CK's Blog

"Robin Hood" is in session (Book Club)

Just a call to bookworms: our "Robin Hood" segment is officially in session.

You can access the discussions from the comfort of your home, or office. (No, there is no dress code.)

With our currently featured book Robin Hood Marketing, we already have discussions going on balancing corporate profits with do-good efforts, building press relationships and, of course, saving the world.

Links you need for Book Club:

• If this is your first segment participating in Book Club, you'll want to check out this quick guide.
• If you're a returning book club vet, then stop spending time here and hop on over to log-in to the discussions.
• And if you're like, "Why is CK talking about book clubs?" then you probably want to go here to find out about this segment.
• If you just want to "see" the discussions without logging-in, that's cool and just go here (but you need to be logged-in to comment on the threads).

PS: that's book club cutie Mario Vellandi (in sunny SoCal with the book). To see other book club cuties, just go here.

Proof that smart is sexy (not just smart)

Background on our current book club segment is here.

I've been telling you fine folks that bookworms are sexy (not just smart). Been tellin' ya bookworms are global. And I've been promising this ain't your mother's book club...um, not with me as your Host(ess).

But now I have yet more proof for you ROI-centric, proof-minded marketers. Jeez, you're a tough crowd.

Up there is the latest mug with book from uber-cute (!) bookworm Mark Goren (Montreal, CA). And here are bookworms with their cute mugs from past segments, that's Gavin Heaton (Sydney, AU) being all silly on the right and Gianandrea Faccini (Roma, Italia) with 2 books down below.

So Canada + Australia + Italy + plenty of members from the U.S. and Asia and Africa = global. And cute + cute + cute = sexy. My how I like being right :-).

Just to refresh, this segment we're featuring Robin Hood Marketing and focusing on the world of nonprofit and cause-related marketing. Which begs the BIG question: how do you motivate people to give money, take action, or otherwise advance your worthy cause…amid so many competing causes? The answer is savvy, sophisticated strategies just like the big guns use—even if you’re operating on a shoestring budget.

Robin Hood Marketing shows you how to sell your mission as successfully as the great marketing minds of corporate America sell their products. Quite cleverly, author Katya Andresen created "The Robin Hood Rules" which "steal" from the winning formulas—that sell everything from socks, cigarettes, even mattresses—to show nonprofit marketers how to appeal to their audiences’ values, not their own, and, in turn, how to get people to take notice.

And, in a time when we have many causes that need good strategies, and many companies launching socially responsible initiatives there's a lot to discuss.

So, I'll see you in Book Club next Tuesday November 13th. Until then, I've got my book, my backpack and my thumb and I'm making my way to meet you all there.

Is all this "Book Club stuff" new to you? Well, if you like marketing books and like discussing them with the authors and fellow marketers right from the comfort of your own office or home--chances are you'll like Book Club. It's old media (books) meets new media (the Web) meets new best practices. Just go here to access more information. (And yes, bookworms are cool.)

PS: Bookworms, please send me more pictures of your cute mugs and your books. They make my day and I do so enjoy being right.

Round #4 Book Club "Steals" The Show (free books & free bonus!)

Book Club is back with a read that does a lot of good for just causes...by outright stealing know-how from the big brands (Robin Hood, anyone?). For those of you new to book club welcome aboard (sign-up here); for those returning for another round, welcome back!

Our feature this segment is Robin Hood Marketing by Katya Andresen. In past segments we've covered social media, branding and communications and now, we're turning to the world of nonprofit and cause-related marketing. Which begs a BIG question: how do you motivate people to give money, take action or otherwise advance your worthy cause...amid so many worthy causes?

The answer is marketing. The strategy is stealing. Andresen cleverly created 'The Robin Hood Rules' which 'steal' savvy from the winning formulas--that sell everything from socks, cigarettes, even mattresses--to show nonprofit marketers how to use the sophistication of the big guns. An insightful interview with Katya and a chance to win one of 50 author-signed books is right here.

Did I mention that everyone gets a free bonus? Yep, in this book club, everyone gets something. Thanks to leading social marketer, author and blogger Nedra Klein Weinreich for generously compiling a 20-page "Quick Guide to Saving the World" that details the social marketing mix, gives a review of Robin Hood Marketing and features a bevy of social marketing resources spanning blogs, websites and online publications. Go here to get it.

Well, what are you waiting for? I've given you a great book, an insightful Q&A with the author, a cute little hero in Robin Hood, a chance to win one of 50 free books and a free bonus for everyone. What's a woman gotta do...dress up as Maid Marian? Get on over there! 

PS: If you are new to my blog and are wondering that the heck this banter over books is about, you can go here for info. on our current segment or here for an overview (but if you've already signed-up for the Book Club you don't need to sign-up again and yes, you're eligible for a free book).

Oh won't you get sticky with me?

I don't think I can count the ways that I'm going to be paying for that headline. No matter, if it gets you kids over in Book Club then it's all worth it. And on that note it thrills me to say: Our Sticky Segment is Officially In Session!

Yes, you can access the discussions from the comfort of your home, or office. And no, there is no dress code. With our currently featured book of Made To Stick we already have discussions going on good vs. evil messaging, curses of knowledge, global fevers, sticky metrics, sticky politics and tips for sticky-impaired people. A fine start indeed...but we're just getting started.

Links you need for Book Club:

• If this is your first segment participating in Book Club, you'll want to check out this quick guide.
• If you're a returning book club vet, then stop spending time on me and hop on over to log-in to the discussions.
• And if you're like, "Who the heck is CK and why is she talking about sticky book clubs?", then you probably want to go here to find out about this segment (you can always find out about me later because today is all about YOU :-).
• If you just want to "see" the discussions without logging-in, that's cool and just go here (but you need to be logged-in to comment on the threads).

Links that I love (about Book Club):

• Folded Corners: Not only does Mark Goren fold the corners of every page that holds a gem...he takes the time to share his experience of the book with us. And look at the great logo for his series on the right. It's worth checking out and something I look forward to with each segment.
• Link love that can't lose: I will be talking more of Matt Dickman's "Buzz Fridays" series under separate posts but what I love is how he's brought link love to a whole new level--to video in fact! Here's his most recent 2.5 minute video and I thank him for plugging Book Club.
• Book Club Bonus: You can still get the amazing 8-page bonus by Cam Beck by clicking on the link. It's a piece that is though-provoking, timeless and generous...and it's yours for free.

I think it's important to say that I've used the lessons from the last segment of Book Club in my client accounts not once...not twice...but thrice (yup, it's a word). Two times I won branding battles with my clients and one time I got to sound really smart. It was a nice moment.

Don't wanna hear about books? Just because all the cool kids are doing it, I won't pressure you to get sticky...here are some other discussions going down at la blog while I'm hanging at Book Club:

• Here's my beef with advertising (and chemicals that claim they're human).
• Here's why Paris Hilton makes me so darn MADD (and KUDOS to MADD for listening...they contacted me this morning :-).
• And here's why I do all this blogging and booking in the first place (yippie).

Join in the sticky fun right here :-).

Gettin' time to get sticky...read 'em up, bookworms!

Just a reading reminder for my beloved bookworms: we're but one week away from discussing our currently featured book, Made To Stick, by Chip and Dan Heath. So any bookworms that are interested in discussing this "sticky" subject matter, get your books read by next Tuesday, June 12th.

Made To Stick analyzes why some ideas survive while many others die. But that’s not all: the authors have deconstructed why ideas that didn’t have revenue incentives, like urban legends and fables, have amplified across social groups and over many generations to develop a 6-point “SUCCESs” system pinpointing how to get our messages to stick (and stay stuck).

Remember, during Group Review, any member can ask a question or start a discussion thread. And yes, you can still sign-up to take part in this segment--you'll just need to get a copy of the book and get it read by next Tuesday (hardcover here and eBook is here).

If you missed out on the Author Q&A we featured at launch, never fear, just go here. And if you missed out on Cam Beck's amazing 8-page analysis of the book, you'll most definitely want to download your (free!) bonus right here.

Happy to report that we once again increased sign-ups to the Book Club by nearly 20% this segment so it seems our book club is an idea that's, umm, sticking ;-). On that note, it's time for me to get back to my book...as there's sure to be trouble if your host shows up unread.

Is all this "Book Club stuff" new to you? Well if you like marketing books and like discussing them with the authors and fellow marketers right from the comfort of your own office or home, chances are you'll like Book Club. It's old media (books) meets new media (the Web) meets new best practices. Just go here to access more information. And yes, bookworms are cool.

Disclaimer: Neither CK nor MarketingProfs make any pretty pennies off the sale of any books (this program is for the marketing community to learn and share best practices).

Book Club Gets "Sticky" in Round #3!

Book Club is back with a 'sticky' new round and a hot new read. Did I just say we have a "hot and sticky" segment?  Hey, if it gets you kids reading and sharing ideas then this host is doing her job. For those of you new to our Book Club, welcome aboard. And for those returning for a third round, welcome back...

What's the book? None other than bestseller "Made To Stick" by brothers Chip and Dan Heath. What's more? Instead of giving away 30 author-signed books, we're upping it to 50 free books. Giving away 30 free books is sooo last segment don't ya know. What, you want even more? Done! EVERYONE gets a (FREE!) bonus just for reading the article located here.

While Round #1 discussed social media and Round #2 focused on branding, in Round #3 we're exploring "communications." More to the point, we're learning how we can do a far better job of making our brainy ideas stick and stick-it-out through the ages.

Made To Stick explains why some ideas survive while many others die. But that's not all: the authors have deconstructed why ideas that weren't driven by revenue goals, like urban legends and fables, have amplified across social groups and over many generations to teach us how we can get our messages right, er, stuck. It's an eye-opener and funny, to boot. So hot, sticky and funny...got all that?

Group Review for the book will begin Tuesday, June 12th so, get ready to read, chat up the author's sticky system and, wait...did you hear that? Who's cutting-in on my post? Oh, it's word from our authors. Let me be a gracious host and hand this over to them for a minute:

"Our passion is ideas and what makes them stick, so the opportunity to join a group of connoisseurs in the marketing community to banter about ideas via the MarketingProfs Book Club, well...it's going to be a heck of a time! It's kind of like turning a group of physicists loose in a particle accelerator." I don't know about you guys, but I haven't been let loose in a particle accelerator before. Hey, I'm game for anything that shakes it up a bit.

Check out the author's Q&A here and most definitely go get your free bonus (it's rightfully yours, after all). Seriously, the bonus is worth this segment alone...a heaping HUGE (!) thanks to Cam Beck for his thoughtful and thought-provoking 8-page analysis of the book's core themes.

Um, what are you waiting for? I given you hot, sticky, funny and a darn particle accelerator...do I need to get those "sticky guys" back over here? I'll do it you know, get on over there!

P.S.: If you are new to my blog and are wondering that the heck this banter over (sticky!) books is about, you can go here for info. on our current segment and here to sign-up (but if you've already signed-up for the Book Club you don't need to sign-up again and yes, you're eligible for a free book).

Bookworms after my own heart...

Oh how I wish I were a genie yesterday...I would have nodded my head twice and teleported to support my brethren bookworms in Atlanta. You see, they held a "read-in" as a peaceful assembly to show how much books matter to them. Alas this picture will have to do.

Actually, it was probably best that I was NOT there, being it likely wouldn't have been as peaceful an assembly. Rumor has it I get a bit mouthy when I'm passionate about something. Though that rumor has not been verified.

Here's the scoop from CNN's blog: "Thursday, a small contingent gathered in front of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's (AJC) building in downtown Atlanta, a couple blocks from CNN Center, to host a "read-in." The paper has decided to eliminate its book editor position and the activists want to show that books -- and readers -- matter. (The episode has received national coverage.)

So a handful of people quietly read books in front of AJC headquarters while others, standing in front of a poster saying "Save the Book Review" and a display of titles (Walker Percy's "Love in the Ruins," "Romeo and Juliet," Langston Hughes) praised AJC Book Editor Teresa Weaver and talked about why the paper was making a bad decision.

The AJC isn't alone in its rethinking. The Times recently ran a piece about newspapers cutting back on book coverage. There's not enough advertising money, the thinking goes, and readers are gravitating online anyway and getting their book information from blogs and Amazon reviews."

They're right. Books don't matter. But ideas do.

When people ask me why I decided to create a Book Club--which, mind you, is only a reality due to the amazing and endless support of MarketingProfs--I explain: Books don't matter. Ideas do. But ideas have exponentially more value when we can share them. Sure, it's groovy getting to work with authors but the value is when the authors and all the members come together and discuss the ideas. Even better that technology enables anyone to launch and lead their own discussion threads (see examples here).

I'm telling you, in two segments alone, I have learned so much I've put to practical use in my client, day-to-day work (and blogging).  And while this community has opened a new world for me, the Book Club has many members that don't blog, but they sure do book.

Never fear bookworms, our Book Club is going strong (and comin' soon!).

Fret not, our Book Club ain't going away. In fact, a little birdie told me a rumor that Book Club Round #3 is coming and coming soon with an amazing, advancing book that every marketer should be reading and some extra goodies, too. Yep, that rumor is 100% true. Stay tuned...

• To learn more on our rockin' Book Club go here
• Not signed-up for the Book Club? Go right here

Respectfully, I say...thanks for rockin' out!

I try to frequently thank my blog readers and book club members (thank you for your time!), but I really need to also remember to thank the authors as I've give each an incredible amount of homework and action points spanning 8 weeks. I assure you, it's not just "show up here". Even though I've systematized, it's rather high-maintenance.

Last round it was Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba who were so supportive and so much fun. They will always be my first ;-).

This segment it's Al & Laura Ries who are amazingly dedicated, truly consummate professionals. They started early this morning back at Book Club after a high-energy chat every day last week, have been hitting the blog circuit, answering all our questions--and even launched several of their own threads. Folks, they've not missed a beat (and made me look good in the process, I really appreciate that).

Al & Laura, I thank you both for taking this project, our questions and feedback so seriously. The only way to say it right is to say: You've both rocked Book Club! You set a responsive model for this industry--and you continue to advance it. I'm certain this segment will continue to serve you well...and I'm more (!) than certain that when this segment does pass you two will not miss all the e-mails from yours truly.

And it's still rockin': Feel free to chime-in to the discussions; they continue to flow with new people chiming in and starting new discussions (login: here).

P.S.: I've learned more about branding in the last week than I did during graduate school (and yes, I do think that University owes me a partial refund on my student loans).

And people ask me why I love books...

It ain't the books--it's because of the Bookworms, silly! Here we have the handsome devil Gianandrea Facchini who hails from Rome (ciao, bello!). "G," as I like to call him, is holding both selections from last segment and our current one (yep, the discussions and debates on Al & Laura Ries' book continues). One thing you find out when you run a global Book Club is that like-minded people who like to wonk out on marketing books are everywhere--I've been chatting with people from all over America, Canada, India, Europe, Australia, South America and Africa.

Another thing you find out? The cross-country postal system is deplorable. It took 3 tries to get these books to Gianandrea. That's why he's holding that little package in front of him--I sent him confetti so he could throw it in the air in celebration of finally getting the darn books!

The trend of getting our pictures taken with the book have been so much fun: check out these pics. Aren't we a fetching crowd? I told you smart is sexy :-).

Gianandrea, enjoy your book and read 'em up because you're definitely going to want to throw the confetti when you find out the GREAT (!) book I have lined-up for next segment. But that's all I'm saying for now; a girl can't book and tell after all.

P.S.: If you've not yet had the pleasure of checking out "G's" blog, do yourself a favor and make a point of it. He insights us on marketing but gives us many cross-cultural lessons (by far one of the biggest benefit of blogging for we Americans is finding out about the other 97% of the world).

Come chat it up, bookworms...

Just a note to remind all book club members--and fellow marketers interested in our current topic of branding--Group Review for this segment is officially OPEN (login here). So come chat up The Origin of Brands with Al and Laura Ries, me and many smart marketers.

What are we chatting about right now? Valeria's talking corporate expansion meets gardening, I'm being a little divergence devil, Mack's talking pencils (and erasers), David's chatting missing links (and whether we should be ditching tried-and-true brands) and Denny's giving us a toothpaste quiz. And it's not even 9am. Good thing I drank three cups of coffee, eh?

• For those of you new to Book Club this segment, you'll probably want to go here for some background information.
• And for the veterans returning for another round...just go right here to login and jump into a discussion (or two).

Remember...in this Book Club anyone can start a discussion thread so the time is nigh for everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask...well about marketing, anyhow. And Book Club works on your time, and is open all the time. Did I say bookworms rock? That they do.

P.S.: Mark Goren, in his superb "Folded Corners" Series, is featuring his favorite lines of the book...it's worth checking out (thanks Mark!).

P.P.S.: Marc Sirkin does a tremedous (!) job of reviewing the book right here as well as creates some great graphics mapping the book's themes to non-profit marketing. Way to go the extra mile :-).

Read 'em up, bookworms (group review in 1 week)

Just a reading reminder: we're one week away from chatting up our currently featured book, The Origin of Brands, with famed authors' Al and Laura Ries. So members interested in this segment get ready to discuss--and maybe even debate!--beginning next Tuesday, March 20th.

Remember, during Group Review any member can ask or answer a question...and start a discussion thread. On that note, it's time for me to get back to my book (there will be trouble if the host shows up unread).

P.S.: Yes (!), you can still sign-up to take part in this segment...you'll just need to get a copy of the book and get it read by next Tuesday.

Is all this Book Club stuff new to you? Never fear, just go here to find out all (psst: bookworms are cool).

Round #2 and in the Ring...with Al and Laura Ries! (Book Club)

February is upon us and you know what that means: Book Club is back for another segment! This round we'll be discussing branding with the brand masters themselves: none other than Al & Laura Ries...impressive, eh? Yes bookworms, I take my host(ess) duties very seriously.

What will we be doing this segment? We'll be getting a little Darwinian, debunking some long-held branding "truths"--and likely, debating. What's more? You get a (free!) bonus just for reading the post here. Hey, I'm just doing what I can to heat things up in an otherwise very cold winter in the Northeast...

Excuse me...are you guys hearing that? Who's that talking up a storm in my post? Why it's word from our authors, I guess I should do the polite thing and give them the floor: "This is Al and Laura Ries here. We are so excited to be working with the new MarketingProfs Book Club and CK for our book 'The Origin of Brands'. We look forward to stoking the fire over the divergence vs. convergence debate with you bookworms. When Al & Laura Ries get involved you know it will be controversial! Talk to you all during Group Review in March."

And talk to us they will--but first you smart marketers need to read their insightful Q&A here, and sign-up for our Book Club if you haven't already (if you signed-on during last segment you're already registered). And most definitely go get your free (!) bonus.

Um, what are you waiting for? Do I need to get Al and Laura back here? I'll do it, you know. Get over there already!

P.S.: If you're just learning about our Book Club you'll definitely want to go here. You might just get a free book--you'll definitely get brainier and meet other cool bookworms.

Ya outta be in pictures

One week away from our Book Club's next segment (it's gonna be good marketers...but wait 'til Tuesday you must) and it's so great to see what an impact the first round continues to have on marketers. And here I thought I was the only one who would put my mug next to a book.

On the left there is Gavin Heaton and on the right here is Tim Jackson. Ben and Jackie I ask you: who needs models when you've got these handsome fellas advertising for you?

These guys put all the pics of me promoting the Book Club to shame. Btw, guys--and all you bookworms--you'll look fetching next to the upcoming book, too...just sayin'.

P.S. Seeing you marketers so stoked over books just melts my heart. Yep, it's better than a Valentine's Day card, maybe even better than chocolates. Maybe.

Moonlighting Still...

My book wonk has me for a couple more days...so it's like I'm moonlighting, even when the sun is up. To my clients I say, bless you for bearing with me (but do note that I met all my deadlines).

I'm not sure if I'm most enjoying getting different ideas or meeting so many different people. Yeah, it's a tie.

And it's poetic justice that P.R. pal David Reich (below right) has been rockin' the review as oh-so-popular discussion leader--yet David has always played the role of commenter. Better he doesn't launch a blog, we'd be outta business!Thanks to Mad Ave Journal's Tim McHale (pictured on the left below) for spicing up the review with the "Ghost of Citizen Marketers Kane". Author Ben McConnell liked that one.

On a funny note, in addition to learning new things and meeting new people, those bookworms told me of a great Diner here in NYC and the correct definition for the word "verbiage". You would think with the pretty price tag for that MBA I would have already known that (it's a derogatory term, I thought it just meant "copy/prose"). Back to the moon am I...

P.S.: If you've not yet seen Paul McEnany's experience trying to make Kohl's Department Stores a better, um, experience, go see how a retail marketer blows an opportunity. Times two. Yes, this is must-viewing material for all marketers. Proud of you, Paul.

Open for Biz, Bookworms.

Alas I've broken my silence and I'm chattin' up a storm over at Group Review. Oh right, maybe you haven't heard: our Book Club's Group Review is officially O.P.E.N. for biz, baby!

Yes, it's a party. And yes, this party rocks 24/7. I was wonkin' out there late last night...but I didn't have many people to wonk out with. I thought to myself: is it my fate to be a lonely bookworm?  Is it prom all over again where I dance all (gulp!) alone? Is everyone at some other book club ganging up against me?

Then I remembered I jumped the gun...it wasn't open yet. D'oh!

If you're a bookworm then, besides being really cool, you need to go here to learn about getting into the party--and yes, if the Host asks you to dance you have to humor her. If you're not a member and want to check it out you can also go here to learn about it--but since you're not logged in you can't participate. Woe is you...

...but don't fret, you can still join in! As long as you're up for chatting the themes of Citizen Marketers and this groovy new Web 2.0 World, I cordially invite you to crash our party. Please do drink responsibly and mind your manners.

C'mon admit it, aren't you just the slightest bit interested what's going on over there, just a little?

P.S.: Dear Blogosphere: A week or so from now I'll be back to my normal blogging self and won't talk the Book Club for many weeks. Girl Scout's honor.

Book Club Or BUST! (A long, strange trip to Group Review)

One week away from our Book Club's first Group Review--hitting next Wednesday, January 10th--and, being a NYC girl without a car (the subway is my SUV), I've had to get pretty creative to ensure I'll be to the party on time...

My journey chronicles: hitch-hiking in Times Square; meeting up with some of the Big Apple's rowdiest bookworms; getting in hot water with my southern momma; getting picked up by the National Guard--and sailing the seven seas. Pretty much in that order.

Oh, and a whale is involved. I ask you, readers: what half-decent story doesn't involve a whale?

Want the scoop and all the pics? You needn't hitch a ride, just follow this link to The Daily Fix. With the eventful journey I've been through, surely you won't let a girl down and will have your book read, right? Yeah, I knew I could count on you fine marketers :-).

Now hop on over here for one heck of a tale.

P.S.: Yes, you can still sign-up! You'll just need to get your paws on a copy of "Citizen Marketers", get it read by next Wednesday (it's a quick read) and drop an email saying "I'm in!" to bookclub@marketingprofs.com. "See" you next week...bookworms rock!

Shhh...Read 'em up bookworms!

For all you (way COOL) bookworms: just a reminder to get your book read by Wednesday, January 10, 2007...as we'll be chattin' up a storm during Group Review.

More info. is heading your way here and at The Fix soon--including my rather eventful journey to Group Review. Until that time, make sure and zip through our current read, Citizen Marketers, so you'll be ready. Yes, there will be a quiz. Just kidding.

I'm right at 70% through the book and finding it to be a fun, easy read. Some lessons confirmed and some learned anew. That's all I'm saying as I'm not the kind of girl to read and tell--well, not until January 10th as then I'll have lots to talk about with you smarties.

But for now I need some peace and quiet so I can finish my book...so keep it down over there!

P.S.: Yep, you can still sign-up for the Book Club: find out how right here.

Bookworms are COOL and, apparently, EVERYWHERE.

Just a quick update for all you COOL Bookworms: In 24 hours we’ve had over 400 members sign-up for our Book Club from across the globe—and I expect more sign-ups throughout the week. Wait, did I say the globe? I sure did!

North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East are ALL represented in the Book Club. Point is, we bookworms are everywhere—and now we can all unite right at MarketingProfs to share a heck of a lot of knowledge. And during group review, anyone can start a discussion thread--I told you it was democratic :-).

I always knew bookworms were cool. Now the world will know, too!

See the post below for more information or head on over to MarketingProfs Daily Fix Blog.

P.S.: I’ll report more in an update on Friday. A bit busy at the moment between all things books...oh, and keeping my biz going :-).

Move over Oprah: We've Got Our Own Book Club Now (FREE books!)

Didn't I promise more surprises centered on "share" in 2006? Well a promise is just that and I'm pleased to announce the brand spankin' new MarketingProfs Book Club--with yours truly as host(ess).

It's old media (books) meets new media (the Web) meets best practices. And while I may not be able to give away free cars...I am giving away FREE, author-signed books!

All marketing all the time, the book club will cover a wide range of marketing topics with an opening lineup boasting such sizzling luminaries as Ben McConnell, Jackie Huba, Al & Laura Ries and Paul Gillin--with many more to be announced.

Quick as a bunny, hop on over to the Daily Fix to learn how you can sign-up and hopefully, get a free, signed copy of our inaugural book...the hot-off-the-press, highly anticipated book by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba titled "Citizen Marketers"--a book that's brimming with insights and perfectly suited for those new and familiar with social media.

But don't take my word for it: The Viral Garden urges "buy this book...it isn't a marketing book, it's a book about your community of customers". Logic & Emotion remarks on the book's "cross appeal both for those already participating as well as those grappling with the gi-normous changes in marketing". And Movie Marketing Madness advises this book "should be on every marketing practitioner's desk". Folks, I've never gone wrong when listening to these trusted colleagues (whom I'm fortunate to call friends).

Still need a little prodding? No problem, I'll just push you on over to the Q&A I'm featuring with Ben and Jackie at The Daily Fix; the interview alone is chock full of value--and it's free, too. Here are some As to your anticipated Qs:

#1: How does it work, CK? Why it goes like so:

• Kick-off: Every 2 months a new book is announced through an Author Q&A posted at MarketingProfs and at The Daily Fix Blog (I'll notify readers at my blog, too). The first 30 people to sign-up for each segment receive free books--but an unlimited number of people can take part in the club. You can opt to sign-up for one segment, two segments...or all of them.
• Read: Members are given approximately 5-6 weeks to read each book, and to allow time for book mailings.
• Group Review: Through an online review area we'll discuss the book's themes, ask questions of the authors--and each other--as well as rank the book. It's all sorts of democratic like that.

#2: Did you say FREE books? That I did. The first 30 people to sign-up for each segment receive FREE, author-signed books. No, you don't pay mailing fees (would I do that to you guys?). Yes, books can be shipped anywhere in the world--it's the WORLD wide web, and this book club is most certainly global.

#3: Why the heck are you hosting this? Because I'm a bookworm. Because the program hinges on sharing knowledge--and because nothing like it exists, but should. Now it does :-). A world of thanks to MarketingProfs's Ann Handley--and all our authors and publishers--for embracing the idea.

#4: How do I sign-up? Go here to learn how...and go NOW! While right now you're here you must sign-up over there.

#5: Where's your nifty disclaimer? Neither CK nor MarketingProfs are retained by any author or publisher to promote any book or make any profit from the sale thereof (though the extra cash would be nice). This club is for the marketing community--I just get to learn alongside you good folks.

P.S. Remember, even if you don't get a free book this go 'round, please do still take part in the book club. At $16.50 for the hardcover edition, this book is a steal for all the gems inside. Plus, with new books announced every 2 months there are plenty of chances throughout 2007 to get your paws on a free read.