Consider the difference between rules and laws. Rules are meant to create structure, and breaking them can either land you in trouble or lead you to the next great idea. Laws, on the other hand, are not so flexible. Adhering to these standards puts you on the path to success, and that's exactly what Jack Trout and Al Ries emphasize in their bestseller, 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate at Your Own Risk!
Summary and Book Review of 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate at Your Own Risk!
Advice that transcends time is perhaps the most valuable wisdom available. After all, haven't concepts like Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation proved tried and true? At least you know exactly what will happen if you step off a ledge.
Jack Trout and Al Ries provide that same enduring insight in their book, 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate at Your Own Risk! The work is considered one of the best marketing books thanks largely to its direct guidelines. The authors turn the labyrinth of marketing laws into 22 concise nuggets of practical advice.
Any business can benefit greatly from adhering to the laws of marketing, according to author and management guru Peter Drucker. According to Forbes, a particularly notable Drucker observation is that the purpose of a business is to create customers, which makes marketing an integral function in any organization. By this standard, books on marketing (including those discussed in other books we've discussed) are invaluable to company stakeholders.
22 Immutable Laws of Marketing stands out as one of the top marketing books because of its concise and practical nature. The book is a quick read at only 143 pages, yet it conveys some of the most useful information that can truly drive business success.
Key takeaways from 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
Each of the 22 laws of branding and marketing that Trout and Ries outline hold equal importance, but there are some common themes that appear throughout the book. Marketing strategy consultant Dr. Sachin Bhide puts these concepts into three distinct buckets:
- Be first: The best thing you can be in marketing is first. 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing cites the examples of Gillette and IBM, which paved the way for their respective industries. If you're in an already-developed arena, find an undiscovered space to be innovative.
- Be patient: Bhide's book review reminds us that the effects of marketing strategies don't happen overnight. Understanding this facet of marketing is important, because if you expect immediate results, you may miss out on future opportunities. Changing a strategy because it isn't working at the moment could lead to trouble down the road.
- Be humble: While success is great, it is important to avoid letting your guard down. No marketing expert is invincible. In fact, Harvard Business Review warns against making snap decisions with an overconfident mindset. Taking a step back and admitting that you don't know the answer gives you an opportunity to find the best option.
Set the Standards with Your Marketing Team
It's not enough to simply teach the 22 immutable laws of marketing to your team. You must also hold them accountable for adhering to these standards, and Wrike can help. As an online work management solution, our app allows marketing managers to track campaign progress, assign tasks, balance workloads, and much more. Discover the possibilities by starting a free trial today.
Sources: Amazon.com, Economist.com, Forbes.com, LinkedIn.com, HBR.com
