What is a good crash course in marketing for small businesses or startups?
The glib answer is "start a business." Seriously, all entrepreneurs need to know some marketing, whether they call it that or not. Market research, communications, advertising, and so on.
Do you have a specific recommendation for a high-value source of information (web site, book) about marketing for small businesses? Market research, managing marketing campaigns effectively, and so on.
4 Answers
You should check out Seth Godin's site. He is pretty good at explaining the essential marketing concepts high-tech people need to know.
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I think Seth Goding is definitely a bad resource for ISV people, he's a great guy but his tactics and suggestions generally works for massive organisations. As a small ISV I don't think his websites or books etc. is useful. – The Dictator 14 years ago
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I thought I was the only one who thought seth was a bit of a stretch for most of us. Sometimes I am reminded of the infomercial and self-help gurus who just go around collecting fees and writing books. – Tim J 14 years ago
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I disagree that he does not appeal to ISV people. If you read Tribes, it's all about building your following by engaging with like minded people in your niche. – Jarie Bolander 14 years ago
Duct Tape Marketing is both a Web site and a book.
I just finished Bob Walsh's e-book "MicroISV Sites that Sell!", and it is an excellent introduction to marketing for mISV and small startups. It's written for programmers but even if you are not one it is a great read.
to better understand your own flaws and root issues in business - read "Integrity" by Dr. Henry Cloud
to understand what you need to do in a start up - read "The Art of the Start" by Guy Kawasaki and "The Knack" by Norm Brodsky and Bo Burlingham and "Getting to Plan B" by John Mullins, Randy Komisar
Start with those books and apply the principles inside - yes, also start a business - and this will be a good start because application is key to learning.
hope that helps.
Chris
