Why Every Creator Needs to Read Marketing: A Love Story
A No-Fluff Book Club Review for Creators Who Crave Meaningful Marketing
Quick Facts
Author: Bernadette Jiwa
Published: 2014
Category: Marketing/Brand Building
Length: 102 pages
Why I Chose This Book
From the first page I knew Bernadette was my woman - she got me, and I got her. I had finally found someone who put empathy into marketing.
"what matters most is not what is taught or sold, but how it's delivered, and how that made someone feel..."
When I read this it touched my heart. This was it. This was the marketing philosophy I'd been looking for.
I've read this book so many times, and every time I pick it up, I find a new nugget of wisdom. And did I mention I've listened to it repeatedly on Audible? My physical copy tells the story of my love for this book - pages dog-eared, plastered in page tags, and full of marginalia.
It's a keeper and an absolute favourite, which is exactly why I chose it as our first book club selection. I can't wait to share it with you.
A Different Kind of Book Club
This isn't about assigned reading and homework. It's about:
Getting inspired by ideas that actually work
Sharing those "aha!" moments that change everything
Learning from creators who are figuring it out alongside you
Taking action while the inspiration is fresh
How It Works (Because Inspiration Loves Simplicity)
Grab the book (it's a quick, energising read)
Join our monthly chat thread.
Share what lit you up and what you're trying in your newsletter/post/articles/notes.
Connect with fellow creators who are just as excited to grow
No pressure. No rigid structure. Just great conversations about ideas that matter.
Who This Book Is Really For
This book is for creators, solopreneurs, and brand builders who are tired of tactical marketing advice and crave a more meaningful approach. From the first page, I knew Bernadette was speaking my language - she got me, and I got her. If you've been searching for someone who truly puts empathy into marketing, this book is your answer. It's especially valuable for those who believe marketing should be about building genuine connections rather than just driving transactions.
What This Book Is About
Marketing isn't about manipulation or tactics—it's about understanding and serving your audience by creating meaningful connections through empathy and storytelling.
Key Insights
1. Marketing Through Empathy
The Idea: True marketing begins with understanding how your audience feels, what they believe, and what they truly need.
Why It Matters: When you lead with empathy, you create solutions that naturally resonate with your audience instead of forcing messages upon them.
Real-World Application: Instead of starting with your product features, begin by mapping out your audience's emotional journey and pain points, then shape your messaging to address these directly.
2. The Power of Story
The Idea: Great marketing isn't about telling people what to buy—it's about telling stories that help people understand why they should care.
Why It Matters: Stories create emotional connections that facts and features can't, making your marketing more memorable and impactful.
Real-World Application: Frame your marketing messages as stories that put your audience, not your product, at the center of the narrative.
3. Creating Meaningful Differences
The Idea: Success comes from creating genuine value and difference that matters to people, not just being different for difference's sake.
Why It Matters: In a crowded digital space, meaningful differentiation creates lasting connection and loyalty.
Real-World Application: Focus on understanding what truly matters to your audience and build your difference around that, rather than competing on features or price.
Is This Book For You?
Read This Book If:
You want to build a more human-centered marketing approach
You're tired of tactical marketing advice and want strategic wisdom
You believe in the power of emotional connection in business
Skip This Book If:
You're looking for quick tactical marketing hacks
You prefer data-driven marketing metrics over emotional intelligence
Standout Quote
"What matters most is not what is taught or sold,
but how it's delivered, and how that made someone feel."
Practical Details
Estimated Reading Time: 2-3 hours (but you'll want to revisit it repeatedly)
Key Terms to Know: Empathy Marketing, Story-Driven Strategy, Meaningful Difference
Where to Start: Start at the beginning, but don't be surprised if you end up like me - pages dog-eared, plastered in page tags, and full of marginalia. I've read this book countless times, both in print and on Audible, and each time I discover new nuggets of wisdom.
TLDR
The Book in 3 Points:
Marketing is about understanding and serving people, not manipulating them
Story and emotion are more powerful than features and benefits
Create meaningful differences that matter to your audience
Worth Reading? Absolutely yes - it's a keeper and one of my favourites for good reason. It's why I chose it as our first book club selection.
Best For: Creators and solopreneurs who believe in the power of empathy and want to create deeper connections with their audience
Join the discussion about this book in our Substack chat!
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