At Energi, we believe books are one of the most powerful forms of escapism.
They have the ability to change lives, inspire fresh ideas and take you to another time, place or culture.
In honour of #BookLoversDay, we’re setting aside our smartphones and are celebrating this literary-loving date with a few of our agency’s favourite reads. From industry classics, to contemporary design works, to life-long favourites; our list includes a book for every taste.
Here are eight favourite weekend reads that we promise won’t disappoint:
- Good to Great by James Collins.
“Our agency’s philosophy has been built on the simple, yet timeless principals outlines in Good to Great”. Although this book is over 10 years old, it provides concepts that are still very relevant in today’s business culture, providing guidance on how to manage effectively for the long haul. Following its teachings can assist with getting better employee engagement and formulating a business strategy designed for success.
The book made it clear that building a great business isn’t just about a great leader who exits the company, only to have it fall apart. What makes a great business, and leader of the business, is someone who is able to build something that will last long after their lifetime. An essential read for any business owner, Good to Great is a hallmark classic text. Yet it behoves you to understand that what you get out of it is entirely up to you.”
2. How to Wrestle an Octopus by Sarah Ritchie
“As account managers, How to Wrestle an Octopus become our bible and first point-of-call in navigating ‘Agency Land’ and mastering our craft, providing clear step by step advice on how to master account management. It covers many different aspects of this complex role, from best practices for better workflow management, to networking to pitching to building relationships.
We highly recommend this book for anyone working in advertising looking to up their game!”
3. The Choice Factory by Richard Shotton
“This easy to read book provides a very entertaining introduction and understanding of the unseen yet powerful potential of behavioural economics. A combination of academia, real life and campaigns, The Choice Factory contains a treasure trove of insights for anyone working in marketing or advertising. From Social Proof to The Dangers of Claimed Data and The Pratfall Effect, the 25 biases that Richard explores provides a glimpse into the hilariously biased human mind. A must read!”
4. The Field Guide To Human Centered Design by IDEO.org
“IDEO’s field-guide and tool kit focuses on how to approach any human-centered design thinking process; whether that be service, business or product design-focused. It centres around the importance of careful understanding, and empathy for the people and communities you are working for; which in turn lead to a stronger, more informed, simple design solution or product. The topics are straight to the point, precise and easy to follow – a must read for anyone involved any field of design!”
5. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
“This was arguably one of the most useful books I’ve ever read, both in my personal and professional life. It includes easy to understand advice for fostering positive and successful relationships with people in all areas of your life. This isn’t necessarily a guide for ‘making friends’, although it certainly can be used to assist in this way, but rather, it promotes good communication, kindness, and the social skills to foster healthy and productive working relationships.
I recommend everyone to go into it with a reflective approach and a genuine and concentrated effort to gain wisdom and you will receive the insights to achieve the goodwill of others as well as the expertise to create strong and lasting relationships. There is so much that can be gained from Carnegie’s teachings and encourage you to give it a try!”
6. The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People by Stephen Covey
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is one of those seminal works that everyone should read! It is not a business, relationship or self-help book; It is a book about YOU, in a holistic context.
The author shows how a principle-centred, character-based life helps you build the healthy relationships that are key to an effective life, and has been particularly useful in my day-today activities over my career. This classic is well worth reading for its perspective and practical advice!”
7. This Is Marketing by Seth Godin
“As someone who works in this field, I thoroughly enjoyed reading, learning and even getting some reinforcements on ideas that are too often overlooked by marketers. Godin offers the core of his wisdom on marketing in one accessible, timeless book. This philosophy is built on one big idea: Great marketers don’t use consumers to solve their company’s problem, but rather they use marketing to solve other people’s problems. They don’t just make noise; they make the world better!
Truly powerful marketing is grounded in empathy, generosity, and emotional labour. If you own a business, or you’re involved in marketing in any way, this is a good read.”
8. Make Enemies & Gain Fans by Snask
“A design book that tells the story of Snask – a branding, design and film agency based in Stockholm.
This is book is not your generic design book filled with beautiful artwork and a blurb. It tells the story of an agency celebrating not just the highs but also the lows. Whether you want to open a business or if you just need a little creative juice to get you going on a project, this book will inspire you.”
