Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Certainly Seth Godin is right up there: www.sethgodin.com

Malcolm Gladwell was groundbreaking with "The Tipping Point" and his upcoming book "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" while not a pure marketing tome per say, promises to have an influence on marketing.

Harry Beckwith also comes to mind: www.beckwithpartners.com/

Just a few of my favorites!

Geoffrey Moore, author of Crossing the Chasm and Inside the Tornado.

I also agree with Tim that Seth Godin ranks in the clouds.

I'm with Michele. I think Kotler is perhaps the most articulate professional marketer around. He has written one of the best textbooks on Marketing, and his other books (e.g., "Kotler on Marketing") are right to the point and reflect what's really going on.

I also agree with Randall. There are several folks on this forum who would qualify. The real answer depends on why you're asking and what you're going to do with what you learn (from us).

If what you want is a name to look for at the library, Kottler is a great place to start. If you want to hire a consultant to actually work on a project, you need someone who at least has experience with the kinds of issues you're facing. I'm not suggesting specific INDUSTRY experience, but rather the kinds of marketing issues you're dealing with. (Example: If pricing is the issue, then get someone who knows pricing. Etc.)

Phillip Kotler is very well known.

Check out also Dr. Mark Moorehouse
Geoffrey Moore
Martin Lindstrom
Professor A 'Parsu' Parasuraman
Peter Turnbull, etc.