Creative Nonfiction

If you've ever wondered how brands embed themselves into our culture, "Wordcraft" is an eye-opener. Alex Frankel dives into the alchemy of naming in the marketplace, blending anecdotes with insider knowledge. It's a must-read if you're intrigued by how mere words can shape massive successes in business.

The 2010 Culture Book by Zappos is a perfect read for individuals who value and prioritize company culture within their workplace. The book provides a creative and unique glimpse into the inner structure and core values of Zappos. The unedited submissions from employees, partners, and customers further add transparency to the company's culture, making it an inspiring and informative read for those interested in building a stronger company culture.

Marketing is undergoing a major shift that has been brought on by the change in the way people find and consume information. Whether it is Google s ability to make the information resources of the Internet searchable or social media s ability to connect people with peers for credible opinions on products and services, the way in which we access information and search for products has fundamentally changed. As this transition happens, marketing and sales teams must react. With the shift to online from face to face, the ability to see body language and read the room has disappeared. Marketing must step in to read prospects Digital Body Language and use that knowledge to guide the prospects buying process. The new book Digital Body Language Deciphering Customer Intentions in an Online World , discusses the transitions that this is forcing in marketing departments everywhere, as they move to succeed in this new reality. In it, Steven Woods, industry expert and CTO of Eloqua discusses best practices for analyzing and understanding customer intent through analyzing their Digital Body Language. The book uses informative explanations and in-depth case studies of many of the leading marketers around the world to show approaches to profiling, leads scoring, lead nurturing, sales handoff, marketing analytics, and data management. Woods makes a compelling case that the transitions we are all experiencing in today's marketing environment are part of a fundamental shift in the way we think about marketing and the way we understand the buying process of our customers.

If you're feeling the pressures of change at work or you're tasked with leading your team through transitions, this book by William S. Kane could be an invaluable resource. It's like having a mentor guide you through change management with tried-and-tested advice broken down into actionable steps. It's particularly helpful for those who appreciate a practical approach to overcoming the inevitable challenges of change in business.

If Dilbert has been part of your daily comic strip diet, "Seven Years of Highly Defective People" is like sitting down with Scott Adams and flipping through a family album. With Adams providing a narrative to Dilbert's world, you'll get a glimpse into the quirky inception of your favorite characters and how they’ve amusingly marched alongside the reality of the corporate world for a better part of a decade. It’s nostalgia with a laugh track.

If you're looking to deepen your faith and daily walk with God, the NIV Men's Devotional Bible could serve as a reliable companion. Its everyday devotions are tailored specifically for the challenges and questions you face as a modern man, providing wisdom from a blend of respected voices. Coupled with Scripture passages to reflect upon, this Bible aims to fortify and inspire your personal journey.

If you're interested in why some brands become household names while others fade into obscurity, "Brand Warfare" is a must-read. It's packed with insights from real-world examples and gives you actionable strategies to make your brand stand out. D'Alessandro's battle-tested rules could transform how you approach marketing and brand identity.

Cool isn't just a state of mind, a celebrity fad, or an American obsession -- it's a business. In boardrooms across America, product managers are examining vodka bottles and candy bars, tissue boxes and hamburgers, wondering how do we make this thing cool? How do we make this gadget into the iPod of our industry? How do we do what Nike did? How do we get what Target got? How do we infuse this product with that very desirable, nearly unattainable it factor?In this wide-ranging exploration the authors Noah Kerner, a celebrated marketing maverick, and Gene Pressman, legendary creative visionary and former co-CEO of Barneys New York, have uncovered surprising and universal patterns and trends. They systematically parse the successes and failures of the last few decades -- in music and fashion, magazines and food, spirits and hip-hop culture. Their discoveries are pulled together in this definitive book on the commerce of cool.Nike and Target endure as relevant brands not because of a shortsighted and gimmicky campaign. A dash of bling and a viral website don't amass long-term value. Brands are effectively developed when companies take substantial risk -- and face the possibility of real failure -- in order to open up the opportunity for real success.Chasing Cool includes interviews with more than seventy of today's most respected innovators from Tom Ford and Russell Simmons to Ian Schrager and Christina Aguilera. And through this accomplished assemblage, Pressman and Kerner dig beneath the surface and reveal how emphasizing long-lasting relevance trumps a fleeting preoccupation with what's hot and what's not. In a multidimensional, entertaining, and eminently readable book that redefines how to appeal to today's savvy consumer, Kerner and Pressman explore the lessons to be learned by America's ongoing search for the ever-changing concept of cool. Readers will learn how to apply these lessons to their own businesses and creative projects in order to stand out in today's cluttered marketplace."Simply chasing cool is really a bad idea; inspired by cool is a great idea. Walk the street, see what's going on, and spit it out in your own way. Don't do it because you research it, do it because you breathe it."-- Russell Simmons, chairman and CEO of Rush Communications"I can't imagine having to hire a so-called Cool Hunter. If I had to go to someone else to be cool, I'd just pack up my bags and find a new profession."-- Tony Hawk, professional skateboarder"It's possible to be both mainstream and edgy. You can be the Goliath but you always have to think and behave like the David."-- Scott Bedbury, former Nike and Starbucks marketing executive"I love looking at trend reports because then I know exactly what I shouldn't be doing."-- John Demsey, group president, Estée Lauder, MAC Cosmetics, Prescriptives, Sean John, and Tom Ford Beauty"I don't believe in creation by committee. I think it's impossible."-- Bonnie Fuller, chief editorial director and executive vice president of American Media Inc."We had to make a big decision at MTV when I was there. Do we grow old with our audience or are we going to be the voice of young America? We made the decision to be the voice of young America, which meant we had to let people grow out of MTV."-- Bob Pittman, cofounder of MTV, former president of AOL

Reasons to read: - How Stella Saved the Farm is an inspiring and relatable parable about embracing change and managing innovation in difficult times. - This book offers practical lessons grounded in academic research, making it applicable to organizations of all types. - Readers will learn how to avoid common myths about innovation, build effective teams, and take their business to the next level in a fast-changing world. - The unique storytelling approach, drawing inspiration from Animal Farm and Our Iceberg is Melting, makes this book an engaging and memorable read.

If you've ever dreamed of starting your own fashion line but felt daunted by the business side of things, this book is like a mentor in print form. Toby Meadows doesn't gloss over the tough parts; instead, he offers practical advice and real-world examples to guide you through the entire process. This read could turn the intimidating task of launching your label into an actionable plan.

Marketing Genius could be a good read for marketers who want new perspectives and ideas to rejuvenate their marketing strategies. The book offers case studies of successful brands and marketers such as Google and Jones Soda, and explains how to apply creative intelligence to marketing challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of customers and marketing in achieving business success, and provides practical tools and concepts to do so. Overall, Marketing Genius is an inspiring and engaging book that will help marketers to think differently and achieve exceptional results.

"Leading with New Eyes" is a great read for individuals looking to lead creatively in a rapidly changing world. The author highlights the importance of embracing diverse ideas and tapping into both Western and Eastern knowledge, to transform organizations. The book provides a diagnostic to assess if your corporation has the DNA of an explorer and encourages self-reflection and action through thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. It is a must-read for leaders who want to stay ahead of the game and inspire creative thinking.

If you feel like the underdog in your industry, "Killing Giants" might be just the book you need. Stephen Denny outlines actionable strategies for taking on the big players, showing that agility and innovation can trump sheer size. It's a playbook for smaller businesses eager to outmaneuver their larger counterparts and anyone who loves a good underdog success story.

Jesus Christ, Disciplemaker is a highly recommended resource for pastors and church leaders who want to learn how to help others grow in God's service. With insights drawn from author Bill Hull's twenty years of helping churches make disciples, the book outlines Christ's methods in training his twelve disciples and presents a biblical pattern that emulates Christ's model for reaching the lost. The book challenges readers' notions of who makes disciples, how long it takes, the learning process, and the end result, and shows how open and loving relationships are at the core of Jesus' own disciple-making while he walked this earth, and how they are still key as he makes disciples today.

Recommendation: - Looking for a way to boost morale and improve results at your workplace? "Fish! : A remarkable way to boost morale and improve results" takes you on a journey with a fictional manager who learns valuable lessons from Seattle's Pike Place Fish market. This engaging parable offers simple yet profound wisdom that can be easily applied to address today's work issues. With its appealing message and instant applicability, this book is perfect for anyone seeking to energize and transform their workplace.

Imagine addressing issues long before they turn into emergencies. "Upstream" captivates precisely with this proactive vision. Dan Heath invites you to shift your focus from merely reacting to creatively preventing problems. His practical insights come from those who've made significant strides in this realm, and his engaging storytelling transforms what could seem like an abstract principle into tangible, actionable wisdom. It's the sort of book that doesn't just present ideas; it can fundamentally change the way you approach personal and professional obstacles.

Recommendation: Hey there! If you want to take your presentations to the next level, "TED Talks Storytelling: 23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks" is a must-read for you. This book reveals the secret behind delivering a great TED talk - storytelling. By studying over 200 TED talks, the author discovered that stories were the common thread among all the captivating talks. Packed with case studies and practical tips, this short but powerful guide will teach you how to inject life into your presentations and keep your audience mesmerized. Get ready to leave a lasting impression and connect with your listeners on a whole new level!

Imagine you're scaling a mountain, and "Never Eat Alone" is like having the best gear to help you climb – not just for the sake of reaching the top, but enjoying the camaraderie on the way up. Keith Ferrazzi is that seasoned guide who shares that who you know and how you maintain those relationships can really make the difference in your career. It's like opening a toolbox filled with strategies for connecting genuinely, helping others, and in the process, helping yourself. It goes beyond superficial networking, infusing your professional journey with real human warmth.

This book could be a good read for individuals interested in learning about innovation and creativity in the business world. The book provides practical tips on how to create an innovative workspace, focusing on the importance of quality and maintaining a childlike sense of wonder in the workplace. The book provides real-life examples of other leading organizations, such as Google and Nike, who have also utilized innovative strategies in their businesses. Overall, this book can inspire readers to unleash their creativity and think outside the box in their work environments.

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to foster innovation and drive creativity within their organization. Through captivating stories and real-world examples, Tom Kelley takes you on a journey to discover the ten roles that can ignite innovation and counter the skeptics. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a manager, or simply someone who wants to unleash their creative potential, The Ten Faces of Innovation will provide you with practical strategies to transform your thinking, challenge the status quo, and bring fresh ideas to life. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to make a difference in your professional life!

Teachers Doing Research is a useful tool for educators who seek to improve their classroom practices. The book highlights the benefits and practical applications of teacher-led research, and offers guidance on how to implement it effectively. The inclusion of nine narratives from teachers who have conducted their own research provides valuable insight into the process and outcomes of teacher-led inquiry. The book also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and student involvement in research. Recommended for educators looking to enhance their professional development and classroom practices.

This book could be a good read for someone who is interested in making a real impact in the field of education. It tells the inspiring story of MindChamps, an organization that combines passion and business strategy to create a global movement. This book will show you how their unique philosophy and values-driven strategies have the power to shape the future of individuals, families, communities, countries, and education systems worldwide. If you're looking for a book that will motivate and inspire you to make a difference, "The MindChamps Way" is a must-read.

This book is a must-read for managers looking to transform their workplace into an innovative and efficient environment. By introducing the concept of idea-generating clubs, the author empowers employees to take ownership of problem-solving. With step-by-step guidance, managers can tap into the collective genius of their team, foster collaboration, and boost morale. In a world where doing more with less is a necessity, this book offers practical strategies to drive innovation and ensure survival in tough times.

If you're looking for a fresh perspective on leadership, "Wayfinding Leadership" could be a compass for your managerial journey. The book bridges ancient navigational principles with modern-day leadership challenges. Its unique approach intertwines storytelling with practical applications, making for an engaging read that's both enlightening and action-oriented. As you traverse its pages, you might find yourself charting a new course towards effective, inspired leadership.

"Think Better" isn't just a read; it's an investment in your cognitive toolkit. Tim Hurson lays out a practical, structured method to enhance your problem-solving prowess, blending creative with critical thinking. It's especially potent if you're feeling stuck in a creative rut or navigating complex business challenges. By embracing Hurson's Productive Thinking model, you can transform obstacles into opportunities, ensuring each idea matures into actionable strategies. This could be the brainpower boost you've been searching for.