It’s no secret that we love Seth Godin- we’ve interviewed him, discussed what we learned from that interview and included his insights in blog posts.
We’ve noticed that you guys love him too. We like to ask the entrepreneurs we interview what book they are reading, and his books come up again and again.
Below we’ve rounded up a list of the bestsellers from Seth Godin according to Amazon, as well as the ones our listeners and podcast guests mention most often.
Top Seth Godin Books For Entrepreneurs
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
In this book, rather than discussing how to make great products or build a successful business, Godin teaches readers how to make a huge difference in their jobs and companies, regardless of what field they’re in.
These indispensable people, or “linchpins,” love what they do and make a huge difference for both their customers and their colleagues. By showing initiative, charting their own path and viewing their day-to-day work as an art form, linchpins are constantly adding value to their company.
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
The prevailing theory behind this book is that if there isn’t something remarkable, spectacular or exciting about a product or business, all the marketing in the world won’t matter. In other words, your venture needs to stand out intrinsically, not just through a catchy marketing campaign.
Entrepreneurs, product creators and marketers alike find this book to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us
Anyone running an organization or building a community around a product or business needs to read Tribes.
Godin’s argument here is that the internet has made it easier than ever to connect with others, leading to “tribes” forming organically around shared characteristics or interests – from common interests around religious, ethnic, economic or political themes, to less traditional shared aspects such as brand loyalty, shared musical interests and other likes and dislikes. The problem here is a lack of leadership. If you have the drive to change things, connect a tribe and lead people, your opportunities as an employee, customer, investor, entrepreneur, hobbyist or anything else will dramatically increase. This book focuses on defining what makes a tribe while giving advice on how to develop yourself as a leader.
All Marketers Are Liars: The Underground Classic That Explains How Marketing Really Works – And Why Authenticity is the Best Marketing of All
This book by Godin argues that the key to good marketing is telling your brand’s story, rather than focusing on features and benefits.
The important thing here though, is telling stories that are authentic, and that consumers want to believe and share. If you don’t embrace the power of storytelling and tell your story in a way that resonates with your audience, you’ll have a hard time marketing your product, services or business.
The Dip: A Little Book that Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick)
We actually spoke with Godin about this book last year, but to summarize, this book emphasizes the idea that sometimes quitting is a good thing, and he offers advice for determining when to quit and when to stick it out. Godin’s argument revolves around the Dip – temporary setbacks that will get better if you push through them. Knowing when you’re in a Dip and when you’re in a situation that won’t get better is a major key to success as an entrepreneur.
What Seth Godin book is your top pick? Tell us in the comments, and be sure to tune into our podcast each week for more book recommendations.
