Inspiring books for Bank Holiday reading on brand building and business growth

 

It looks like we have some more sunny days ahead, which is just the best feeling. Many small business owners won’t get to enjoy a full day in the sunshine, or larks on the beach, or other high jinks. And those of you that are off may still have something business related you want to get done.

My favourite multi-tasking activity though would be grabbing some time with a book that can help with a business challenge or just inspire me. Even better if I can read it in the shade in the garden, preferably with a glass of something cold to hand.

Here’s five to inspire, inform and even entertain. Grab half an hour, possibly with a notebook and pencil to hand for when inspiration strikes, and invest in yourself and the business as well as a little R&R.

Fascinate: How to make your brand impossible to resist by Sally Hogshead

 

 

This is a revised and updated edition, with new research into the science of fascination. Who knew? Well, Sally Hogshead does, and shares not only the research, but what you can do with it. Learn about the seven Advantages she’s identified, such as Mystique and Passion.

I love these kinds of books, as I love getting behind what makes people tick. Also learning why people buy, or don’t buy, is, in itself, truly fascinating. And in the end, isn’t that what we want for our businesses?

 

Webs of Influence: The Psychology of Online Persuasion by Nathalie Nahai

 

 

Another great book for the nosy amongst us! Nathalie’s book is all about trying to explain what’s really motivating consumers, even if they are not aware of it. This comes from different disciplines including psychology, sociology and neurology, it really is a trip into the consumer’s mind. Find out, quite literally, what makes us click.

 

Do Purpose: Why brands with a purpose do better and matter more by David Hieatt

 

 

I’ve recommended Do Open before as my go to book on email marketing, but this was actually the first Do book that owned. It was part of a one day course that David ran, that was inspiring then, and continues to give me food for thought. As always, this is a book you can dip in and out of, and take something from it every single time. Perfect warm day reading that you’ll still be thinking about when the frosts return.

 

Good Food, Great Business: How to take your artisan food idea from concept to marketplace by Susie Wyshak

 

 

If you’ve been watching Top of Shop with Tom Kerridge and are wondering if your idea might work, then this is a great book for you. You might even have a new food idea that you’re just getting going, and some extra guidance might not go amiss. Packed with examples from those who’ve already got businesses up and running, so you can learn from their mistakes as well as be inspired.

 

Why Fonts Matter by Sarah Hyndman

 

 

I’m fascinated by this, and the reactions we might get from something as simple as our choice of fonts. I mean we’ve all seen posters in Comic Sans and wondered why, haven’t we? As I love language then I’m really interested in how the choice of font can change or enhance our choice of words. If you read How To Style Your Brand that I recommended in my last reading list, then this might be a great choice for enhancing that knowledge.

 

I’m quite a convert to downloading books, so all of these are available through your favourite downloading route. It also means you can get hold of a new book if the opportunity suddenly arises for that quick cup of tea and a read. I hope so.

What have you been reading recently that you’ve found inspiring? Always great to know what others have found to be useful.