The Non-Obvious Guide to Small Business Marketing (Without a Big Budget) Paperback – January 1, 2019

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.It has instantly become one of two books I am recommending as a MUST-BUY resource as I work with small business owners as a counselor helping primarily with their marketing and sales issues.First, let me share my background so you can see I can speak to this topic with authority. I spent 30 years as a marketing practitioner in a variety of industries such as the automotive aftermarket, advertising, and video production. Titles I have held include such things as Vice President of Sales and Marketing to Director of Sales and Marketing to Marketing/Sales Representative. I have also owned my own business (and I wish this resource existed back then) and did consulting. The past two years I teach marketing full-time: Undergrads in Principles of Marketing and Marketing Strategy and Planning and MBA students in Strategic Marketing. My MBA is in Marketing with a concentration on Technology and E-Commerce.Below you will find my top 12 reasons why I believe this is an indispensable resource and why you should buy it NOW if you need help marketing your small business without a big budget (which is EVERY small business I work with):1. The author – Rohit Bhargava. He was an extremely successful marketer himself – having spent 15 years leading brand strategy for some very large companies. He and his wife started and ran two successful small businesses. He publishes another must-read series of books each year that highlights the non-obvious trends taking place and how to spot them.2. The Non-Obvious Guides – He doesn’t treat you like an idiot or dummy. This short, 200-page guide book is filled with actionable items on every page. It truly is as if the author sat down and explained these topics over coffee.3. The extras – unbelievable! Templates, downloads, tutorials, videos, chapter summaries – all provided to help you on your marketing journey.4. He starts with STRATEGY! Do you have any idea how many small business owners who come to me that want to start by talking tactics? EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! They don’t have marketing plans. Incidentally, Rohit has a nice marketing plan template you can use in the book and resources. That other book I love is The One Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dibb. BUT if you only buy one book, get Rohit’s!5. The Introduction – read it just to get the marketing insight that results from Tesla’s BIG EVENT. Let’s just say it didn’t turn out so well for Elon.6. He takes head on the idea of how important businesses be more human today as we live in a skeptical world.7. He introduces important modern marketing concepts and explains them perfectly so any small business owner will understand. He demystifies terms like customer journey, positioning, branding, customer personas etc.8. The book is broken into STRATEGY and EXECUTION – the true essence of what marketing is and how to do it right.9. Digital Marketing is the big buzz word today. Unfortunately, there is so much noise and content pollution around that topic. Rohit show you how to create a website, use social media, do content marketing, engage influencers, master search marketing, buy and use advertising, e-mail marketing. Save the money on the seminar and buy this instead.10. The last chapter on what to measure. EVERY OWNER NEEDS TO MANAGE MARKETING THIS WAY11. The Trade Show chapter was the best advice I have come across on how to participate in one. I received special training on how to sell at a trade show – this is how to exhibit at one.12. The price. UNDER TEN DOLLARS on Kindle???? TEN DOLLARS IN PAPER???ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????

This book has a few bad reviews and I think it from people looking for a silver bulletThe author is concise and gives you actions to take on the basics and that is where we should all,start fromDo the basics well then get “fancy like”Remember you need a great cake to put the icing on

A very concise and informative book that's also packed with case studies and real world examples. A real page turner that covers a lot of great topics. Would recommend to any marketer!

Rohit Bhargava’s The Non-Obvious Guide to Marketing & Branding is a must-read for anyone looking to create effective marketing strategies without overspending. One of the standout chapters, “How to Use Social Media,” offers practical tips on leveraging social platforms efficiently. Bhargava explains how businesses can engage with their audience, build a loyal following, and create impactful content—all while minimizing costs. His actionable insights make this chapter especially valuable for businesses aiming to maximize their social media presence on a tight budget. Very insightful and good book to read while passing time!

Man oh man do I recommend this book right here. Impeccably written, so even if you hate reading- the text is clear and strong. Easy read, and everything you need to know about marketing lives inside these pages. Get it now

Succinctly authored for the professional on the go.

Useful guide that gets to the point. It covers a lot of ground, but as it promises, doesn't go over the 'obvious' info that you could find on every blog on the topic. It'll also stop you from wasting your time with things that might not work, like having an account on every single social media platform. A good resource for a variety of industries.

This book provides a practical and strategic guide to marketing without needing a big budget. Something interesting i learned is that word-of-mouth is more important than customer satisfaction. Along with using personality to build trust & engagement.