Like many digital marketers, I like to network, be it at tradeshows, meet-ups, or through LinkedIn. And one of the questions I get asked most is “What books do you recommend I should read?” That is often followed by “Which authors or bloggers do you follow?” So I thought it would be helpful to mention the 3 most powerful digital marketing books that will definitely boost your career, or help you get started.

Think of it this way: if you’re not motivated, driven, or salivating to transform your marketing/marketing career after reading these books, you may want to change careers. In no particular order:

1. Six Pixels of Separation by Mitch Joel

No book or author has shaped my career more than Six Pixels of Separation and Mitch Joel. Mitch was one of the first authors to write a book that integrated the following core concepts: digital marketing, social media, personal branding, and entrepreneurship. In fact, you may not be reading this blog if it weren’t for his inspiration on branding yourself and Alaa Hassan’s equally important Passion Tribe community.

Not only is Mitch Montreal-born and a journalist by trade – just like me – he is a mastermind at forecasting what concepts and strategies are coming. And if you’re like me, you have a passion for all things digital, but you may at times wonder – how can I keep up with all this change? A phrase Mitch wrote in the book helped me put things into perspective, and should help you do the same: “Be curious about everything, but ruthless in what you get involved with.” If you have a passion and drive to be great, that is a good first step to being a digital rockstar like Mitch is.

He maintains that online channels should not be built simply to push more sales. They need to build loyalty, community, and conversation. If those are done well, the sales will come (for any Ecommerce leaders out there, be sure to focus on the holistic view when building your business plan, and not just on sales, even though the CFO might be twisting your arm).

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