Book of the Week: Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares

Hey friends, it’s Gabe Salinas here, and I’ve got another read I can’t wait to share with you. Now, I’m not gonna sugarcoat this one. Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares isn’t a browsing-on-the-beach kind of book. It’s not loaded with dramatic twists or laugh-out-loud moments. But if you’re anything like me, always on the hunt for practical, actionable ways to grow your business, this book is a solid gold nugget of wisdom. Especially for those of you just starting your entrepreneurial journeys, this could be the guide you didn’t even know you needed.

What This Book Brings to the Table

Here’s the deal. Traction is written to help entrepreneurs and business owners understand what it really takes to grow a company. Weinberg and Mares focus on something they call “traction channels,” and there are 19 of them. Think of them as pathways to grow your business, like social media marketing, email campaigns, affiliate programs, SEO, and more. If you’ve wondered whether you’re using the right tools to reach your customers or leaving money and opportunity on the table, Traction will give you the framework to figure that out.

But what I love most is how bare bones and to the point this book is. It’s practical through and through. Diagrams, tables, bulleted lists, it’s all about taking the guesswork out of marketing and business growth. If you’re willing to put in the work (and I know you are), this book hands you every tool you need to analyze what works and what doesn’t so you can double down on strategies that drive results.

Why This Book Hits (and Where It Misses)

Now, here’s the thing. The strength of Traction lies in its no-nonsense delivery. Weinberg and Mares don’t try to entertain you; they’re here to inform and equip you for battle. If you’re already juggling a million tasks as a business owner, this book respects your time by getting straight to the point. One standout tool they introduce is the “Bullseye Framework.” This process guides you through identifying the best traction channels for your business, going from brainstorming to rapid testing and, finally, focusing on what delivers.

But, like any great resource, it’s not perfect. I’ll be real with you, this book can feel like a grind sometimes. The tone is straightforward and reads more like a manual than an inspiring TED Talk. For someone who isn’t laser-focused on scaling their business, it might feel a bit dry or even overwhelming. You’ll also need to be all-in because Traction demands engagement and effort. You’re not going to flip through it casually and soak up the magic. This one’s for the doers, not the dreamers.

Who Should Pick Up Traction?

If you’re knee-deep in building something you believe in, this book should definitely make its way onto your shelf. For new entrepreneurs particularly, it’s a fantastic starting point. Maybe you’re struggling to connect with your audience or you’re wondering why your growth feels stalled. This book helps you identify both holes you might not know you have and new strategies you might be overlooking entirely. On the other hand, if business isn’t your main focus or scaling isn’t at the top of your priorities, Traction might leave you scratching your head or yawning a little.

3.5 Golden Squeegees from Me

Alright, here’s my verdict. I’m giving Traction 3.5 golden squeegees. It’s well-deserved. Why not 5? Well, because the book’s depth and niche focus mean it’s not for everyone. It’s a resource, not a page-turner, so it’s going to speak loudest to those of you ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

That said, if you’re a grinder, building a dream, and want something a little more exciting than “in the box” marketing ideas, Traction offers a lot of firepower. Pair it with determination, and you’ve got a recipe to make some major moves.

My Takeaway

Here’s the big takeaway for me. Traction isn’t trying to dazzle you. It’s here to guide you, to give you clarity and actionable steps in a marketing landscape that can feel chaotic. For those of us who wake up every day thinking about how to serve more customers, make a bigger impact, or scale to the next level, this book has the tools to get us there.

It might not snag a spot on your “fun reads” list, but that’s okay. Fun gets you the laughs, but traction gets you momentum. And in the world of business, momentum is everything.

Pick up Traction, grab a notebook and a fresh highlighter, and get ready to reevaluate how you’re growing your business. Whether you discover one overlooked tactic or start tackling a whole new channel of growth, this book might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. And who doesn’t love a good game-changer? Make it count, y’all!  

-Gabe