Jack Trout on Strategy

Books by Al Ries and Jack Trout are always worth a read. These marketing specialists are perhaps best known for their seminal work "Positioning". They have written several books together and also gone out on their own. "Trout on Strategy" is a solo effort, but is still worthy of praise. This book is more about Marketing strategy than general corporate strategy, but by taking a "stategic" approach, the auther presents us with a very good overview of many facets in the marketing world. By covering topics such as leadership, competition, differentiation and positioning, the auther gives a holistic view to the marketing manager. Perhaps what I love most about this book, is that throughout, he constantly refers to other books that he has written, on his own or with Al Ries that could be researched to explore a topic in more detail. So in affect, you are getting an excellant summary of some of the best marketing books ever written. 5 stars.

Trout has written an excellent guide on where an executive should place their strategic focus to drive a successful business. While it appears simple with its 8 strategies, the concepts and recommendations are powerful. The examples are strong, well known and easy to relate to. The strategies apply to small and large organizations alike. This book will make you think.

What one can gain from this book would be the best and most important writings from Jack Trout over the past 30 years. It teaches people how to win and conquer markets in a simplistic yet powerful and applicable manner. I would keep this book handy when I need to make sound strategic marketing decisions

If you've never read anything from Jack Trout before, this is the book to start with! Trout on Strategy is the Bible of marketing strategy. Trout is one of the most important business authors of our generation. While some disagree with his views (especially his view on line extension), he has undeniably helped to shape the thinking of the marketing industry over the last 20 years. If you are a business owner or marketing professional, you should not let another week go by without hearing what Trout has to say about "positioning" and "differentiation". This book is essentially 2 decades of writing all rolled up into one relatively short book. Some other reviews I've read here complain about an apparent repackaging of information contained in previous Trout books. Personally, I am a fan of condensing information. I can re-read Trout on Strategy from time to time, and get a refresher on everything I've ever read of his. I would still recommend reading his other books, but this is a great "nutshell" version of his teachings. There's an awful lot of wisdom crammed into these pages. Buy this book, keep it in an easy to find place, and re-read it once or twice a year.

Jack Trout made his name with straight, pithy talk about marketing. This book falls into the Trout tradition. Although some of his core points - protect your differentiation, avoid jargon, focus tightly - have been said before, frequently by him, he has a good salesman's way of making it seem fresh and exciting. A reminder of certain basic, important verities is often useful, no matter how established they are. Trout is best in intense doses and much of what he has to say here, while not complicated, is true, practical and useful. Any marketer who reads this book will learn something of value. We find it a worthwhile addition to the promoter's library as a motivational handbook, a memory jogger or a collection of short servings of solid advice.