Email, social marketing and the art of storytelling

This week, I was planning to continue discussing the theme of authenticity and politics on this blog.  Then, I spent most of the week putting finishing touches on the book Email, Social Marketing and the Art of Storytelling, which goes to the publisher next week and should be for sale before the end of April.  One of my final tasks for the book was getting reactions from people to whom I had sent the manuscript for evaluation.

Since the comments we received were quite favorable, even complimentary, and since it is probably about the right time to begin promoting the book, I decided to share some of the thoughts of those who were kind enough to read the manuscript and share their opinions.  In the process, I am simultaneously recommending the work of these authors to my readers.

Steve Denning is an author and thinker whose work I have admired and recommended for many years.  Along with his numerous books about storytelling and leadership, he has recently written The Leader’s Guide to Radical Management.  Of my book, Steve writes:  “Email, Social Marketing and the Art of Storytelling is an insightful guide for organizations making the shift from yesterday’s approach to branding—a story the firm tells—to what branding is today: an interactive co-creation with the user community.”

Another writer whose opinion I value is Seth Kahan.  Seth writes a widely-read column as an expert blogger for Fast Company, and he is also the author of the book Getting Change Right.  Seth made some suggestions for improving the manuscript, and then he wrote this comment: “John Sadowsky’s book has a lasting message which will be a source of inspiration and motivation for many years to come. He ties together five significant trends in branding and organizational communication highlighting the link between the power of story and organizational success. Sadowsky has emerged as a voice with profound understanding of communication in the 21st century.”

For the past four years, I have had the good fortune to work with Pascal Marmier.  Pascal is the Swiss Consul in Boston, a true entrepreneurial spirit whose energy and networking ability have proven to be valuable resources for emerging Swiss businesses.  Pascal writes of our work together, as well as about the book: “For the past several years, John Sadowsky has been a driving force in our activities at the Swiss Consulate, helping Swiss entrepreneurs learn to tell their stories of identity.  Personally, I have benefited greatly from John’s teaching.  He has helped me to better understand how to communicate the essence of the “swissnex” brand, and our diverse set of activities, to our stakeholders.   In his latest book, John shows how the art of storytelling applies to modern marketing and branding. It is a masterful, big picture look at modern branding; it is full of insight, practical advice, and fascinating stories.”

Guy Kawasaki, a legendary Silicon Valley entrepreneur, former chief evangelist at Apple, and author of the recent book Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions, wrote this recommendation of my latest book: “This book is a practical guide to using social-media tools to express a brand’s true nature. It is powerful, clear, and insightful.”

Much of the inspiration for Email, Social Marketing and the Art of Storytelling came from Nick Heys and the team at Emailvision.  Nick is the founder and CEO of this fast-growing global software company specialized in email and social campaign management.  When I asked Nick to comment, he emphasized the innovative aspects of my approach: “This book will change the way you approach email and social marketing.  John Sadowsky shows you how to gather your customers around your virtual campfire and share stories about your products and brand.”

Pat Brans, my colleague in Grenoble, is a recognized expert in time management who recently published the informative study: Master the Moment: Fifty CEOs Teach You the Secrets of Time Management. Pat says that my book has shown him the importance of storytelling in his personal branding:  “Once upon a time I thought you could influence people by presenting abstract notions and models of how the world works. This book has stirred me up and made me reconsider my communication style by shining a light on what every human being already knows at some level, but rarely puts to use. Couch your point in a story and you’re ideas will have greater immediate impact. More importantly, people will remember what you said. ..Email, Social Marketing and the Art of Storytelling is a useful and timely book about modern branding, with wonderful examples and stories to show us the how it should be done.”

As these and other comments came in, I was indeed encouraged.  Writing a book like this one is a long and sometimes frustrating journey.  It is gratifying to see that some esteemed writers and business people recognize the value of my work.