Groundswell by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff
I finished reading Groundswell last night, the book co-authored by Forrester analyst Josh Bernoff and former analyst Charlene Li. I have to say it's one of the most important books on the subject of social media that I've read this year.
Research - The opinions shared, suggestions made and advice given are based on solid research. What else would you expect from Forrester, right? Everything is well-documented and appended.
Case studies - Charlene and Josh support the research with real world examples showing how organizations both in the for-profit and non-profit sectors are using the tools of social media to accomplish marketing and business communication purposes. They showcase larger organizations like Dell, Best Buy and M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, but do include a few references to small business.
Writing - The book is very well-written. Again, you'd expect no less from Forrester analysts.
If you only read one book on social media marketing this year, Groundswell should be it. However, let me also suggest a short list of others.
New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott - If I were teaching college courses on social media marketing, this would be the text book I'd use for the 101 class.
Now is Gone by Geoff Livingston and Brian Solis
Citizen Marketers by Jackie Huba and Ben McConnell
and of course...
The Cluetrain Manifesto - It would be the text book for the social media marketing philosophy course!
There are any number of books I could recommend. These are just the ones I've actually finished. :-> (Kidding!)
PS: Visit the book blog too.
