Book review: A quickie on a decent read, an apology, and another promise

Posted on | October 1, 2008 |

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First of all please forgive me for the long absence from words on screen. The workload is getting ever more complex and interesting. As many of you know, in startups, sales, mentoring, and execution, success breeds more work. With all of my client efforts thriving, my own efforts have had to take a backseat for a short period of time. No offense, but it was you or the kids, and well they are really cute. Still I am truly sorry.

Now on to the promise; I will deliver fresh content EVERY WEEK DAY in OCTOBER; share several surprises and announcements, answer 2 ask the coach questions, offer some give aways, and much much more. For now, just know the TV show will launch in January, and the book is on track for summer.

Now, on to the review:

Email Marketing for Complex Sales Cycles by Winton Churchill. Yes that is really his name, and frankly I find it a great name for a marketing wizard. Talk about a quick grab and a talking piece. No offense to my makers but Karl Goldfield does not have a story of prime minister proportions behind it. At best a couple of stories whispered in the back of a seedy bar from my exploits in my 20’s.

Anyways, this was an exceptionally quick read that took about three of my four hours. Since it was so easy to digest I will skip my usual reviewing style and just share some basics. Winton does a a great job spelling out just that:

1. A simple explanation to the less savvy on the benefits of email marketing.

2. A basic philosophy to deliver value and get people to want to work with you.

3. Strong advice as to how this can cmpliment your sales efforts.

4. A defined theory and the application to make it work.

5. Value, this book is a steal considering he shares a lot.

Now, as is my custom, I will share the minor things I had a problem with. As in most books on sales and marketing, Winton has a habit of justifying the content. I wish as an author he would just let his content speak for itself instead of sharing why you have to believe in it. This book is also for the early marketer, and while I try to review through the average readers mind, there is nothing new here for those already focused on email marketing strategies. Considering I am running Message Slinger there is not much here for me but a bit of a strategic refresher. For those of you that are not accustomed to generating leads through email marketing, buy this book.

A parting thought; Winton is very good at spelling things out in conversational prose. With the reading of our modern society moving to the casual comunications of the blogosphere, he has a great written voice. Again, it was a quick read, between a Chivas and a plane landing in Dallas. If you need to get some leads going for a low cost with high return, it is worth every penny.

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