A quick reader’s guide: The Icarus Deception, by Seth Godin

Seth Godin has built a name for himself as the go-to writer for marketing. His most recent books, however, have started tying the concept of marketing into the larger picture of entrepreneurship and The Icarus Deception follows that trend. The book offers insight into creative entrepreneurship in particular — how to sell things you make, from software to products that are a little more crafty.

It’s important to know that The Icarus Deception isn’t a technical book going in. It’s a business book with some seriously inspirational elements. But by the time you’ve finished reading it, you’ll be very motivated to get to work and you may have some new ideas on how to handle the business and marketing sides of your projects.

Development: Ditching responsive design
Lately, it’s seemed like an article of faith that any new website has to be designed so that it can easily adapt to multiple platforms. But responsive design may be more of a bandaid in certain situations — something that doesn’t fix the underlying issue. For some companies, it may actually make sense to ditch responsive design.

Funding: On Deck raises $42 million to finance cash-strapped small businesses
It can be tough to get a loan for a business, particularly if you need a smaller amount than your bank typically deals with or you need the money quickly. But On Deck is working to make sure that short-term loans are available for small businesses, a process made easier by the $42 million the company just raised for itself.

Operations: 6 reasons to use crowdsourcing
Have you been considering crowdsourcing, anything for establishing your company? These reasons may convince you to try out crowdsourcing some of the design work or research necessary to get you started, as Wild Creations did.

Marketing: A realist’s guide to marketing in 2013
Colin Nagy has put together a fast read on what marketing pitfalls are currently facing tech companies. The bottom line is that marketing is quickly evolving and you need to keep ahead of any problems in the pipeline.

Beyond Tech: Future Woman in Tech
This letter, from Stacey Mulcahy, to her eight-year-old niece, lays out the best possible world in which that girl could work in technology.

Our most popular link this week: A short guide to surveying your customer base