As a petroleum marketer, it’s your job to sell oil and related products to refineries, retailers, and individual consumers. The concept is simple, but closing deals in the real world isn’t always easy. No matter your level of experience, challenges can arise at any time.
You might not be able to predict the future, but you can build upon your knowledge and skillset. One of the easiest ways to do that is through reading and research. If one of your resolutions for 2021 was to become a better marketer, consider picking up one (or all) of the books listed below.
1.) “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D. At its core, marketing is about getting someone to agree to an offer. Often, though, that’s easier said than done. In “Influence,” Cialdini provides a deep-dive on “thoughtful persuasion.” He argues that by improving your people skills and sales approach, it’s possible to close more deals more often. If you only have time to read one book this year, make it this one. The insights are actionable and sure to pay dividends.
2.) “The Undoing Project” by Michael Lewis. In “The Undoing Project,” Michael Lewis translates dense psychological research into a fascinating story you won’t be able to put down. The book explains how people go about making decisions and what factors influence them. If you want to better understand the human psyche and how to successfully interact with new leads, start here.
3.) “Win: The Key Principals to Take Your Business from Ordinary to Extraordinary” by Frank Luntz. Frank Luntz is a world-renowned political consultant with a history of supporting Republican causes. In “Win,” Luntz discusses the importance of language and word choice. He uses examples from his career in politics to illustrate the importance of communicating clearly and succinctly. It’s an easy read, filled with helpful and actionable insights.
These are just a few of the books that petroleum marketers can benefit from reading. What titles would you add to our list? Visit our Facebook page and let us know.