Where Marketing Books are Plentiful

Get your share of knowledge at the library In my area many people treat bookstores as personal libraries, reading books cover to cover in the bookstore’s eatery while sipping a beverage or eating cake. This must be true, because some of my book’s older edition covers contain permanent coffee ring stains.

I’ve also noticed that these same bookstores have removed numerous chairs and tables. Perhaps it’s an attempt to turn browsers into buyers.

There’s still one place where small and solo business owners can find hundreds of books on marketing, and some are brand new, just like the ones found in bookstores. It’s the library.

Before the Internet became the place where we surf for marketing ideas from the seat of our pants, the library was the only location to learn basic and advanced marketing concepts. It’s the place where I learned to:

1. Promote myself for television appearances. I’ve appeared on CNBC, Food Network, Channel 5 New York, New Jersey Network, and The Discovery Channel.
2. Market my expertise by writing books. My first book was a self-published, spiral-bound marketing manual, and now I’m working on my third mass-market book contracted by a publisher.
3. Employ guerilla tactics, swim with sharks, and click with customers. I could have purchased these books, but I rented them at the library and put the money I saved into a business that’s both rewarding and fulfilling.

After all these years, my stomach still becomes knotted as I enter the library. I can’t wait to browse through the new book section and 651 rack. Most of all, I use the information found in those books to practice tried-and-true marketing techniques.

In Business Las Vegas features an article about the untapped resources found in Nevada libraries. The same is probably true about libraries in your area.

Visit your local library this summer if you find yourself with some spare time. I can almost guarantee that the inspiration you seek is waiting in a book available free of charge for 30 days.

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July 25, 2006 | Filed Under Offline Ideas, Recent Entries, Saving Money

Comments

2 Responses to “Where Marketing Books are Plentiful”

Mitch on July 27th, 2006 2:46 am

You know, I used to love the library, and it was my place of choice. However, now there just seems to be way too many people whenever I go, and many of the books I might want to read are, well, kind of old looking. Some people actually highlight library books as if they belong to them; I hate that.

I go to Barnes and Noble most of the time, and I’ve been known to sit down and read a little bit of a book, to see if I enjoy it. Only once did I not buy a book I enjoyed, but it was only 110 pages, very short, and it took me 30 minutes to read the entire thing; not my fault!

Still, you’re right; the library does offer its own feel if you don’t have to deal with so many people. I just wish I could get that big peanut butter cup cookie there.
Shirley George Frazier on July 27th, 2006 7:06 am

Hi Mitch,

So your local library is well utilized? That’s good for the town, but I also understand where you’re coming from.

I tend to visit the library early in the morning before most people start their day. However, my schedule is certainly different. Everyone can’t get there at 9:01 am.

As for worn-looking books, I understand that, too. My town library is super-duper old, and ratty-looking books are easy to spot. I usually go to another library that’s out of town. They regularly sell or trade their older books, replacing them with new material. I guess that’s why this library has lots of patronage and why I arrive early in the morning.