Books

My Best Mistake: Epic Fails and Silver Linings

The Incredible Hulk was originally supposed to be grey, but a printing glitch led to the superhero’s iconic green colour. NHL hall-of-famer Serge Savard’s hockey career nearly ended prematurely, not because of an injury, but because of an oversight. And the invention of a beloved treat, the Popsicle, began with a simple mistake.

In his fascinating and meticulously researched new book, Terry O’Reilly recounts how some of the biggest breakthroughs and best-loved products originated with a mistake. Some people’s “mistakes” led to dramatic life changes – losing their jobs, their companies and often their credibility – only for them to discover new opportunities on the other shore. Other people’s mistakes seemed minor, almost insignificant–until they led to a famous brand, a legendary band or a groundbreaking work of art. And in a few instances, a mistake actually saved lives.

The fear of failing often holds us back. My Best Mistake will change how you think about screwing up and will encourage you to accept mistakes and embrace the obstacles that may arise from these errors, leading you to unexpected breakthroughs and silver linings of your own.

Available now at Indigo, Amazon or your favourite indie bookstore.

Audiobook available on Audible or Kobo.

For a signed copy, see below or visit our e-shop.

Read Chapter One – Free

Listen Chapter One – Free

This I Know: Marketing Lessons from Under the Influence

Over the past 17 years on CBC Radio, Terry has covered countless marketing topics, from the origins of modern marketing to how the advertising industry invented the happy housewife. But embedded within those episodes are hundreds of insights and tips for effective marketing. Whether your company is new or old, whether you sell a product or a service, whether your organization is for-profit or non-for-profit,
This I Know: Marketing Lessons from Under The Influence is a collection of marketing epiphanies to help companies outsmart their competitors, not outspend them. This is a book for all the small and medium-sized marketers who can’t afford a high-priced advertising agency.

Available now at Indigo, Amazon or your favourite indie bookstore.

Audiobook available on Audible or Kobo.

For a signed copy, see below or visit our e-shop.

Read Chapter One – Free

Listen Chapter One – Free

The Age of Persuasion: How Marketing Ate Our Culture

Stop to consider the culture of the 21st century: Each morning, you might hear a half–dozen ads on the radio before your feet touch the floor. Staggering out of bed, you’ll pass brand logos on your clothing and in your bathroom. By the end of the day, hundreds — perhaps thousands — of marketing messages have targeted you. And yet so little is understood about how marketing affects our lives, our society, and our world.

Enter Terry O’Reilly and Mike Tennant, the ad men behind popular CBC Radio show, The Age of Persuasion. They have made it their mission to share the back–room story of modern marketing, entertaining asides and all.

From the early players to the Mad Men of the 1960s and beyond, O’Reilly and Tennant offer insights into a rapidly evolving industry. Smart and funny, The Age of Persuasion provides an entertaining — and eye–opening — look at a world driven by marketing.

Available now at Indigo, Amazon or your favourite indie bookstore.

Audiobook available on Audible or Kobo.

For a signed copy, see below or visit our e-shop.