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recommended books

The following is a list of books that we recommend. If you click on the book cover or title, it will take you directly to the correct page at Amazon.com so you can order it.
If Amazon isn't convenient for you, there are links to numerous other on-line retailers around the world at the bottom of the page.

One word of recommendation: Don't focus solely on books for your "side" of sponsorship. Sponsorship seekers can gain a lot of insight by understanding the sponsor's side of the business, and vice versa.
The Sponsorship Seeker's Toolkit 3rd Edition by Kim Skildum-Reid and Anne-Marie Grey
This is Kim's first book, which is widely regarded as a must-have by sponsorship seekers. It has been the best selling sponsorship book in the world since its original publication in 1999. This is the brand new, cutting edge, and even bigger Third Edition, featuring even more tools, templates, case studies, and checklists - most on the accompanying CD-Rom. Also Amazon .uk , .de, .jp, .ca, .fr
The Ambush Marketing Toolkit by Kim Skildum-Reid
Ambush marketing is a complex and controversial strategy. Making one really deliver is not easy, and neither is defending against one. Kim leaves ethics aside and sticks to strategy as she shows you how to choose and mount an ambush that really works, and how to defend yourself against one, and provides checklists, tools, and templates to support both. Also Amazon .uk, .de, .jp, .ca, .fr 
The Sponsor's Toolkit  by Anne-Marie Grey and Kim Skildum-Reid
This is Kim's second book with Anne-Marie Grey, which takes the proven and practical approach of The Sponsorship Seeker's Toolkit and applies it to corporate sponsors. Filled to overflowing with case studies, tools, templates, and checklists, most also included on the accompanying CD-Rom. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca, .fr 

The Experience Economy by B.Joseph Pine
Similar theme to above. The two books will give you a strong understanding of modern sponsorship and its preeminent place in the marketing mix. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr 

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin
This is a great book for any company that has a habit of taking great ideas and watering them down until they are about as interesting as baby cereal - a major problem with many sponsorship portfolios. Also Amazon .uk, .de , .jp , .ca , .fr
The Long Tail, The Revised and Updated Edition: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More by Chris Anderson
In an era where the internet has created endless abundance, the way we do business and market ourselves has to change dramatically. A must read with real relevance to sponsors. .uk , .de , .jp , .ca, .fr 
Moneyball by Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis does it again, giving us an insider’s look at the fascinating world of professional sport. A big eye-opener for all, but especially sponsors.  .uk , .de , .jp , .ca, .fr 

Made Possible By by Patricia Martin
Good how-to book with a slant toward non-profit and cultural sponsorship
Unleashing the Ideavirus by Seth Godin
If you've ever had a great idea and didn't know how to spread the word in a way that works, this is a fantastic book about, as the author puts it, "turning your ideas into marketing epidemics". Love it. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr

Strategic Sports Event Management, Olympic Edition by Guy Masterman
Covering the gamut of sports management, including sponsorship.
Priceless by Diana Lasalle and Terry A. Britton
This book is destined to be a classic for brand marketers and sponsorship practitioners alike. A must read for all. Also Amazon .uk, .de, ,jp, .ca, .fr.
Lovemarks: The Future Beyond Brands by Kevin Roberts
This tome, by the Worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, is an outstanding read on creating brands with meaning, not just a collection of attributes. A must read for sponsors and sponsorship seekers alike. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr
Waiting for Your Cat to Bark?: Persuading Customers When They Ignore Marketing by Bryan Eisenberg, Jeffrey Eisenberg, Lisa T. Davis
With products and services being largely commoditised, and a lot of marketing virtually commoditised, this is a bold step into very new thinking. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr 

Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
While this book has little directly to do with marketing or sponsorship, it has everything to do with the thought process that leads to great sponsorship. It is all about leaving preconceptions behind and applying resources and rigour, not only to solve problems or create strategies, but to redefine the very medium. Loved it. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr

All Marketers Are Liars: The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low-Trust World by Seth Godin
If you have taken a look at this list, you already know I love Seth Godin’s work. This book is no exception. It is also a big thumbs up for the unique power of sponsorship to create authenticity. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp, .ca , .fr
Experiential Marketing: How to Get Customers to Feel, Think, Act, and Relate to Your Company and Brands by Bernd H. Schmitt
An absolute must for anyone wanting to connect through sponsorship, not just stick a logo in front of people. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr

Why Johnny Can't Brand: Rediscovering the Lost Art of the Big Idea by Bill Schley.
As someone who mourns the lack of big ideas on a regular basis, this book really struck a chord. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .fr 

Tony Soprano on Management: Leadership Lessons Inspired by America's Favorite Mobster by Anthony Schneider
I'm a small businessperson, not a corporate manager, but really enjoyed this book. It offers some very sensible tips on management through the often perverse world of organised crime. What's not to love? Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .fr 
Thick Face, Black Heart : The Warrior Philosophy for Conquering the Challenges of Business and Life by Chin-Ning Chu
If you are a sponsor with a portfolio full of sponsorships that aren't right for you just because you didn't have the heart to turn them down, then BUY THIS BOOK. Every sponsor should read it. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr
Selling the Invisible: A Field Guide to Modern Marketing by Harry Beckwith
Outstanding book for both corporate sponsors and sponsorship seekers (who are nearly always selling the invisible!). Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr
It's Not All Fun and Games  by Kim Skildum-Reid
This is a collection of 34 of Kim's columns from 2002-2005, including how-to, new thinking, and the controversies. This is an e-book, available for purchase and download from Power Sponsorship. Click here for more information or to order. Try before you buy! A five-column sampler book is available for download free - click here.
Brand Spirit: How Cause Related Marketing Builds Brands by Hamish Pringle, Marjorie Thompson
Great book for corporations looking to build brands through cause-related marketing, as well as for causes looking for the hot buttons that will bring in more money. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
I can see my desk again and it’s stayed that way for a month. This book is a miracle for those of us trying to do too much in too little time. Also Amazon .uk , .de , .jp , .ca , .fr
If ordering from Amazon.com doesn't work for you, your local bookseller should carry or be able to order the books. We can also suggest the following on-line booksellers, who carry all or most of the books listed above:

Australia

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

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