Blink Advertising’s Bookshelf: Jeff Swartz’s Top Reads From 2022 And 2023

by Jeff Swartz

At Blink Advertising, we’re firm believers that continuous learning fuels innovation and growth. I have had the pleasure of diving into some truly insightful books that have broadened my perspective on business, leadership, life, advertising, and the creative world. I’m excited to share a curated list of my top recommendations from 2022 and 2023 – books that have offered valuable lessons and sparked new ways of thinking.

For a Different Perspective on Work:

• “It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work” by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson (2023): The founders of Basecamp challenge the hustle-culture narrative, advocating for a calmer, more sustainable approach to business. This book encourages simplicity, prioritizes people, and rethinks traditional notions of success. It’s a refreshing read that might inspire you to re-evaluate your own work environment.

Blink Advertising’s Own Author Spotlight:

• “The Search for the Scepter” by Julie Dinges (2023): A delightful addition to our reading list, this children’s fantasy book was created by Blink Advertising’s very own Website Development Manager, Julie Dinges. Beautifully illustrated, it’s a charming adventure story perfect for young readers.

Lessons in Resilience and Leadership:

• “Death on the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Amazon Adventure” by Samantha Seiple (2023): This gripping true story recounts Theodore Roosevelt’s harrowing expedition into the Amazon. It’s a powerful testament to resilience, leadership in the face of adversity, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome incredible challenges.

Understanding the Human Side of Finance:

• “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel (2023): This insightful book delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of personal finance, offering timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness. It’s a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and develop a healthier relationship with money.

Finding Humor and Relatability in Life:

• “You’re Not Doing It Right” by Michael Ian Black (2023): Through his signature comedic lens, Michael Ian Black shares personal stories that are both funny and thought-provoking. This book offers relatable insights on marriage, parenthood, and the often-humiliating realities of life.

Embracing Limitless Potential:

• “Illogical” by Emmanuel Acho (2023): Emmanuel Acho shares his inspiring journey of transforming from a professional athlete in the NFL to a successful media personality by embracing a “life without limits.” This book encourages readers to push beyond their perceived boundaries and strive for more than they think possible.

The Power of Team Alignment and Positivity:

• “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon (2023): This engaging fictional story provides practical lessons on how to foster a positive and aligned team environment, both professionally and personally. It emphasizes the importance of shared vision, motivation, and maintaining a positive attitude.

This was the agency’s 2023 bookclub book (Each year we pick a book to read together as a group)

Insights from an Advertising Mogul:

• “Often Wrong, Never in Doubt” by Donny Deutsch (2022): Get a behind-the-scenes look at the career of advertising mogul Donny Deutsch and how he built a successful agency. This biography offers a fascinating perspective on leadership and navigating the competitive world of advertising.

The Strength of Kindness in Business (specifically the advertising business):

• “The Power of Nice” by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval (2022): Learn how the principles of kindness and genuine connection can drive success in the competitive advertising industry. The authors, behind iconic campaigns, share their methodology and inspiring stories.

Building a Business with Exit in Mind:

• “Built to Sell” by John Warrillow (2022): This fictional book uses a compelling story to illustrate the key strategies for building a valuable and sellable company, emphasizing the importance of niching down and productizing services. It’s an easy read and well aligned with the creative and advertising industry as the main character owns a creative marketing agency.

Mastering the Art of Persuasion:

• “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs” by Carmine Gallo (2022): Discover the techniques behind Steve Jobs’ legendary presentation skills. This book breaks down his methods, offering practical advice for anyone looking to improve their own presentation abilities.

Gaining Control and Achieving Growth:

• “Traction” by Gino Wickman (2022): A comprehensive guide to implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), this book provides practical tools and strategies for business leaders looking to gain control, improve team alignment, and achieve significant growth. I found this to be one of the best “how-to-run-a-business” step by step books.

Understanding What Makes Ideas Spread:

• “Contagious: Why Things Catch On” by Jonah Berger (2022): Delve into the science of social transmission and discover the key factors that make ideas, brands, and messages go viral. This book offers valuable insights for anyone in marketing, advertising, or creative fields.

This was the agency’s 2022 bookclub book (Each year we pick a book to read together as a group)

BONUS: A Cost Saving Tip To Read More and Spend Less…well actually spend nothing…

• If you have a library card, you are able to download the app, Libby, and get access to tens of thousands of ebooks, audio books, and more for free.

At Blink Advertising, we believe that reading and learning from diverse perspectives is crucial for staying innovative and effective in the ever-evolving world of advertising. We hope this combined list inspires you to pick up a new book and continue your own journey of growth!