Recommended Marketing Reads for Monday, 7-13

I get a lot of inspiration from reading news, books, and other blogs. Sometimes just the simplest blurb will get me thinking in a totally new direction. I love it when that happens. What inspires you?

Here’s what I am reading this week. Things that make me think. If you run across any great articles this week, please pass them along. And if there’s a blog I shouldn’t go another day without reading, let me know. What are your favorite marketing reads?

The Confusion
Seth Godin talks about confusing internal biochemistry with external events, and it makes for an interesting read. And it does seem like we react differently to things depending on what’s going on in our lives and bodies. In a down economy, it’s easy to get sad and frustrated with the situation you’re in. But when you concentrate on what you’re doing right, instead of what you’re doing wrong, you will notice a big change in how you look at everything. (I’m not saying you need to ignore what you might be doing wrong. But when you are so focused on it that you are dissatisfied with everything, try reminding yourself about what you do right, to bring in some balance.)

What’s Your Signature Response to Problems?
Yes, yes, yes. Exceed expectations by responding proactively to problems. If you want to stand out, you really need to do this. You must think about how you will respond to problems. We all know about Nordstrom’s reputation for service. Do people know about yours?

7 Ways You’re Screwing Up Relationship Marketing
Because it’s not about creating a touchy-feely relationship. It’s about making a connection and getting the customer to stick around and buy. It’s about marketing. It’s about finding customers and creating a relationship that brings them back again and again.

9 Proven Headline Formulas That Sell Like Crazy
Use headlines that grab attention. Tell them what they need to hear. Remember to highlight the benefit, not the process (how to make money working from home vs. how to start a computer business from home).

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood: Some thoughts about community.
What is a community? Are you creating conversations around shared interests, rather than a product? And if you decide to work to create a community, will you stick around and keep engaging the customers and community? There’s nothing worse than watching a dying gathering place when a company decides not to support it anymore.

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