It’s been said that the only functions of business are marketing and innovation, and the two definitely need each other. Without marketing, the best ideas might go nowhere, and conversely the Hindenberg might be mistakenly ballyhooed. But marketing extends beyond the business world, too. In the game of life, people are constantly selling things - often nothing more than themselves! Although The Essential Guide to Marketing is geared toward business-oriented listeners, the concepts of marketing can help people in all walks of life, including consumers.

The Essential Guide to Marketing consists of all four books in The ABCs of Marketing series.

In the first of the series, an MBA introduces listeners to all of the necessary components of a successful marketing strategy, with chapters on advertising, branding (both personal and business), demographics/segments, strategy/planning, marketing to businesses vs consumers, online and offline marketing, and research. The goal is to provide an introductory understanding of the subject and familiarize the listener with key terms and practices.

In the second book, Media Advertising, a former advertising executive provides an overview of seven popular advertising mediums and their functions. Sample cases provided include select clients, campaigns, or instances that have been experienced or observed.

The third installment, New Ways to Market with Social Media, explains how to use social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, as well as location-based marketing with Facebook Places, foursquare, and Loopt. It also explains how to utilize blogging, Youtube, and QR codes.

Finally, the last book guides listeners through marketing for a new small business or a startup, and how to successfully imprint your brand in the minds of the outside world.

So, let The Essential Guide to Marketing be your crash course in marketing and help you cover every step of the way.