Scott Stratten

To paraphrase a popular meme: I don't always read marketing books, but when I do, I only read ones that have adorable kittens on the cover. Web guru Scott Stratten has put together an easy to read, mildly amusing book on internet and social media marketing, including such sage advice as "QR codes represent what's wrong with business today...they don't work, nobody likes them, they're selfish, [and] they take up valuable time better spent elsewhere." The book also contains laughable examples show more of social media blunders. You may think you don't need to be reminded not to type in ALL CAPS, but you may be surprised how many people and businesses do need the reminder.

Someone should tell Stratten, however, that the reason speakers ask the audience to turn their cell phones off is not that the speakers are concerned that telephone calls will be more compelling than their presentations. When some random audience member's cell phone rings, it is distracting to the entire audience.

As it says on the back flap, "It's a freaking picture book, you either like it or you don't." It's not an essential read in any way, but I liked it. show less

I knew a lot of this but the style was really engaging and I did end up with a bunch of notes and some food for thought. (One being that I really don't want to use SM for my marketing - let me work off of a website/newsletter model to start.) While twitter is no longer the great thing it was when this book was written (seriously, the advice to ignore the trolls works great when you're a white male, not so much for anyone else where being ignored often leads to escalation), creator show more monetization is now a thing, trade shows have now gone virtual, and of course there's nothing about the newest kid on the block TikTok, there's still a lot of value to be had show less

Informative,on point and charmingly funny. A book that I really believe could make a difference to companies everywhere. Fantastic pieces of advice being that if you create good products/services , don't be an asshole, hire competent people and treat them well -- you will succeed. Thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot and will be picking up copies of his other books. Some other random thoughts while I drink wine and type up this review. I have never heard Social Media described in terms of show more donuts, but damn, it totally makes sense. The Chapter about publishing was interesting as I now get the point of pre-orders in terms of placement on Bestsellers lists. Rather amazed that after working for Chapters for 5 years and book blogging for at least 8, I didn't understand this. I was a little disappointed of the mentions of Barnes and Noble and Amazon, but no mention of Indigo. Sent the book info to one of my favourite people, Jeremy -- and I hope it was interesting and helpful for him as well. There is also a chapter that compares Westjet and Air Canada. Westjet just hired me and the chapter made me feel that I chose the right company to apply for. Oh yeah and they mentioned Forty Creek, so I decided to try some and it was good. But umm I am a wine girl and not used to stronger liquor -- sorry honey for falling asleep while watching Quantico with you -- it wasn't me -- it was the whiskey.

Favourite Quotes/Passage

"Knowledge plus passion for product and/or service equals profit."

"Hire for passion and treat employees with value and respect - that way when you get what you pay for , you'll be getting awesome work, instead of a whole lot of nothing." show less

"QR codes alienate customers, dishearten employees, and drive your business into the ground, not to mention kill kittens." A funny book with lots of painful examples of what happens when marketing goes bad.