Scott Stratten is a character. His blog and Twitter account are littered with little nuggets of satire about traditional marketing. Through his many stories on his blog, I’ve learned about his disdain for many companies’ traditional marketing practices. This book is no different. It’s the antithesis of a college course in marketing. Which is a big compliment.
Scott firmly believes (as do I) that old school marketing tactics are not only outdated and inefficient, using them often creates a dichotomy within ourselves. As Scott says, “Why market to people the way we hate being marketed to?” Nobody *likes* cold calling. And it’s not effective. So why use it?!
UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging. is a collection of marketing lessons, stories about what not to do, and case studies about effectively using marketing in today’s changing world. It was a quick read – Scott’s conversational and often hilarious writing style make it almost impossible to put down.
The book is filled with practical advice not only about what works in today’s marketing landscape, but also what doesn’t work (like Yellow Pages ads). He talks in-depth about why companies should use social media, and gives great advice about how to do so. He describes the most popular social networks like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, and the strengths and weaknesses of each from a marketer’s perspective.
The stories in the book are a mix of successes and caveats, where marketers can learn from other companies’ mistakes. He really drives home the point that it’s absolutely critical with social media (and with other forms of marketing) how important it is to build a relationship with the customer, listening to them and responding like a human being, and how companies need to live up to the high expectations they set for themselves.
With more than 50 chapters that are somewhat distinct from one another, you can comfortably read a couple chapters a day (or whatever your schedule would allow), or you could do like I did and read the entire book in an evening. The book is filled with sound advice and Scott’s quirky wit (the footnotes are particularly funny), and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a great read about (un)marketing.
Originally written as an Amazon.com review.
We’re Giving Away a Free Copy!
Want a free copy of UnMarketing? To enter, subscribe to the Online Marketing Inside Out RSS feed or email list below, and leave a comment telling us why you should win. It’s that simple. Contest ends Thursday, September 9, 2010 at midnight. Winner will be notified Friday, September 10. Don’t want to wait for the contest to end? Buy UnMarketing on Amazon.com.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I should win because I’m Canadian, just like Scott Stratten. Besides that, I work at a UNiversity. So what better way to learn about UNmarketing at an UNiversity, than by reading this book?
Seems like logic to me
I have read many of Scott’s tweets and I think they are fantastic. Scott tries to teach us that marketing without personalization is never to way to go, people need to be on a personal with their clients to make each one feel unique. I need to work on this and that why I should win the book.
I have been following Scott on Twitter for a while. I LOVE his tweets, and I know this book will be great! I can’t wait to read it, whether I win or not. It’d just be an added bonus to read a free copy.
I have been a follower of Scott’s for a long time. I want to win a copy of this book to get some ideas on leaving cold calling behind. My company is launching a brand new service / division, and the way I am “allowed” to market it is by calling everyone in our target market to get them to sign up. I am not finding this to be as effective, but suggesting alternatives has been tough. Help me!
As a UNlucky individual, I would love to change my fortUNe and win the UNmarketing book. It would be UNfortunate if I was UNable to read the UNmarketing book, as I bet it is a fUN experiment in marketing. I know this is a stretch and full of “UN” pUNs, but I can guarantee I won’t be UNderwhelmed by the content. I look forward to UNderstanding the principals of UNmarketing once I get my wUNderful copy.
I should win so I can beat my boss over the head with this book.
I am a steelworker of 10 years. I started my home business about 2 and a half years ago. I am a huge believer in self development and I believe that this book is exactly the form of development I need to propel my business to the next level.
Thanks for this giveaway and your very good book review above. I was interested in the book before but now will definitely put it on my reading/buying list. Don’t know who RT your contest, but glad they did as it led me to your site. Good info.
I just started a new local marketing business, working to help small businesses in the area understand marketing online. My goal is to provide education more than service, helping them to engage with their customers as a way to grow.
If I’m selected to win the book, I will be able to share the knowledge I gain with my clients (and encourage them to purchase the book!)
I should win the book because I could really use any extra help in finding news ways to engage a crowd that at times doesn’t want to be engaged.
Well, what about choosing Easterneuropean, living in still clear minds.
is this book applicable to our region? Hmm.
I should win because I am currently UNemployed (at least not full time) and UNable to afford buying the book but I know it is going to be UNbelievable because I have read Scott’s tweets and blog and was have spoken to him and heard him speak in the real world.
I need this book because I work for a real estate company. Have you not seen the stats???
Congratulations Emily! Your book is in the mail.