What I Talk About When I Talk About Running vs. The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a memoir by Haruki Murakami where he talks about two things that define a big part of his life: running and writing. Murakami didn’t always plan on being a novelist. He was running a jazz bar in his twenties when, while watching a baseball game, he suddenly thought, “I could write a novel.” He gave it a shot, it worked out, and he eventually sold his bar to focus on writing full-time. But sitting at a desk all day, smoking and not moving much, wasn’t doing his health any good. That’s when he picked up running. For Murakami, running is more than just exercise—it’s part of his routine and, in a way, a metaphor for writing. Both take endurance. Both are long hauls where you push yourself day after day, even when you don’t feel like it. The book follows him as he trains for marathons, competes in triathlons, and grapples with the slow decline of his physical abilities as he ages. He talks a lot about acceptance—accepting getting older, accept...
The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design
The Brand Gap is the first book to present a unified theory of brand-building. Whereas most books on branding are weighted toward either a strategic or creative approach, this book shows how both ways of thinking can unite to produce a “charismatic brand”―a brand that customers feel is essential to their lives. In an entertaining two-hour read you’ll learn: • the new definition of brand • the five essential disciplines of brand-building • how branding is changing the dynamics of competition • the three most powerful questions to ask about any brand • why collaboration is the key to brand-building • how design determines a customer’s experience • how to test brand concepts quickly and cheaply • the importance of managing brands from the inside • 220-word brand glossary
Reviews
Reviewed on 2/28/2024
I read this book when I first started running long distance. I was living in Chiang Mai and I'd go this huge park a couple of times a week and just run loops around the lake. At the end of my run I'd grab a milk tea and a banana bread from a local coffee shop and just read a few pages. Great memories of many chill evenings, running and reading about running.
Reviews
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| Easy read | 1 | |
| Motivating | 1 | |
| Peaceful | 1 |
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| No cons yet, would you like to add one? | ||
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| No pros yet, would you like to add one? | ||
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| No cons yet, would you like to add one? | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is often described as a motivating read, particularly for those interested in running or personal growth. Readers appreciate its easy-to-read style and the peaceful reflections on running and life. In contrast, 'The Brand Gap' focuses on branding strategies and may not evoke the same personal motivation, as it is more about business concepts than personal journeys. Therefore, if you're looking for motivation in a personal context, Murakami's book may be the better choice.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' provides a deeply personal narrative as Haruki Murakami shares his experiences with running and how it intertwines with his writing and life. This book reads like a diary, making it relatable for anyone interested in personal stories of perseverance. On the other hand, 'The Brand Gap' is a business-oriented book that presents theories and strategies for branding, lacking the personal touch found in Murakami's work. Thus, for a personal narrative, Murakami's book is the clear winner.
'The Brand Gap' is designed to offer practical insights into branding and business strategy, making it a valuable resource for professionals in marketing and design. It presents a unified theory of brand-building and includes actionable concepts. In contrast, 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is more reflective and personal, focusing on the author's experiences rather than providing practical advice. Therefore, if you're seeking practical insights, 'The Brand Gap' would be more beneficial.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is a memoir by Haruki Murakami that explores the intertwined themes of running and writing. Murakami shares his journey from running a jazz bar to becoming a novelist, detailing how running became a crucial part of his life and a metaphor for his writing process. The book reflects on endurance, acceptance of aging, and the highs and lows of both running and writing.
Pros of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' include its easy readability, motivating content, and the peaceful tone of Murakami's writing. There are no cons listed for this book, indicating that readers generally find it to be a positive experience.
Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and themes of loneliness and existentialism. He gained international fame with novels such as 'Norwegian Wood' and 'Kafka on the Shore.' In 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' he shares personal insights into his life as a writer and runner.
The writing style of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is straightforward and conversational, as if Murakami is sharing his thoughts over coffee. He often includes personal anecdotes and reflections, making the narrative relatable and engaging for readers.
In 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' memorable moments include Murakami's experiences training for marathons, his reflections on aging and acceptance, and the simple joys of running, such as the satisfaction of finishing a race and enjoying a cold beer afterward. His vivid descriptions of running the original marathon route in Greece also stand out.
'The Brand Gap' is a book that presents a unified theory of brand-building, combining both strategic and creative approaches. It aims to help businesses create 'charismatic brands' that customers feel are essential to their lives. The book covers topics such as the new definition of brand, the five essential disciplines of brand-building, the changing dynamics of competition, the importance of collaboration, the role of design in customer experience, and how to manage brands from the inside.
'The Brand Gap' is authored by Marty Neumeier, a renowned branding expert who has written several influential books on the subject. Neumeier has extensive experience in brand consulting and design, making him a credible voice in the field of branding.
The main topics covered in 'The Brand Gap' include the new definition of brand, the five essential disciplines of brand-building, the changing dynamics of competition, the three most powerful questions to ask about any brand, the importance of collaboration in brand-building, the role of design in customer experience, how to test brand concepts quickly and cheaply, and the importance of managing brands from the inside.
'The Brand Gap' is unique because it integrates both strategic and creative approaches to brand-building, rather than focusing on just one aspect. This holistic view helps businesses create more effective and charismatic brands. The book is also known for its concise and entertaining style, making complex concepts easy to understand in a short read.
'The Brand Gap' is designed to be a quick read, taking approximately two hours to complete. Despite its brevity, the book is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice for brand-building.
