A Genie's Wisdom

Are you mystified by marketing? If you are, fear not. Author and marketing authority Jack Trout - the man who "positioned" positioning in the minds of marketers - has planted a genie in a mysterious computer (the new age version of a bottle on the beach) and given him the task of answering core marketing questions. In this fictional tale - which attempts to emulate the success of fables such as Who Moved My Cheese and Fish, but falls short - Trout takes readers through the very basics, from defining the product's concept to what elements should be in a logo. Trout warns of seven marketing pitfalls to avoid. Using everyday language and the persistent but wealthy genie who explains it all, he breaks down the subject into small nuggets easily digested by even the least marketing-minded manager. While he does oversimplify, Trout contends that marketing is often made more complicated by the very people who profit from its complexity. Overall, getAbstract.com suggests this how-to book to business people who are unfamiliar with the marketing process.