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<\/div>\nSo here at 1000heads London HQ I oversee a modest library from which any \u2018Head (or trustworthy friend) can borrow. Our selections are crowdsourced internally, with an ongoing budget for purchasing any decent suggestion. <\/p>\n
In the spirit of sharing, here are some of our favourite and most-thumbed choices for word of mouth insight and inspiration.<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0The Anatomy of Buzz<\/em> by Emmanuel Rosen \u2013 One of the earliest and still one of the best, with concrete case studies galore.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0Connected: The surprising power of our social networks<\/em> by Christakis and Fowler \u2013 A classic science-heavy primer on the power of networks.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0The Face to Face Book<\/em> by Ed Keller and Brad Fay \u2013 Offline conversation rules OK in last year\u2019s book by US WOM researchers Keller Fay.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0Groundswell<\/em>\u00a0by Josh Bernoff \u2013 How grassroots movements grow wings.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0Herd<\/em> by Mark Earls \u2013 The sociology of mass behaviour; Earls delivered an excellent presentation<\/a> at 1000heads Sydney.<\/p>\n 6.\u00a0Trust Agents<\/em> by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith \u2013 A rallying call for how to turn your staff into advocates. I reviewed this at length<\/a> when it was published.<\/p>\n 7.\u00a0Anatomy of A Trend<\/em> by Henrik Vejlgaard \u2013 A provocative and fresh look at how and why trends spread.<\/p>\n 8.\u00a0The Hyper-Social Organisation<\/em> by Francois Gossieaux and Ed Moran –\u00a0A great all-rounder for those looking to understand social business.<\/p>\n 9.\u00a0Open Leadership<\/em>\u00a0by \u00a0Charlene Li \u2013 How to flourish as a leader in a bewildering new landscape.<\/p>\n 10.\u00a0Authenticity: What Consumers Want<\/em> by Jospeh Pine and James Gilmore \u2013 Understanding authenticity is key to social success; these guys know how to nail it better than anyone.<\/p>\n 11.\u00a0The Long Tail<\/em> by Chris Anderson \u2013 A must-read for anyone wanting to understand the social media economy.<\/p>\n 12. Word of Mouth Marketing<\/em> by Andy Sernowitz \u2013 A clear and practical guide for how to turn theory into reality.<\/p>\n 13. Making Ideas Happen<\/em> by Scott Belsky \u2013 Because innovation is only innovation if it happens, and works.<\/p>\n 14. The Great Good Place<\/em> by Ray Oldenburg \u2013 The 1989 classic on the public spaces where people meet, talk and share.<\/p>\n 15.\u00a0Diffusion of Innovations<\/em> by Everett M Rogers \u2013 Rather dense but, first published in 1962, this is the basis for \u2018influencer\u2019 theory.<\/p>\n 16. Information is Beautiful<\/em> by David McCandless \u2013 Conversation requires listening. Listening online requires loving data. This will make you love data.<\/p>\n 17. The Icarus Deception<\/em> by Seth Godin \u2013 Our latest acquisition on social and individual innovation, which was reviewed last month<\/a> by Meg.<\/p>\n 18. The OED<\/em> \u2013 Because correct spelling, punctuation and grammar are more precious than ever. (Yes, I\u2019m sure you can spot numerous examples where I\u2019ve smashed them to pieces. Still.)<\/p>\n Of course, this is not our full library, just a few edited highlights. If you\u2019d like some more recommendations, on everything from design to data, traditional advertising to neuroscience, just let us know<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Also, do add your own top WOM book recommendations in the comments below \u2013 or send us a tip on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n