Reading is an important way I stay connected to new ideas and push myself to think in new ways. It’s really easy to pass on professional development, especially when the project schedule is full. One of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of 2011 was to read at least six business books. I ended up reading much more than that. (Are you really surprised?)

Here are my favorites:

  1. Content Rules – Very practical and helpful in building a system around inbound marketing and content strategy.
  2. Getting Naked – Reminded me that the most important thing I can do for my clients is to ask a lot of questions, even when they are obvious.
  3. Mindsight – Amazed at the power our minds have to shape the world around us. Marketers can’t underestimate this power that resides within the consumer.
  4. Different – Being odd may be the “new cool.”
  5. Data-Driven Marketing – As new media matures, metrics will continue to evolve. Effectiveness and impact are important parts of the production process.

What books did you read in 2011 as part of your professional development plan?

P.S. One interesting fact is that I read every one of these books via Kindle. This is the first year I’ve done that.

Ben Stroup is a content activist in a post-paragraph world. He is chief broker of opportunity at Ben Stroup Enterprises. Connect with Ben via email, Twitter, and Google+. Subscribe via email to learn how to use content to move people to action.

Also on The Content Matrix: