‘Guerrilla Marketing’ by Jay Conrad Levinson

An updated and expanded version of the original 1983 publishing. In this edition, Levinson gives his readers an in-depth look at the possibilities of marketing and promotion in the twenty-first century.

This book is filled with leading-edge strategies for marketing on the internet, putting new technologies to work, targeting prospects, cultivating repeat and referral business, and managing in the age of telecommuting and freelance employees.

It is arguably an essential read for small business owners as it looks at how to utilise a shoestring budget to compete effectively with large competitors by using unorthodox marketing strategies and promotional techniques often overlooked or dismissed by big companies.

I’m really enjoying this book but I can’t help thinking that Levinson has attempted to write a 100 page book in 368 pages. The content appears quite diluted with Levinson talking around each subject before actually saying anything useful. Despite this, if you can sift through the ‘filler’ with which the book has been generously padded, you will find this an informative and interesting read.

‘Anyone can do it’ by Duncan Bannatyne

Yes! I too am a fan of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den so I decided to buy my favourite dragon’s autobiography.

Now, for me, autobiographies can be a bit hit and miss. In order to remain interested in an autobiography it has to inspire me. It has to fill me with enthusiasm and give me something that I can use to fulfil my own aspirations and ambitions. Suffice to say, this did exactly that!

The book takes you on a tour of Duncan’s life, allowing you to gain an insight into his ideas and thought process as he makes his journey from ice cream man to health club tycoon. And the book isn’t just concerned with the business side of his life; it touches on everything from seeing off extortion attempts to throwing his Navy commanding officer overboard. He truly has lived an eventful life.

Whilst I disagree with Duncan’s claim that ‘anyone can do it’, I think the book serves as inspiration for anyone who already holds the mentality and personal attributes to ‘do it’. A great book and a great entrepreneur, essential reading for those aspiring for success in business.