Over the past 2 years I’ve been on a mission to try and soak up a whole load of info about how the world is changing and how the social web, free and co-creation fit into the future of business. The books below have not only given me a great understanding of both modern business and the social web they’ve also provided me with countless conversations pieces. I strongly recommend these books to anyone who’s looking to get into this space.
Reading this book changed the way I look at the world, it was the starting point for my interest in the web. Thomas L. Friedman’s most acclaimed book so far, it provides a great foundational understanding of the forces that are changing the world, opening up trade and breaking down barriers. It details the economic rationale behind outsourcing, open source and the beginnings of the free economy. If you’ve read this a great follow up read is Thomas L. Friedman’s most recent book, Hot Flat And Crowded.
2. Communities Dominate Brands
Well and truly before it’s time (published in 2004), communities dominate brands examines various internet statistics, analyses trends and then puts forward logical business recommendations. It was one of the first books to examine the business implications of flash-mobs and to highlight the potential that lies in real-time mobile communications. Author Tomi Ahonen is also a very open and conversational Tweep – well worth a follow.
3. The Longtail
Chris Anderson’s outrageously successful first book, its not really about the social web but is an absolute ‘must read’ if you’re looking to do any sort of business through the almighty interweb. Not many ‘firsts’ are as successful as this book, it applies economic theory to the changes that the web is bringing for businesses all over the world and it make sense of the forces that are propelling the explosion of niche cultures. The tag line captures the essence of the book beautifully: “Why the future of business is selling less of more”.
4. Groundswell
In my experience this is currently the most comprehensive breakdown of why and how social media is impacting the business world. Charline Lee and Josh Bernoff from Forester research have taken stock of a massive amount of examples, conducted vast amounts of research and compiled it in a digestible little package which is accompanied by a regularly updated blog.
5. Tribes
In typical Seth Godin style this is more inspirational than instructional. This book is a nice short read and it’s empowering message will stick to your ribs like deep fried triple cheese burger garnished with lard. Seth starts off by describing a number of examples where groups of people who are led by someone who understands the power of the “Tribe” can achieve truly wonderful things, he then challenges you to be that leader.
Self proclaimed Google fanboy Jeff Jarvis describes how the world’s most loved search engine is merely a measuring stick for a whole undercurrent of change. This insightful piece of work details the forces that are changing the world and in particular the media industry. Jarvis also highlights the potential for growth that still exists if new models can be found. Being a journalism professor his insight on this is fascinating.
Again another stunning tag-line that seems to encompass the books entire argument: “Why the many are smarter than the few”. On the surface the notion that the masses can and often do make superior decisions than the elite who are trained and trusted with decision making power is a deceptively simple idea. But when you consider how our entire society is structured it clearly has profound implications. This book is not the passionate action inspiring read that Godin’s book is, instead James Surowiecki put forward a well throughout rational argument that will challenge the way you think about decision making on both an individual, organisational and societal level.
While the lessons from this book are much the same as those from Groundswell, it has been put together in a much more personal and down-to-earth way….so if you’re looking for an entry level overview of social media to give to your old school nay-saying boss this would be the one I’d choose. It also has some great promo vids.
9. Free $0.00 A new price for a radical future
In The Longtail Chris Anderson was infinitely more descriptive then he is in FREE. In this his second book he persuasively uses sound economic justification to explain/predict why $0.00 is the price of the future (at least in the digital space). The beauty of this book is that it’s supported by Wired Magazine’s Repository on $0.00 and that he practices what he preaches by giving the audiobook away.Download the Free audiobook here.
Next on my hit list…
I’ve heard that these two books are great – Jaffe’s book for it’s marketing models and Ben Young’s book for it’s readability and hi impact. Is there anything else I should add to my hit list?
