DMJ 1 on 1: Answering Questions From The Audience

Each week on DMJ 1 on 1, Kirby Hasseman takes on a different topic to help provide value to those looking to grow a brand or organization.  Recently, he talked about 4 Things To Stop Doing On Social Media in 2024.  That episode spurred a lot of engagement and questions from the audience…and today he gives in and answers some questions from the audience!

This time on DMJ 1 on 1, Kirby addresses a range of questions from the audience, all centered around the key theme of content marketing. The discussion covers a broad spectrum of topics, from leveraging customer questions for content creation to the delicate balance of sales and value on social media. Kirby also shares his views on LinkedIn sales services and provides guidance on choosing the right social media platform and posting frequency. Finally, the conversation concludes with a discussion on the long-term commitment required for successful content marketing.

Using Customer Questions for Content Creation

To start, Kirby encourages using customer questions as a resource for content creation. He suggests writing down the 10 questions you get all the time and starting by answering those questions. This strategy not only helps in creating relevant content but also ensures that the content addresses the needs and concerns of the audience.

Moreover, Kirby emphasizes the importance of keeping your eyes and ears open for feedback, pushback, or follow-up questions to create new content. He believes that listening to customer questions helps clarify and expand upon existing content, thereby making it more comprehensive and useful for the audience.

Balancing Sales and Value on Social Media

One concern is being “too salesy.”  Kirby addresses concerns about being too salesy on social media and suggests a ratio of providing value to asking for a sale. He believes that constantly selling on social media can be a mistake; instead, the focus should be on providing value. He suggests a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of providing value to asking for a sale. Building trust and giving more than asking is important in the “give first economy.” This approach not only helps in building a loyal customer base but also ensures that the customers see value in the content and are more likely to engage with it.

Negative Impact of LinkedIn Sales Services

But what about “done for you” sales packages on LinkedIn?  Kirby expresses dislike for LinkedIn sales services and recommends personal research and connection building instead. He believes that LinkedIn sales services are overdone and ruin the platform. He suggests that building trust and relationships requires personal effort and research.

Moreover, content creators should share strategies and not worry about others copying their strategies. He believes that copying strategies and sharing content among content creators is beneficial and can lead to the creation of more diverse and engaging content.

Choosing the Right Social Media Platform and Posting Frequency

Kirby also discusses the importance of choosing the right platform and frequency of posting based on the target audience. He suggests identifying the social media platform where the target audience spends the most time. Starting with one platform can be less overwhelming for beginners.

Furthermore, he emphasizes that the posting frequency should be as often as possible while maintaining good quality content. He believes that creating high-quality content consistently can help build a loyal audience and enhance brand visibility.

Long-Term Commitment to Content Marketing

“It’s a long-term game.”  Kirby emphasizes the long-term commitment required for content marketing and the importance of building brand awareness and trust. He suggests that content creators should commit to at least 12 to 18 months for content marketing strategy.

Content marketing is a long-term play for building brand awareness and trust. Content creators should focus on providing value and creating top-of-mind awareness. This approach not only helps in building a strong brand but also ensures that the audience sees value in the content and is more likely to engage with it.

Conclusion

What do you want to ask?  Now is a great time to reach out with questions for future episodes.  And if you are getting value, please feel free to subscribe and rate the podcast!

We hope you are getting lots of value out of these DMJ 1 on 1’s!  You can find all of the content we create on our blog page here.  And if you want to create a marketing campaign that truly Hits The TARGET, check our FREE TARGET Marketing Playbook here.

Thirsty Thursday – It’s either Floor Cleaner or Porch Stain

You know what time it is!  It’s time for Thirsty Thursday! Thirsty Thursday is the award-winning piece of content from Hasseman Marketing where we take a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware! Be careful…it’s not for everyone. This week we feature the 17 oz watercolor drip ceramic mug from Bel Promo.  It’s a fun one.  Get ready to giggle…and be jealous of this new piece of drinkware.  Watch now!

Branded Drinkware from Bel Promo

Our drinkware for today’s episode is a 17 oz watercolor drip ceramic mug from Bel Promo. This mug is not just a vessel for your favorite beverage, but a piece of art in itself. The watercolor drip design gives it a unique and appealing look, making it a standout piece on any table or desk.

What’s great about this mug is its affordability coupled with its high perceived value. It’s a quality product that doesn’t break the bank, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to impress their clients or employees. We’ve also noticed a fun trend of adding quirky imprints on these mugs, adding a touch of personality to the corporate branding. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in how your brand is perceived.  To learn more… head to our shop here.

Tasting the Mystery Drink

Now, let’s move on to the exciting part of the show – tasting the mystery drink. We’ve poured the drink into our Bel Promo mugs and are ready to take our first sip. The initial reaction is a mix of surprise and intrigue. The flavor is complex and hard to pin down, with a sweet and salty undertone that leaves us wanting more.

As we continue to sip, we start making guesses about the type of the drink. Is it a craft beer with a unique flavor profile? Or perhaps a flavored coffee with a twist? The suspense is part of the fun, and we’re all eager to find out what this mystery drink is.

Revealing the Mystery Drink

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the revelation of the mystery drink. It turns out to be a salted caramel coffee ale, a unique blend that combines the best of both worlds. The initial sweetness of the caramel is balanced by the bitterness of the coffee, with a hint of saltiness that adds an extra layer of complexity.

Our final thoughts on the drink are mixed. Some of us love the unique flavor combination, while others find it a bit too adventurous. But regardless of our opinions on the drink, we all agree on one thing – the quality of the Bel Promo mug has significantly enhanced our tasting experience.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this episode of Thirsty Thursday, we can’t help but praise the quality of the Bel Promo mug once again. Its unique design, high perceived value, and affordability make it a great gift for customers or as a room gift. It’s a product that people will use daily, keeping your brand at the forefront of their minds.

Here’s a big thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thirsty Thursday as much as we did. Until next time, stay thirsty!

Each Thirsty Thursday, we feature a cool piece of branded drinkware.  To learn more… head to our shop here.

Thanks for watching!  Again, purchase for your team here…or contact your Hasseman Marketing team member.

Hasseman Marketing is your one-stop marketing shop.  We work hard to “Deliver #MarketingJoy to you.  Oh…and we want to make sure you hit the TARGET in your marketing.  If you want to learn now, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here for FREE!

How To Create A Customer Appreciation Event

Customer appreciation events are more than just a nice gesture; they are a strategic tool for businesses to deepen relationships, foster loyalty, and create new opportunities. This article, based on a comprehensive video guide, provides you with a step-by-step process to create a memorable customer appreciation event. We’ll delve into the reasons why these events are crucial, and provide you with a practical roadmap to create your own.

With a staggering 69% of customers leaving businesses due to perceived indifference, it’s clear that showing appreciation is not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have strategy. So, let’s dive into how you can create an event that not only shows your gratitude but also contributes to your business growth.

Why Create a Customer Appreciation Event

Creating a customer appreciation event is not just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s a strategic move that can significantly impact your business. The video guide highlights three main reasons why these events are important.

Firstly, a large number of customers, around 69%, leave a business due to perceived indifference. This means that customers want to feel valued and appreciated. By hosting an event dedicated to them, you’re showing that you care about their business and their loyalty. Secondly, customer appreciation events are a great way to deepen relationships. They provide an opportunity for face-to-face interaction, which can lead to stronger connections and increased loyalty. Lastly, these events can create business opportunities. They can be a platform for introducing new products or services, or for networking and forming partnerships.

Steps to Creating a Customer Appreciation Event

Creating a successful customer appreciation event requires careful planning and execution. The video guide provides a process to help you create an event that your customers will remember.

The first step is to find a suitable venue. The venue should be easily accessible and comfortable for your guests. Next, create a theme for your event. A theme can make your event more engaging and memorable. Then, identify potential partners or vendors who can contribute to your event. This could be in the form of sponsorships, collaborations, or providing services. The fourth step is to address all the senses. This means considering the ambiance, music, food, and visual elements of your event.

Once you have these elements in place, start promoting your event and get an RSVP list. This will help you manage your event better and ensure that you have a good turnout. At the event, give out merchandise that ties to the theme. This not only enhances the theme but also serves as a reminder of the event. Most importantly, make the event fun. A fun event is a memorable event. After the event, follow up with attendees. This could be a thank you note or a survey to get feedback. Lastly, track the success of the event and gather feedback. This will help you improve future events.

Conclusion

Creating a customer appreciation event is a strategic move that can significantly impact your business. It’s a way to show your customers that you value them, deepen relationships, and create business opportunities. However, the success of the event depends on careful planning and execution.

Remember to track the success of the event and gather feedback. This will help you understand what worked and what didn’t, and how you can improve future events. With careful planning and execution, a customer appreciation event can be a powerful tool for your business.

You can find all of the content we create on our blog page here.  And if you want to create a marketing campaign that truly Hits The TARGET, check our FREE TARGET Marketing Playbook here.

Lessons from DMJ: Frank Husmann on Becoming the Authority in your Niche

Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up.  Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up.  This time on Lessons from DMJ, Kirby talks with Frank Husmann about becoming the authority in your niche.  Watch now!

In this insightful video interview, Kirby talks to Frank Husmann, the founder of Maxiality. Frank shared his expertise on authority marketing, particularly for B2B companies. The conversation was a deep dive into the intricacies of becoming an authority in your niche, a feat that is not easily achieved but can be incredibly rewarding. The discussion touched on various aspects of authority marketing, from understanding what it entails to starting a successful campaign and avoiding common pitfalls.

Frank also highlighted the importance of demand generation in B2B marketing, explaining how it differs from lead generation and why it’s more effective in the modern B2B landscape. He also shared some practical tips on creating a pleasant buying journey for potential customers. Finally, he offered some advice on authority marketing and shared where viewers can find more information about him and his work.

What is Authority Marketing?

Authority marketing is a strategic approach that involves showcasing your expertise in a particular niche to establish yourself as an authority. This process is not a one-time event but a continuous effort that requires consistency and dedication. By consistently demonstrating your knowledge and skills, you gradually build credibility and trust with your audience, positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field.

Frank emphasized that the key to successful authority marketing lies in identifying the main topics you want to be known for and creating content around them. This content can take various forms, including podcasts, YouTube videos, blog articles, and email newsletters. The goal is to consistently show your expertise over time, which will help establish your authority in your niche.

Starting an Authority Marketing Campaign

Starting an authority marketing campaign requires a clear understanding of your niche and the main topics you want to be known for. Once you’ve identified these topics, the next step is to create content around them. This content should be informative, engaging, and valuable to your audience. It should demonstrate your expertise and provide solutions to the problems your audience is facing.

Frank suggested using various content formats to reach a wider audience. These can include podcasts, YouTube videos, blog articles, and email newsletters. Consistency is key in authority marketing. By regularly producing high-quality content, you can gradually establish your authority in your niche and become the go-to expert for your audience.

Common Pitfalls in Authority Marketing

While authority marketing can be highly effective, there are common pitfalls that marketers should avoid. One of these is being too salesy. While it’s important to promote your products or services, your primary focus should be on addressing the questions and problems of your prospects. By providing valuable solutions, you can build trust and credibility with your audience.

Another common pitfall is focusing too much on personal stories at the expense of showcasing your expertise. While personal stories can help humanize your brand and build a connection with your audience, they should not overshadow your expertise. Instead, they should be tied to your expertise and used to reinforce your authority in your niche.

Demand Generation in B2B Marketing

Demand generation is a crucial aspect of B2B marketing. Unlike lead generation, which focuses on generating leads, demand generation focuses on creating demand for your products or services. This involves targeting the 97% of people who are not yet in the market for your products or services.

Frank suggested using various channels to showcase your expertise and create demand. These can include YouTube, LinkedIn, and articles. He also recommended using tactics like LinkedIn ads and LinkedIn Live to reach a wider audience and generate demand. By focusing on demand generation, you can position yourself as a top choice when your prospects are ready to make a purchase.

Lead Generation vs. Demand Generation

While lead generation and demand generation are both important aspects of B2B marketing, Frank argued that demand generation is more effective in the modern B2B landscape. Lead generation focuses on generating leads, while demand generation focuses on creating demand for your products or services and being on the shortlist of potential customers.

By focusing on demand generation, you can target the 97% of people who are not yet in the market for your products or services. This allows you to build awareness and credibility with a wider audience, increasing the chances of being considered when they are ready to make a purchase.

Creating a Pleasant Buying Journey

Creating a pleasant buying journey is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. This involves providing clear and transparent pricing information on your website and making it easy for prospects to get in touch and qualify themselves. By making the buying process as smooth and straightforward as possible, you can improve customer satisfaction and increase the chances of repeat business.

Frank also suggested automating processes and using forms or API calls to gather information about prospects. This can help streamline the buying process and provide valuable insights into your customer’s needs and preferences, allowing you to tailor your offerings accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the video interview with Frank Husmann provided valuable insights into authority marketing for B2B companies. From understanding what authority marketing is and how to start a successful campaign, to avoiding common pitfalls and understanding the importance of demand generation, the discussion covered a wide range of topics. Frank also shared some practical tips on creating a pleasant buying journey and offered advice on authority marketing. For those interested in learning more, Frank can be found at maxiality.com, where he offers a free video training on authority marketing.

You can find all of the content we create on our blog page here.  And if you want to create a marketing campaign that truly Hits The TARGET, check our FREE TARGET Marketing Playbook here.

4 Reasons NOT To Buy BAD Merch

“Friends Don’t Let Friends Buy Bad Merch!”

Branded Merchandise, or ‘merch’ as it’s commonly referred to, is a crucial aspect of any organization or personal brand. It serves as a tangible representation of the brand, often acting as a physical reminder of a brand’s values, image, and identity. However, not all merch is created equal. In this video and blog, we discuss the importance of avoiding bad merch and the detrimental effects it can have on your brand. It’s not just about saving a few bucks, it’s about preserving the integrity of your brand, respecting the environment, and making a smart investment.

It’s essential to understand that cheap and inexpensive are not synonymous when it comes to merch. The quality of the merch can significantly impact the brand’s image and reputation. Furthermore, bad merch is not only harmful to the brand but also to the environment. It contributes to landfill waste and promotes a culture of disposability. Lastly, bad branded merch is a bad investment. It does not leave a lasting impression and may not even be used by the recipients. In this article, we delve into these points in detail, providing you with four compelling reasons not to buy bad merch.

Cheap vs. Inexpensive Merch

When it comes to branded merch, there’s a significant distinction between cheap and inexpensive. Cheap merch often lacks quality and durability, leading to a poor representation of your brand. On the other hand, inexpensive merch can still be of high quality. For instance, a high-quality lip balm can be an inexpensive yet effective piece of merch. It’s essential to strike a balance between cost and quality when choosing your merch.

Investing in cheap merch may seem like a cost-effective strategy in the short term. However, the long-term effects can be detrimental to your brand. Cheap merch often breaks easily, doesn’t function properly, or wears out quickly, leading to a negative impression of your brand. On the other hand, inexpensive, high-quality merch can leave a positive, lasting impression, enhancing your brand’s image and reputation.

Bad Merch is Bad for the Brand

Branded Merch is a physical representation of your brand. It’s a tangible extension of your brand’s values, image, and identity. Therefore, bad merch can significantly harm your brand. It’s crucial to choose merch that aligns with your brand’s values and image. If the merch contradicts these, it can be detrimental to your brand’s reputation.

Imagine handing out pens that don’t write or t-shirts that fade after a few washes. This not only frustrates the recipient but also reflects poorly on your brand. It sends a message that your brand doesn’t value quality or customer satisfaction. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in high-quality merch that accurately represents your brand and resonates with your target audience.

Bad Merch is Bad for the Earth

Bad merch isn’t just bad for your brand; it’s also bad for the environment. Cheap, low-quality merch often ends up in the trash after a short period of use, contributing to landfill waste. This not only harms the environment but also reflects poorly on your brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Choosing sustainable and reusable merch is a better option. Not only does it show your brand’s commitment to the environment, but it also provides a lasting, useful product for the recipient. For instance, a reusable shopping bag or a stainless steel water bottle can be a great piece of merch that aligns with your brand’s sustainability values and provides value to the recipient.

Bad Merch is a Bad Investment

Investing in bad merch is like throwing money down the drain. It doesn’t leave a lasting impression, and it may not even be used by the recipient. The perceived value of the merch is crucial for its usage and impact. If the merch falls apart or doesn’t function properly, it’s likely to be discarded, wasting your investment.

On the other hand, investing in high-quality, useful branded merch can have a significant return on investment. It can enhance your brand’s image, increase customer loyalty, and even generate new business. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the quality and functionality of the merch before making an investment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right branded merch is crucial for any brand. It’s not just about the cost; it’s about the quality, the impact on the environment, and the return on investment. It’s important to choose merch that aligns with your brand’s values and image. Consider your target audience and what would bring them joy and lasting use. A well-thought-out merch strategy can significantly enhance your brand’s image and reputation, leading to increased customer loyalty and business growth.

So, before you make your next merch purchase, remember these four reasons not to buy bad merch. Invest in quality, align with your brand values, consider the environment, and make a smart investment. Your brand, your customers, and the earth will thank you.

As always, we want to provide you with value.  So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.

37 Game-Changing Books for Business

I love blogs, podcasts, and videos.  Each of these has the chance to inspire me and lift me up.  I have created time in my morning routine to put some good into my brain each day…and these are often my tools of choice.  But if I really want to take a deep dive into a topic, I still am inspired by books.  Whether I read a physical book or simply take a walk with the author (in audio form), books help me grow (and level up).

Over the course of the last 10 years, I have had the chance to read hundreds of books.  Some have been forgettable.  Others have been what I needed to hear at the moment.  But here is a list of 37 Game-Changing Books for Business that have impacted me.  I wanted to share them with you.

I originally wrote this list in 2021.  So I updated this list again to add a few new favorites!

The E-Myth Revisited

This is one of the best business books ever.  I have bought countless copies and have recommended it more times than I can remember.  I have probably read it 10 different times and have found myself in a different place on the journey each time.  If you are in business or want to start a business, this is awesome.

Profit First

When I first listened to Profit-First, I thought author Mike Michaelowicx was following me around.  It spoke to the challenges I was having in my business’s cash flow right then.  We tentatively adopted the philosophy and have not looked back.  It’s been a game-changer for us.  Mike’s goal is to “eliminate entrepreneurial poverty,” and for many in business, that is a real thing.  Love this book.

Start with Why

You know a book is powerful when it becomes something that everyone else repeats.  It seems every business leader discusses the need to find your WHY now.  Sinek created the conversation and it is an important one in today’s business world.

Leaders Eat Last

I think each one of Sinek’s books has gotten stronger. And while I really enjoyed “Start with Why,” I thought “Leaders Eat Last” was even better.  Sinek goes into what makes a great leader and even the biological reasons for it.  Powerful information…and super interesting too!

Infinite Game

As you might expect, this is my favorite of Simon Sinek’s books.  He explains the difference between a finite game and an infinite game and why it matters so much to know what kind of game you are playing.  For me, it crystallized the idea of playing a “long game” in business.  It’s what I have long believed and discussed, but Sinek does it in a much more articulate way than me!

The Thank You Economy

I love Gary Vaynerchuk.  I am a fan.  But while I love his content, his energy, his speaking, and his philosophy, I don’t always LOVE his books.  But The Thank You Economy was different.  Gary talks about using social media to create appreciation, value, and connection at scale.  Loved this one.

Pumpkin Plan

This is the second Mike Michaelowicz book on the list.  I am a fan of Mike’s work and this is a powerful one about differentiation.  He says “The Riches are in the Niches” and explains how to find your niche and grow into it.  He even spends a bit of time explaining how to “fire a client” which just seems so hard for some entrepreneurs.  The Pumpkin Plan is worth harvesting.

Purple Cow

I am an unapologetic fan of Seth Godin.  He is a thought leader in business and marketing.  And he has the ability to say things in a way that is simple, yet powerful.  “If you want to be remarkable, you have to do something worth remarketing about.”  Read this one if you want to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

The Dip

While this is probably not Godin’s most famous book, it is the one I find myself quoting the most often.  It’s short and powerful.  When you start something new, you will be learning fast and your improvements will be fast.  Then, that will excitement and progress will slow down.  It will not be as exciting.  This is the Dip…and it’s when most people quit.  Get through the Dip…and you become the expert.

The Practice

His most recent book (as I type this), The Practice is a powerful reminder about how we get better at anything.  If you want to build a career, a business, your fitness, content, or a life…creating a Practice will help you do it.

Ultimate Selling Machine

If you are an entrepreneur or are in sales (and we are all in sales), this book is powerful.  There are strategies for everything from creating a sales process to building real relationships.  Love this one.

High Trust Selling

I read this one a long time ago, and it was one of the first books that changed my business.  Duncan’s observation is that 80% of our results in sales come from 20% of activities.  But as salespeople, we tend to focus on the wrong part of the business.  We need to hire out the 80% that does not make us money.

The 5-Second Rule

File this under “simple but powerful.”  Mel Robbins gives you a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 solution for procrastination.  Along the way, she gives powerful insights into performance and life.  Oh…and this is a great audiobook if you enjoy those.

Finish

Jon Acuff is a great writer and speaker.  His sense of humor helps me get lessons I might otherwise miss.  While I love his book Start (Punch Fear in the Face), the book Finish was more powerful for me.  I have never had problems starting things…but finishing?  Squirrel!  He gives some great tips on getting your project to the finish line.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

I talk about this book as a foundational book for anything.  I find myself referencing it years later.  If you have read it.  Read it again.

The Goal

got this book recently at the recommendation from a friend.  It’s a great look at how to improve a bottleneck and flies in the face of traditional manufacturing policy.

Known

Want to build your personal brand?  I really enjoyed this book from Mark Schaeffer on how to make it happen.  In this book, he outlines the 5 steps you need to take to build your brand and become Known.

Building Your Storybrand

Donald Miller wrote this gem that outlines why most companies get their marketing wrong.  It was a real “a-ha” moment for me and shined a light on why sometimes messages work and sometimes they don’t.  Who is your marketing making “the hero of the story?”  Most of us make ourselves the hero.  The customer needs to be the hero.  Miller explains why in this wonderful book.

Marketing Made Simple

Now that you understand that the customer needs to be the hero of your marketing story, Marketing Made Simple digs into the tactics of how to make that happen.  This book outlines a step-by-step process to create a marketing machine that works for your business.

Dare To Lead

Most of us are afraid to put ourselves out there.  We don’t want to be completely authentic because it doesn’t feel like “what a strong leader would do.”  Brene Brown breaks down those myths and challenges us to lean into them.  I feel like this book made me a better leader by making me a better person.

Extreme Ownership

And speaking of leadership, it’s hard to learn from better teachers than Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.  These two team up to give amazing lessons in leadership combined with stories from leading teams in combat.  Oh…and if something is going wrong in your company, or division, or family…you should take extreme ownership.  Good one here.

Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics

Everywhere I looked, I saw people telling me I needed to meditate.  But I didn’t know how.  I felt like I was doing it wrong.  It felt strange and weird.  This book breaks down some of those myths and gives you permission to get started with “just one minute” if that’s what you need to do.  This is a good introduction for someone that feels they might need meditation in your life…but does not know where to start.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

If you are offended by strong language, this book is not for you.  However, if you can get past that, there is a zen-like quality to much of this book that really connected with me.  One of my favorite lessons, which I talk about here, is the idea that successful people are willing to “suffer through” things to get to what they want.  Not everything will be easy.  If you want to reach your goal, you need to decide what you are willing to suffer through.

Scrum

This book is sort of the bible for Agile productivity.  We read it as a team.  If you want to get more done as a team, this book is a must-read.  Can you break down tasks into small enough pieces so that every member of the team can help?  You probably can…and SCRUM lines up how.

4 Disciplines of Execution

Let me see if you have been there.  We come back from a conference (or read a book) and want to implement a great idea.  We start strong, but then the “whirlwind” of business and life gets in the way.  The 4 Disciplines breaks down how to identify the Wildly Important Goal, and create a process to make improvements with your team.

Epic Content Marketing

If you want to do content marketing “right,” this is your manual.  Joe Pulizzi talks about the start of his company and how creating compelling content (for the customer) works.  He shows you how to create an audience and story-tell in a way that will build your brand.  Loved this one.

Hug Your Haters

So you have created a social media following that is worth having.  What do you do when “the haters” show up?  Jay Baer says you need to “Hug Your Haters” in this book about dealing with tough comments on social.  Jay gives the playbook on what to do when complaints happen (and they will).  Most of us want to ignore the comments so they go away.  Jay explains why that is the wrong play…and how doing it right can change haters into fans!

Never Split the Difference

Life is a negotiation.  If you are in business, you already know this.  In this powerful book, Chris Voss takes us inside some amazing stories from a hostage negotiator…and how many of them can apply to you.

Living With a Seal

This is a fun one.  Jesse Itzler tells the story of how he invited the “toughest man on the planet” David Goggins to live with him for a month and train him.  When I listened to this, no one knew who David Goggins was…but it all makes sense now.  While there are some sincere lessons here about how far we (as humans) can go, this one was fun.

The Power of One More

If you have followed me over the past few years, I talk a lot about Ed Mylett.  His book The Power of One More is a great personal development read.  If you want to level up in any area of your life, Mylett gives you the tools to do that.  And I love the way he frames so many of these important topics.

Soundtracks

Jon Acuff is funny and insightful…and this is probably my favorite book from him.  Here Jon talks about the voice that we hear all of the time in our heads…our own.  Most of us can be our own worst enemies, and he gives us permission to push back on that voice…and tools to do just that.  Totally worth a read or a listen.

Buy Back Your Time

Most of the entrepreneurs I know struggle with two things…cash and time.  While this book doesn’t give you any cash, it does give you lots of tactics on how to better use your time in order to grow.

$100 Million Offers

Alex Hermozi doesn’t need any recommendations from me…but he is going to get it anyway!  This book $100 Million Offers, and his follow-up $100 Million Leads, are must-reads if you want to grow your business.  And if you are not following him on social media already, you really should check him out!

Traction

I read this a long time ago…but I didn’t implement it.  I went back to re-read after so many people I respect mentioned the book.  We have worked to implement the tactics at Hasseman Marketing, and now I understand the appeal.

The 6 Types of Working Genius

Sometimes you read a book and it changes the way you look at your team.  This was one of those books for me.  I love the concept of how there are 6 types of work in each project.  Then Patrick Lencioni explains how to increase efficiency and avoid burnout by putting people (and yourself) in your area of genius as much as possible.

12 Months To $1 Million

If you want to start a business, I think this is a great place to start.  There are concepts here that will help you get started off right…and great reminders for those who have been doing this for a while.  Great book!

Hit The TARGET

This is my one selfish plug, but if you are struggling with your marketing, I really think this can help.  Hit The TARGET is my latest book, written as a parable, that helps you identify your perfect customer and grow your business with them.

So there you have it!  This is my updated list of 37 Game-Changing Books for Business.

As always, we want to provide you with value.  So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.