Building a platform is essential. As a writer, I've heard that a million times. Maybe more. The exhortation usually comes with a few specifics: blog, engage on Facebook and Twitter. Until now I've been following that advice blindly, doing what is required to participate in a changing industry.

But, now I have a secret weapon--A platform-building coach in the form of Michael Hyatt's book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World.

Platform took me beyond the bullet points and provided a blueprint for building a platform that will help me engage others on the topics close to my heart. I'm excited to implement the action points Michael Hyatt so generously provides.

I've been reading his blog for years and have watched his platform grow exponentially. I never imagined he would take all he learned from his successes and failures and make those lessons available to me (and you).

Michael Hyatt's expertise--and ability to put the cookies on the bottom shelf--combine to make Platform a book any writer could use to create opportunities to get noticed in a noisy world.