Your Summer Reading List
Marketing and business books that I think should be required reading for marketers and leaders in the wine industry.
Earlier this summer, my sister sent me a summer reading list from her local library, and it all came flooding back to me: the quiet hum of the library, the dusty smell of all those books, the giddy excitement of diving into a new story, and the thrill of getting to check off another title from my much-creased book list. So naturally, I had to offer a similar list for you, but, you know, for the marketing nerds among us.
Below, you’ll find my three favorite marketing and business books—essential reads for anyone in the wine and hospitality industry:
1. Unreasonable Hospitality
The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
by Will Guidara
I am typically an audiobook reader, but this book is so good and so full of great nuggets of wisdom, I bought a physical copy so I could highlight and annotate in the margins on my inevitable reread.
Will Guidara, a renowned restaurateur and former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, dives deep into the philosophy of providing exceptional customer service that goes beyond the conventional. This book is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to elevate their guest experience and create memorable, impactful interactions.
This should be required reading for anyone working in hospitality, but particularly those who manage people. He goes into not only customer service but also company culture. There are also useful tidbits in there that could translate to your e-comms: social media, email, and booking sites.
2. Building a StoryBrand
Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen
by Donald Miller
This was, for me, one of the most transformative books I’ve read on marketing. I use it in my own marketing and for my clients. In it, Donald Miller helps you use the power of story to build effective marketing copy that you can use in your emails, social media, and website. He helps you cut through the bullshit and write words that sell with a simple seven-part framework.
3. Marketing Made Simple
A Step-by-Step StoryBrand Guide for Any Business"
by Donald Miller
Marketing Made Simple is essentially the sequel to Building a StoryBrand (PLEASE read Building a StoryBrand first!). This book offers a very user-friendly guide to crafting effective marketing materials, from wireframing your website to building email campaigns.
As a social media manager, I can’t tell you how much I wish all my clients had read this book and used it to build better websites and email campaigns—it would make my job so much easier!
These are just a few of my favorite business and marketing books; which books do you think should be on *my* summer reading list?
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