A Sales + Marketing Maven’s Favorite Books

A few books that help me be a better public speaker, leader, and human.

Talk like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds by Carmine Gallo

Public speaking is a part of life — no matter what our career field. Gallo studies the most popular TED Talks of our time, and gives tips and techniques on how to deliver a compelling presentation.

“Science shows that passion is contagious, literally. You cannot inspire others unless you are inspired yourself. You stand a much greater chance of persuading and inspiring your listeners if you express an enthusiastic, passionate, and meaningful connection to your topic.”

All Marketers are Liars: The Underground Classic That Explains How Marketing Really Works — and Why Authenticity Is the Best Marketing of All by Seth Godin

Godin discusses the key to successful marketing: authentic storytelling. A great reminder that humans make thousands of decisions each day, and to get people to buy into our organization we need to tell a compelling story.

“Stories make it easier to understand the world. Stories are the only way we know to spread an idea. Marketers didn’t invent storytelling. They just perfected it.”

Applied Empathy: The New Language of Leadership by Michael Ventura

Ventura gives insight and tricks to better hone empathy — which allows us to better connect with our colleagues, clients, and consumers.

“Leading with a new awareness that will undoubtedly aid you in not only understanding others better but, perhaps more important, understanding the truest aspects of your own self.”

Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives by Adam J. Kurtz

The advice in this book keeps me moving forward through fear, failure, and self-doubt.

“Anyone can tap into their creative energy to make something special with hard work & a little bit of luck.”