"Learn to Love Selling – The Universal B2B Sales Playbook" by Mark Cox, founder of In the Funnel Sales Coaching and part-time ice hockey goalie, is an insightful and comprehensive guide designed to demystify the art of B2B sales. In the book, Cox explains that his motivation to write stemmed from a deep-seated desire to transform the often daunting nature of sales into an accessible and enjoyable process. He draws on his extensive experience in sales coaching, distilling his knowledge into actionable strategies that can benefit both novice and seasoned sales professionals. The book is structured around the concept of a sales playbook—a crucial tool that provides a structured approach to selling, encompassing key elements such as value proposition, territory management, demand generation, sales processes, strategies, and the buyer’s journey.

Cox's modern sales playbook emphasizes the importance of a well-defined sales strategy that aligns with contemporary sales technologies. He articulates how a strong value proposition is essential for distinguishing your offering in a crowded marketplace, while effective territory management ensures resources are optimally allocated. The book delves into demand generation techniques that create a steady stream of leads, alongside a detailed exploration of the sales process, from initial contact to closing the deal. Furthermore, Cox discusses the integration of the sales tech stack, underscoring how tools like CRM systems and analytics platforms can enhance efficiency and decision-making. "Learn to Love Selling" is not just a guide, but a transformative resource that equips sales professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in today’s competitive B2B landscape.

"The Inclusion Journey: Creating a strategy that improves employee engagement and company results" by Mo Kanjilal and Allegra Chapman is an insightful guide for organizations aiming to build more diverse and inclusive teams. As a seasoned speaker, entrepreneur, and TedX speaker, Mo Kanjilal brings a wealth of experience to the table. She co-founded "Watch This Sp_ce," a platform dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This book is a comprehensive resource, outlining practical steps for initiating an inclusion project within your business. It addresses crucial topics such as creating a strategy to improve employee engagement and company results.

The book delves into the detail of starting an inclusion journey, offering advice on how to get things moving in your organization, how to draw a journey map to track progress, and how to tackle inevitable challenges. The authors emphasize the importance of celebrating successes along the way, ensuring that the process remains motivating and impactful. With a clear, conversational tone, Kanjilal and Chapman provide actionable insights that can help any business create a more inclusive environment, enhancing both employee satisfaction and overall company performance. This guide is a must-read for any business leader committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

"Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About The World - And Why Things Are Better Than You Think" by Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling, and Anna Rosling Ronnlund is an enlightening and optimistic exploration of the global progress often overshadowed by negative news and misconceptions. The book deftly dismantles widespread myths about the state of the world, using rigorous data and engaging anecdotes to reveal how humanity has advanced significantly in health, education, and economic stability. Rosling's signature blend of storytelling and statistics transforms potentially dry information into an accessible and compelling narrative, illustrating that the world, contrary to popular belief, is much better than we think. The authors' concept of 'Factfulness'—the stress-reducing habit of only carrying opinions for which you have strong supporting facts—serves as a powerful tool for readers to adopt a more informed and less biased worldview.

The collaborative effort of Hans Rosling, his son Ola, and daughter-in-law Anna ensures that "Factfulness" is not only grounded in extensive research but also imbued with a personal touch, reflecting the Roslings' passion for educating and empowering people. The book's structure, divided into ten instincts that skew our perception of reality, provides a clear and systematic approach to understanding common cognitive biases. Each chapter is a revelation, challenging readers to question their assumptions and encouraging a more fact-based perspective on global issues. "Factfulness" is a crucial read for anyone seeking to navigate the often overwhelming flow of information in today's world, offering a refreshing and hopeful outlook that underscores the importance of data-driven thinking in making sense of our complex and rapidly changing environment.

The Indispensable Leader's Handbook by James M. Kerr is a comprehensive and practical guide for both aspiring and seasoned leaders. Kerr distills his vast experience as a top-ranked business coach into 101 actionable tips that are easy to understand and apply. The book covers a wide range of leadership topics, from building trust within teams to fostering innovation and driving organizational change. Each tip is presented with clarity, often accompanied by real-world examples that make the concepts relatable and relevant. This is not just a theoretical treatise on leadership; it is a hands-on manual that leaders can reference daily to enhance their effectiveness and impact.

What makes this book stand out is its accessibility. Kerr avoids jargon and keeps the advice straightforward, making it suitable for leaders at all levels. Whether you're a new manager looking to establish your leadership style or a seasoned executive seeking fresh insights, The Indispensable Leader's Handbook offers valuable wisdom. The format of concise tips also makes it easy to digest and revisit as needed. In an era where leadership challenges are more complex than ever, Kerr's book is a timely and essential resource that empowers leaders to navigate their roles with confidence and competence.

Marketing in Web 3.0: Artificial Intelligence, the Metaverse and the Future of Marketing by Simon Kingsnorth is a forward-thinking exploration of the rapidly evolving landscape of digital marketing. Kingsnorth, a seasoned expert in the field, adeptly bridges the gap between today’s marketing practices and the technological innovations that are reshaping the industry. The book is rich with insights into how AI, the metaverse, and blockchain technologies are poised to redefine consumer engagement, offering marketers a roadmap to navigate these complex developments. Kingsnorth doesn’t just theorize about the future; he provides actionable strategies and case studies that make this an essential read for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve.

What sets this book apart is its blend of practical advice and visionary thinking. Kingsnorth manages to demystify emerging technologies without oversimplifying them, making the content accessible to both marketing veterans and those new to the field. His clear, engaging writing style keeps readers hooked as he tackles topics like decentralized marketing strategies, AI-driven personalization, and the ethical considerations that come with these advancements. Marketing in Web 3.0 is not just a glimpse into the future; it’s a comprehensive guide that empowers marketers to leverage cutting-edge tools and concepts to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.

Levison Wood's Eastern Horizons: Hitchhiking the Silk Road is a gripping and immersive account of adventure, exploration, and self-discovery. Wood, who is well-known for his extensive travels, retraces the ancient Silk Road, blending historical insight with his own personal experiences. His vivid descriptions of the diverse landscapes and cultures he encounters—from the bustling streets of St. Petersburg to the remote, rugged terrains of Afghanistan and Iran—make you feel as though you’re traveling alongside him. His writing strikes a balance between poetic and practical, offering readers a genuine sense of what it’s like to traverse one of the world's most storied routes, all while hitchhiking his way through it.

What sets Eastern Horizons apart is Wood's curiosity and deep respect for the people he meets along the way. His encounters range from warm, hospitable locals to complex, challenging situations, and his reflections on these moments add layers of introspection and humility to the narrative. As he grapples with geopolitical tensions, the remnants of Soviet influence, and the intricacies of modern-day life along the Silk Road, the book becomes more than just a travelogue—it’s a thoughtful exploration of humanity and connection across borders. For anyone with a thirst for adventure or a deep appreciation for history, this book is a captivating read.

Rick Williams' book "Create the Future – Powerful Decision-Making Tools for Your Company and Yourself" offers a practical approach to decision-making in a rapidly changing world. Williams, drawing on his experience as a business leader and consultant, presents a set of decision-making frameworks that help leaders not only tackle current challenges but also anticipate future trends. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding both macro and micro environments, suggesting that forward-thinking decision-making is essential for navigating uncertainties and turning them into opportunities. Williams uses real-life examples to illustrate how these tools can be applied in corporate and personal contexts, making the content relatable and easy to follow.

One of the book's strengths is its balance between strategic insight and actionable steps. Rather than offering abstract theories, Williams provides readers with clear, implementable tools that can immediately improve their decision-making processes. He also stresses the importance of adaptability, urging leaders to continuously reassess their strategies to stay ahead in a fast-paced world. Overall, "Create the Future" serves as a valuable guide for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and make more informed decisions in an uncertain future.

Paul Thornton's "Leadership—Are You Providing the Right Amount?" is a thought-provoking and concise exploration of leadership principles, making it a valuable guide for leaders at any level. Thornton's clear and practical approach helps readers assess their leadership style and adjust it according to the needs of their teams. By focusing on the balance between directing, coaching, and delegating, Thornton presents a framework that is easy to understand and apply, providing readers with actionable steps to enhance their leadership effectiveness. His emphasis on self-awareness and adaptability serves as a reminder that great leaders are not rigid but instead responsive to changing situations.

What sets this book apart is its pragmatic focus, avoiding abstract theories in favor of real-world advice. Thornton's use of case studies and examples makes the book engaging and relevant, allowing readers to see how his principles apply in everyday business scenarios. Whether you're an experienced leader or someone new to a managerial role, "Leadership—Are You Providing the Right Amount?" serves as a practical toolkit to help refine your leadership approach. It's a quick yet impactful read that can inspire anyone to reflect on and improve their leadership capabilities.

"Buyer Personas – Gain Insight into Your Customers’ Buying Decisions and Win More Business" by Jim Kraus and Adele Revella is an essential read for marketers and business professionals who seek to understand their customers on a deeper level. The book provides a detailed guide on how to create and utilize buyer personas effectively, emphasizing the importance of focusing on real customer stories rather than hypothetical data. Kraus and Revella's approach is refreshing and practical, breaking down complex market research into digestible steps. Their insights into customer motivations, preferences, and decision-making processes are invaluable, particularly for those aiming to align marketing strategies more closely with customer needs.

What sets this book apart is its practical application. Kraus and Revella don’t just discuss the theory behind buyer personas; they walk readers through the process of building and leveraging these personas to enhance marketing efforts. The examples and case studies included help ground the concepts in real-world scenarios, making it easy for readers to relate and implement the advice in their own work. Overall, "Buyer Personas" is an informative and actionable resource that can significantly improve how businesses connect with their target audiences.

"Smart Social Media" by Luan Wise is an insightful and practical guide for businesses looking to harness the power of social media effectively. The book is packed with clear, actionable advice tailored for both beginners and seasoned marketers. Luan Wise demystifies social media strategies, offering tips on content creation, platform selection, and audience engagement. Her writing style is concise, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply, whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger marketing team.

What sets this book apart is its realistic and no-nonsense approach. Rather than promising overnight success, Wise emphasizes the importance of planning, consistency, and measuring results to refine strategies over time. She provides real-world examples, checklists, and templates, making it a valuable resource to refer back to regularly. "Smart Social Media" is a must-read for anyone seeking to develop a thoughtful, effective social media presence that aligns with their business goals.

I wrote the first edition of "social selling - techniques to influence buyers and changemakers - 1st edition" (the one with the white cover) back in 2015 and it was published in 2016. It was the first book on social selling to be published. With so many changes that have taken place in social media over time, when Kogan Page, my publisher, approached me and asked for a second edition (the one with the yellow cover), I agreed.

This second edition, has been totally updated from 187 pages to 306. I explain how the world of business has changed with digital and how that impacts the modern buyer and it's a business imperative that we change our sales and marketing.

Many people often think that social selling is some sort of future state. It's not, it's the here and now. DLA Ignite, my company, for example, has clients doing $multi-million deals using social media. If your not doing $multi-million deals on social, your competition are and you are losing market share and revenue.

With this book, I contacted people I knew that were using social media to drive revenue and got them to tell their story. Chris Fleming the CEO of Cyberhawk, shares how he transformed his business to social and digital 3 years ago. Putting that another way, if you haven't transformed to a social selling methodology by now, you are 3 years behind the market.

In my second book, "Smarketing - How to achieve competitive advantage through blended sales and marketing" published through Kogan Page, we looked at the age old problem of marketing and sales working together.  At the time there was a lot of conversations on social media about how on earth do we get sales and marketing to be one team?

The book, takes a case study, which we cannot mention, it works through the strategy, how to implement a program to implement sales and marketing, the political risks and measures and governance. The book finishes with a look into the future of sales and marketing.

I would admit that if we wrote the book today, we would probably call it Rev-ops (revenue operations).

Please note that some reviews (but not all) I had Chat GPT to help me.