It won't win me any hipster points, but I have to recommend "Influence: the psychology of persuasion", by Robert B. Cialdini. This book managed to beautifully,

It won't win me any hipster points, but I have to recommend "Influence: the psychology of persuasion", by Robert B. Cialdini. This book managed to beautifully, clearly, and engagingly account for the major factors of human influence. Despite a degree in cognitive science and extensive personal interest in social psychology and compliance tactics, this book still proved incredibly insightful. And from a marketing and sales perspective, I would consider it a must-read.