the business because his method is much better than anyone else's. And now it's yours.Apply the tactics and strategies outlined in "Pitch Anything" to engage and persuade your audience--and you'll have more funding and support than you ever thought possible.

Tilt: Shifting Your Strategy from Products to Customers


Niraj Dawar - 2013
    For decades, businesses sought competitive advantage almost exclusively in activities related to new product creation. They won by building bigger factories, by finding cheaper raw materials or labor, or by coming up with more efficient ways to move and store inventory—and by inventing exciting new products that competitors could not replicate.But these sources of competitive advantage are being irreversibly leveled by globalization and technology. Today, competitors can rapidly decipher and deploy the recipe for your product’s secret sauce and use it against you. “Upstream,” product-related advantages are rapidly eroding.This does not mean that competitive advantage is a thing of the past. Rather, its center has shifted. As marketing professor Niraj Dawar compellingly argues, advantage is now found “downstream,” where companies interact with customers in the marketplace.Tilt will help you grasp the global nature of this downstream shift and its profound implications for your strategy and your organization. With vivid examples from around the world, ranging across industries and sectors, Dawar shows how companies are reorienting their strategies around customer interactions to create and capture unique value. And he demonstrates how, unlike product-related advantage, this value is cumulative, continuously building over time.In an increasingly customer-centered world marketplace, let Tilt serve as your guide to shifting your strategy downstream—and achieving enduring competitive advantage.