Ever since I started my Business Book Reviews Blog I have tended to forget to put summary postings on this blog so here is an update for the books I've reviewed since November 2008.
Sorry that it has been so long but I am sure there are some business books there that you will enjoy.
Twenty Five Ways To Improve Sales Without Spending An Extra Dime On Advertising by Richard Johnson
Book Review Rating - 4 Stars
Former Jay Abraham protege and founder and leader of the HMA Consultants, Richard Johnson shares his very practical ideas for generating business growth. Easy top read but it doesn't stray far from Jay Abraham territory.
Pain Killer Marketing by Chris Stiehl and Henry Devries
Book Review Rating - 3 Stars
This book focuses on the idea that the prospective buyer's pain can increase motivation to buy but it proved to be disappointing. This is an area I am interested in for its motivational effects and also ethical dilemmas as it can easily turn into manipulation.
The Marketing Secrets Of A Multi-Millionaire Entrepreneur by Jonathan Jay
Book Review Rating - 4 Stars
A simple little marketing primer to get small business owners to see the opportunities for improving marketing. Experienced marketers won't pick up much but I do recommend it for a business owner who is dipping their toes into business improvement.
The Copywriter's Handbook by Robert Bly
Book Review Rating - 4 Stars
A good book for anyone thinking about a career as a freelance copywriter that is wide in its scope. Well worth reading before you dive into the classic copywriting books like the book below.
Tested Advertising Methods by John Caples
Book Review Rating - 4.5 Stars
A classic copywriting book from a legendary copywriter. Terrific content on headlines in particular. A little too much repetition cost it the coveted 5 star rating but I've forgiven other books more.
The Ultimate Marketing Plan by Dan Kennedy
Book Review Rating - 4 Stars
A flawed book from a great marketer who I have really tuned into in 2009. A few rants about broken promises but well worth reading for anyone who wants to learn more about direct response marketing.
No BS Direct Marketing by Dan Kennedy
Book Review Rating - 3 Stars
Dan Kennedy is one of my business heroes but he can do better than this book. A big disappointment.
Simplified Strategic Planning by Robert Bradford, Peter Duncan and Brian Tarcy
Book Review Rating - 4.5 Stars
Strategic planning for the smaller business. I like this strategy book a lot but I see it more for medium sized businesses than the very small one, two or three person businesses.
Mind Control Marketing by Mark Joyner
Book Review Rating - 4.5 Stars
This book wasn't what I was expecting but I found it an extremely interesting and thought-provoking read.
Sales On A Beermat by Mike Southan and Chris West
Book Review Rating - 4 Stars
A nice gentle read for anyone who needs to sell but doesn't want to be seen as a salesperson. Like the Jonathan Jay marketing book above, I see this as a starting book which can take you into more extensive sales training.
The Hidden Profit Center by Helen Wilkie
Book Review Rating - 3 Stars
This book looks at the hidden profit opportunities available from improving communication inside and outside the company. Told in story form, it is better at revealing the cost of the problem than providing solutions - but an interesting example of building up the pain before you sell.
Managing Customer Value by Bradley Gale
Book Review Rating - 4.5 Stars
A classic text that effectively started one of my favourite topics - customer value - with its focus on what customers choose as purchase criteria before they buy.
Summary of Book Reviews
No terrible books but several disappointments.
I must admit that I have been guilty of starting many more business books than I have finished.
It's partly for health reasons and when I'm feeling better, I hope to get through more book reviews.
Guest Business Book Reviewers
However I am regularly contacted by publishers who would like their books promoted on my blogs and I am looking for guest business book reviewers and of course you get a byline and link back to your own website.
If you are interested, email me at paul at plancs.co.uk.
While I won't rival Amazon, I would like to build up the Business Book Review blog and it does rank well in Google.
















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