The world of marketing and branding can be extremely testing so before entering the field you will need to boost your knowledge; the following three books are some of my personal favourites and I would highly recommend them for any budding or established marketing and branding operative.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
Written by Al Ries and Jack Trout this book is essential for anyone entering the field, we have the laws of physics and the laws of nature, so why not the laws of marketing. The book manages to simplify and break down these 22 laws into such a readable, but informative fashion. A true must read. I would also highly recommend its sequel The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding as well.
Purple Cow
One of the biggest business book writers in Seth Godin this is perhaps his masterpiece, selling 150,000 copies in its first two years of publication, the book details what is required for marketers to really have a product stand out. Do not try sell a simple cow we have all seen a cow, a purple cow though that is something special; an allegory for your product. If you do not adapt and turn your business purple, you will fail. A must read for even the established marketer and brander.
Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind
I am a big fan of both Ries and Trout, and with this book they bring their A-game again. The book details how to guide your message into the consumers brain. Though released in the 1970s the book remains extremely snappy and its message still remains extremely important. Detailing how you need to know your competition and what do they not have, that will get your company into the consumers mind over theirs. My personal favourite marketing and branding book, it is simply informative and excellent from end to end.