Zag Book Summary

In 'Zag', Marty Neumeier explores the art of differentiation in a crowded marketplace, arguing that doing the opposite of your competitors—zigging when they zag—can lead to remarkable success. He presents a compelling framework for brand strategy, emphasizing clarity, focus, and relevance. Through engaging anecdotes and practical insights, Neumeier empowers readers to ignite their creativity and embrace innovative thinking. This guide challenges conventional wisdom, pushing brands to uncover their unique voices in order to stand out. Dive into 'Zag' and discover how to pivot from mediocrity to market leadership!

By Marty Neumeier

Published: 2007

""In a crowded marketplace, the only way to stand out is to be remarkable, to be the zag in a sea of zigs.""

Book Review of Zag

In an age of me-too products and instant communications, keeping up with the competition is not a winning strategy. Today you have to out-position, outmanoeuvre, and out-design the competition. The new rule? When everybody zigs, zag. In the recent bestseller, The Brand Gap (AIGA/New Riders), Neumeier showed companies how to bridge the distance between business strategy and design. In his latest book Zag, he illustrates the first big step in building a high-performance brand-radical differentiation.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 24 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Chris Dixon's Book Recommendations

Chris Dixon is a notable venture capitalist and technology entrepreneur, best known for his influential role as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads investments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Before joining the firm, Dixon co-founded two startups: SiteAdvisor, a web security company acquired by McAfee, and Hunch, a recommendation engine acquired by eBay. In addition to his investment career, Dixon is a prolific writer and thought leader on technology and innovation, contributing insightful essays and articles to various platforms such as his personal blog and Medium. His writings often explore the future of technology, the internet, and the impact of blockchain, making significant contributions to contemporary tech literature. Dixon's work has earned him recognition as a visionary in both the tech and literary worlds.

Technology and FutureInspiring ReadsCreativity and Innovation

Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.

Business and LeadershipInspiring ReadsProductivity

Chris Powers's Book Recommendations

Chris Powers is a real estate entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Fort Capital, a real estate investment firm based in Texas. Powers specializes in acquiring and developing industrial and commercial properties, focusing on value-add opportunities in rapidly growing markets. He is also the host of The FORT Podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs, investors, and real estate professionals about their experiences and insights. Powers is a strong advocate for building communities and fostering long-term growth in real estate development. His work has positioned him as a leader in the Texas real estate market and a trusted voice in the industry.

Business and LeadershipInspiring Reads

Jeff Bezos's Book Recommendations

Jeff Bezos is the founder and former CEO of Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, fundamentally transforming global commerce. Under his leadership, Amazon diversified into cloud computing with Amazon Web Services, revolutionizing the tech industry. Bezos also owns The Washington Post, revitalizing the historic newspaper with significant investments in digital journalism. His ventures into space exploration through Blue Origin aim to make space travel more accessible. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Bezos has contributed to literature with his 2020 book, "Invent and Wander," which compiles his writings and speeches on innovation and leadership.

Business and LeadershipInspiring ReadsCreativity and Innovation

Albert Wenger's Book Recommendations

Albert Wenger is a prominent venture capitalist and author, best known for his insightful contributions to the intersection of technology and society. As a managing partner at Union Square Ventures, he has invested in and mentored numerous groundbreaking startups, significantly shaping the digital landscape. Wenger is the author of "World After Capital," a thought-provoking book that explores the implications of a post-capitalist society driven by abundant knowledge and digital innovation. His work has sparked important discussions about the future of work, education, and governance in an increasingly automated world. Beyond his writing, Wenger is a sought-after speaker and influential thought leader in the tech community.

Technology and FutureBusiness and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

Business and LeadershipInspiring ReadsSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) and the author of the bestselling book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue leadership roles and create gender equality in the workplace. She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, particularly in corporate environments, and has launched initiatives to support women’s empowerment globally. Sheryl’s leadership at Facebook helped the company grow into one of the world’s largest social media platforms. She is also the founder of LeanIn.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women.

Women Who LeadBusiness and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Andy Budd's Book Recommendations

Andy Budd is a renowned author and user experience (UX) designer, best known for his influential work in the field of web design. He co-authored "CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions," which has become a seminal text for web developers worldwide. As a founding partner of the consulting firm Clearleft, Budd has made significant contributions to advancing UX design practices. He is also a sought-after speaker at design conferences and an active advocate for the design community. Through his writing and leadership, Budd continues to shape the future of digital design.

Creativity and InnovationTechnology and Future

Showing 8 of 13 related collections

"In a crowded marketplace, the only way to stand out is to be remarkable, to be the zag in a sea of zigs."

Zag

By Marty Neumeier