In the dynamic world of B2B marketing, the only constant is change. New technologies, evolving buyer behaviours, and emerging strategies mean that continuous self-development isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a fundamental requirement for success. To stay relevant, drive impact, and truly excel, B2B marketing professionals must proactively seek out resources that inspire, educate and equip them with actionable insights.
Here’s a curated list of top-tier resources to help you sharpen your marketing expertise:
The Best Books for B2B Marketers
While the digital landscape shifts rapidly, the foundational principles of effective marketing remain steadfast. These books offer wisdom and practical frameworks:
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Learn how to clarify your company’s message so customers listen. This book provides a clear framework for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with your target audience and drive engagement.
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller is available on the author’s website.
The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott
A seminal work that redefined how businesses approach digital marketing and public relations in the age of the internet. It provides a comprehensive guide to leveraging social media, content, and online strategies.
The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott is available on the author’s website.
Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi
For content marketers, this book offers a strategic approach to building a loyal audience by consistently delivering valuable information, ultimately leading to business growth.
Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi is available on Amazon.
They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan
This book revolutionised how many approach content and sales, emphasizing transparency and genuinely addressing customer questions. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to build trust and authority through their marketing.
They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan is available on the author’s website.
Lead Forensics Staff Picks
Self-development is really important at Lead Forensics, and we we’re proud to have recently been ranked as one of the top workplaces for development. We run countless initiatives internally throughout the year, but one of our most popular is our offer of free personal development books and an Audible subscription.
Obviously Awesome by April Dunford and Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Love Obviously Awesome because in B2B the easiest thing for a buyer to do is…..nothing. AND in fact this is what most buyers who actually have a need end up doing. This book is pragmatic and smart, it reminds us as marketers that our core role is to help potential customers buy and often we make it difficult for them (unintentionally). It gives advice (with examples) on how to really get clarity on your product’s true value, what really makes is special and convey it in a way that really connects with your prospects and makes it easy for them to say yes!
The second personal development book that changed my life is Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. It’s a formulaic and powerful approach to get all the things successful people do under your belt before you even start the day. I started getting up at 5.30am when I had my youngest daughter as it was the only “me” time I had and I haven’t looked back. She is 9 now!
Recommended by: Kirsty Dawe, CMO
Find out more about Obviously Awesome and Miracle Morning
Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore
This book was recommended by our CEO, Paul Thomas. It’s all about tech adoption, and it’s especially useful in B2B – where you can’t just rely on early excitement. You need to build credibility, reduce risk, and speak directly to pragmatists. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to move from early traction to mainstream success.
Recommended by: Martin Boyle, Brand & Communication Director
Find out more about Crossing the Chasm.
Come Up for Air: How Teams Can Leverage Systems and Tools to Stop Drowning in Work by Nick Sonnenberg
As Head of Learning and Development at Lead Forensics, I’m always reaching for the best self-development books to get new bits of advice I can share with my colleagues. I always recommend Come Up for Air to B2B marketers who feel like they’re drowning in work. It’s great at showing how the right tools can save you hours, make you more productive and avoid burnout.
As a bonus, I also think Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport is worth a mention. It’s really helped me to develop my capacity for deep work and I’m more productive as a result.
Recommended by: Tom Furber, Head of Learning and Development
Find out more about Come Up For Air and Deep Work.
Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited by Steve Krug
I first bought this book when I was overseeing a website relaunch and wanted to learn more about web usability. It’s around 10 years old, but I still reach for it every time I’ve got a usability challenge. It’s even helpful in my current copywriting role, as there’s a lot of good advice about how to communicate clearly to help users understand what you’re trying to express.
Recommended by: Laura Nineham, Senior Copywriter
Find out more about Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited by Steve Krug.
Must-Listen Podcasts for Marketing Minds
Podcasts are excellent for absorbing insights on the go, whether you’re commuting, exercising or taking a break. They offer a diverse range of perspectives from industry leaders and practitioners:
Marketing School podcast with Neil Patel & Eric Siu
Offering daily, bite-sized episodes, the hosts deliver actionable digital marketing and online marketing tips across a wide range of topics, from SEO to content optimization.
Listen to the Marketing School Podcast on Spotify.
Marketing Against the Grain podcast with Kipp Bodnar & Kieran Flanagan
This podcast dives into unconventional marketing strategies, often challenging common wisdom and providing unique perspectives on how to achieve significant growth.
You can listen to the Marketing Against the Grain podcast on Apple Podcast.
Social Media Marketing Podcast with Michael Stelzner
Hosted by the founder of Social Media Examiner, Michael Stelzner, this weekly podcast provides in-depth interviews with leading social media marketing experts, covering strategies, tools, and trends.
Tune in on Spotify to listen to the Social Media Marketing podcast.
B2B Growth podcast with James and Benji from Sweet Fish Media
This podcast is a consistent source of actionable advice, featuring interviews with B2B marketing and sales leaders sharing their strategies and experiences.
Listen to the B2B Growth podcast on Spotify.
Marketing Over Coffee podcast with John Wall and Christopher Penn
Recorded in a casual coffee shop setting, this podcast delivers bite-sized discussions on current marketing trends, news, and practical tips, often covering both traditional and digital aspects.
You can listen to Marketing Over Coffee podcast on Apple Podcast.
Essential B2B with Lead Forensics
Hosted by Lead Forensics, this podcast offers direct insights into B2B sales, marketing, and revenue generation, often featuring interviews with experts and practical tips.
Listen to the Essential B2B podcast on the website.
The Best Social Media Accounts for B2B Marketers
Social media isn’t just for B2C anymore. Many B2B companies and individual thought leaders leverage platforms like LinkedIn, X and even Instagram and TikTok to share insights, build community, and showcase their expertise. Here are some accounts worth following:
Jade Tambini
Known as “B2B Jade,” she offers highly practical and relatable advice for B2B marketers, particularly on navigating common challenges, gaining leadership buy-in, and implementing effective strategies. Her content often focuses on the human side of B2B marketing.
You can follow Jade Tambini on LinkedIn, TikTok, X and on her website.
Ann Handley
As Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, Ann is a leading voice in content marketing, known for her engaging writing and practical advice.
You can follow Ann Handley on LinkedIn, X and on her website.
HubSpot
A powerhouse in inbound marketing, HubSpot consistently shares valuable content, industry trends, and practical tips across its various channels. Their LinkedIn presence, in particular, is excellent for B2B.
Follow HubSpot on LinkedIn, TikTok and X.
Douglas Burdett
Host of “The Marketing Book Podcast,” Douglas shares valuable insights from his interviews with top marketing authors.
You can follow Douglas Burdett on LinkedIn and X.
Sarah Goodall
Founder of Tribal Impact, Sarah is a leading expert in B2B social business and employee advocacy, offering insights into how to activate your workforce for marketing success.
Follow Sarah Goodall on LinkedIn and X.
Ready to put these insights into practice?
Explore our Lead Forensics webinars for more actionable strategies to elevate your B2B marketing!
