Every month I enjoy reading a variety of books, some on my Kindle, some that have been sent to me to review and others that have been on my wish list for a while and I have treated myself too. I find reading a great way of finding inspiration, keeping up my professional development and simply having some time away from the laptop too. You may not be a reader like me but these days you can listen to audio books in the car, read on the go with a massive library on a Kindle or even have what I call my grab and go book in my handbag!
Our Bookshelf Authors for February
This month I am sharing two must reads or at least books to add to your wish list for future reading! Both are great business books, with Marcus’s book being amazing for marketing and Alisons amazing for personal development as well as business! I have been lucky enough to know Alison for quite a few years now and consider her a friend, while Marcus I only recently discovered last year through another marketing friend. They both speak common sense with a no-nonsense attitude. Alison has recently been a mentor and judge on the new Amazon Prime series Ready Set StartUP UK and Marcus released his second book The Visual Sale recently too plus popping up everywhere as an amazing speaker!
Book Reviews February 2024
Below are some key takeaways from each book but to get the most from them should definitely be on your business bookshelf!
Book Book (Hardback Book) of the Month: They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan
‘They Ask, You Answer’ by Marcus Sheridan is a highly acclaimed book that offers valuable insights into modern marketing strategies, particularly in the context of content marketing. How many times have you been told you need a blog on your website for great SEO? However so many people get it wrong, have blog posts about the wrong things or one have a post a couple a times a year! Great content will not only help you rank on search engines but will build trust and develop you as a go to expert! Here are our top three key takeaways from the book:
- Address Customer Questions and Concerns Directly: One of the central foundations of ‘They Ask, You Answer’ is the importance of addressing the questions and concerns that potential customers have. Sheridan emphasizes that businesses should not shy away from discussing pricing, comparisons with competitors, or potential drawbacks of their products or services. By providing honest and transparent answers, businesses can build trust with their audience and position themselves as industry experts.
- Create Valuable, Educational Content: Sheridan advocates for the creation of educational content that genuinely helps customers make informed decisions. This could take the form of blog posts, videos, articles, or any other type of content that addresses common queries within the industry. By focusing on providing value rather than pushing sales messages, businesses can attract and retain a loyal audience while establishing themselves as authorities in their field. We aim with our own blog (renamed the Knowledge Hub after reading this book) to provide insights and answer key questions that often crop up in conversations with business owners about their marketing!
- Embrace a Culture of Transparency and Authenticity: A key theme throughout the book is the importance of transparency and authenticity in modern marketing. Sheridan encourages businesses to be open about their processes, pricing, and even mistakes. By being transparent, companies can build credibility and foster stronger connections with their audience. Authenticity is also highlighted as a crucial aspect of successful marketing efforts, as customers are more likely to engage with brands that they perceive as genuine and trustworthy.
Overall, ‘They Ask, You Answer’ emphasizes the power of content marketing to drive business growth by focusing on addressing customer needs, providing valuable information, and fostering genuine connections with the audience. By adopting these principles, businesses can transform their marketing strategies and achieve long-term success in today’s competitive landscape. This isn’t a lightweight, quick read but it is truly an investment if you want to take your marketing and especially your website to the next level!
Kindle, Audible, Handbag Book of the Month: Smash It by Alison Edgar MBE
“Smash It” is Alison’s second book (her first Secrets of Successful Sales is another must-read), and offers valuable insights into mindset, goal setting and entrepreneurship. Here are our top three key takeaways from her book:
- The Importance of Mindset: One of the central themes of “Smash It” is the significance of mindset in achieving success. Alison emphasizes the power of a positive mindset and the impact it can have on performance and overall entrepreneurial success. She encourages readers to adopt a growth mindset, which involves embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and seeing failures as opportunities for growth. By cultivating a resilient and optimistic mindset, entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles, adapt to changes, and ultimately achieve their goals.
- Building Relationships: Another key takeaway from the book is the importance of building strong relationships with customers and clients. Alison Edgar emphasizes the value of genuine connections and personalized interactions in sales and business development. She highlights the significance of listening to customers, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that meet their requirements. By focusing on building trust and rapport, entrepreneurs can create long-lasting relationships that drive repeat business and referrals. Additionally, she provides practical strategies for reading hidden signals, networking effectively and leveraging relationships to expand one’s professional and personal network and opportunities. You have probably heard of the phrase you are the sum of those that surround yourself with and that you should surround yourself with positive people, this book empowers you to live that!
- Sales Strategies and Closing the Deal: “Smash It” offers a wealth of practical advice and strategies for improving relationships, whether personal or professional. From prospecting and lead generation to closing deals and handling objections in all manner of situations, Alison provides actionable insights and techniques to help individuals boost their people skills. She shares proven methodologies, as well as tips for effective communication and negotiation.
Overall, “Smash It” by Alison Edgar MBE provides valuable guidance and inspiration for individuals and entrepreneurs a like looking to excel. With its emphasis on mindset, relationship building, and deal making strategies, the book offers practical insights that can empower readers to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential whether personally or professionally. Full of personal experiences and great examples from all areas of life you will definitely find yourself aligning with it!
What’s On Your Book Wish List?
Are you a real book person? A Kindle person? An audiobook person? Or all three? There is definitely something for everyone out there and they are a great way of finding inspiration, direction and focus especially when it comes to growing and developing your business. Connect on LinkedIn and let me know whats on your reading list? What would you recommend yourself or what are you currently reading? I would also really be interested to know which books you have struggled with and why!
Over the last thirty years Elizabeth has start up and run a number of successful businesses in a variety of industries including events management, restaurant, webdesign, business training and gardening! This has led to extensive knowledge of business startup, management and marketing.
She is also a qualified and experienced business and life coach with a passion for supporting small business owners. In addition to all of this she is an experienced and qualified further education lecturer, having taught face to face courses and workshops across England, as well as a range of online courses in a range of business and marketing topics .