Best Source for Marketing Knowledge???

What is the best book, ebook, course, etc to learn the basics and advanced strategies about marketing (offline or online). I thought I knew it... I was wrong!!!

Shawn

Hi Shawn,

I would recommend some Jay Abraham stuff. Some basics here if you haven't read them already: http://www.abraham.com/Reports.html.

Also, Gary Halbert's free newsletter is not only a lot of fun, but straight from one of the best marketing minds ever.

Can't say "best" about any one thing. Absorb it all.

Good luck on your quest!

Erik

Darn it, Erik, ya beat me to it!

Shawn, I would echo Erik's choices of these two
"living legends" for a wealth of knowledge and
wisdom. I would say Jay's main strength is in
developing overall strategies and Gary's is in
writing copy, but they both have an amazing
breadth of knowledge, skill & experience in most
(if not all) areas of marketing & business.

Dien also gave some great examples.

Chris

> Hi Shawn,

> I would recommend some Jay Abraham stuff.
> Some basics here if you haven't read them
> already:
> http://www.abraham.com/Reports.html .

> Also, Gary Halbert's free newsletter is not
> only a lot of fun, but straight from one of
> the best marketing minds ever.

> Can't say "best" about any one
> thing. Absorb it all.

> Good luck on your quest!

> Erik

> What is the best book, ebook, course, etc to
> learn the basics and advanced strategies
> about marketing (offline or online). I
> thought I knew it... I was wrong!!!

Hi Shawn,

I tend to think - read everything you can! Though, of course, there are some famous names whose stuff is good - no, great....

I'm a big fan of Joseph Sugarman, when it comes to advertising and marketing knowhow. I highly recommends his books, "Advertising Secrets of the Written Word" and "Marketing Secrets of a Mail Order Maverick".

I also like one of Joe Sugarman's students - Jon Spoelstra. His book "Marketing Outrageously" is also a must-read. He's the only person I can think of who has used a rubber chicken as part of his direct marketing campaign.... (It was an attention-getting device. The message was stuffed inside the rubber chicken! And yes - it was successful....)

You can read a lot of Gary Halbert's newsletters online for FREE. You have to take advantage of this. He's a copywriting genius.... Check them out here: http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/

For some good "nuts and bolts" marketing information, check out "How you too can make at least one million (but probably much more) in the mail-order business" by Gerardo Joffe. (It may be out of print - but get a copy however you can.) As you can tell it's about mail order marketing - but the PRINCIPLES of mail order marketing are VERY applicable on the internet. Gerardo Joffe made a million in mail order not once, but TWICE....

I've learned a LOT from Gordon Alexander.... His Remote Influence gives you an insight into his mesmerizing advertising writing technique. :)

Jim Straw's works are great too. They're not all about marketing, but they're all of exceptional quality and value. :)

BUT.... (and this is a lesson I learned from Gordon Alexander).... Some of the best lessons can be had FREE. How?

It's all around you....

It arrives in your mail box - as direct mail advertising! It's on lots of web pages.... STUDY the words people use to write successful advertisements online. Look at successful advertisements in newspapers, etc. Even order a product, just to go through the process.... This is a way to get an education in marketing. Learn from what's going on all around you....

Like many people, I keep a so-called "swipe file".... To me, it's more of an "inspiration file". It's a folder I keep full of great advertisements.... Some are old ones from magazines. Some are new, and printed off the internet. But they're all great examples, and very inspirational and educational....

But I don't think you can get everything from just one source.... I think there's no choice but to (1) read widely, and (2) try it out, and test, test, test....

- Dien Rice