Becky Robinson's Blog, page 13

Episode 73: Measuring and Maintaining the Success of Your Book Post-Launch

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Arthur Woods— social entrepreneur and co-author of Hiring for Diversity.

Today’s episode focuses on how to measure and maintain the success of your book after it has launched. According to Arthur, building a great team, great partnerships, and a great community around your book is a crucial part of the marketing journey. He shares his experience writing Hiring for Diversity on a tight schedule, the unique approach he and his co-author took to writing it, and how he has continued to share the book with the world.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:25] Arthur shares about himself, his work, and his book, Hiring for Diversity.

[02:39] Some of the questions you might be facing when writing a book are: Am I worth it? Am I qualified? Does anyone want to listen to me? Arthur discusses some of these psychological barriers that people face as they move toward a book project.

[04:16] Arthur explains the strategy he and his co-author used when writing Hiring for Diversity, called the waterfall approach.

[06:12] It can be helpful as an author to have an external deadline that you’re working toward. Arthur shares what he enjoyed about that part of the writing process.

[07:51] Arthur goes into detail about how he planned his launch and what his approach to the launch strategy was. 

[09:40] How does Arthur measure the success of his launch? He explains. 

[10:54] Arthur speaks about how he is continuing to build a community around his book post-launch.

[11:53] Arthur explains the importance of Amazon reviews and how they have been going since the launch of Hiring for Diversity.

Action Steps:Create a way to have ongoing community engagement with your book. Come up with a regular, virtual way to bring people together to talk about the topics in your book.If you’re second-guessing yourself as a writer, make a list of everything you believe could be impactful about your book. Take the time to think about how your writing can make the world better.If you’ve already written a book and are still struggling with imposter syndrome, make a list of the reasons why you wrote your book. Reflect on the value your book has brought, and could still bring, to the world. If you’re someone who has access to resources, like a publisher or marketing agency, share how you found them and what your journey has been like. There’s an equal distribution of ideas, but there isn’t an equal distribution of the ability to share those ideas, and you can help change that.Resources:Explore Arthur’s co-founded company, Mathison, focused on technology for helping companies build a more inclusive and representative workforce. Learn more about, and buy your own copy of, Arthur’s book, Hiring for Diversity .Connect with Arthur on LinkedIn.Tweetables and quotes:

If you choose to share on Twitter, don’t forget to tag @ArthurWoods so he knows you enjoyed this episode!

At the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves, why? Why do we write a book? – Arthur Woods

It does take having a lot of great people around you, building a great team, and working with amazing partners, because you don’t have to shoulder all of this work by yourself. – Arthur Woods

Rather than trying to write end to end, we focused on one chapter at a time. – Arthur Woods

Build a lot of awareness, build community, and most importantly, use the book as a resource to continue leveraging your partnerships. – Arthur Woods

Optimizing Amazon was a major part of doing this work well. – Arthur Woods

It’s such an amazing feeling to realize this is bigger than just you, it’s about the people around you — the people rallying behind what your ideas really are — and seeing how everyone’s reacting to it. – Arthur Woods

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

Click here for our free resources. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 

Click here to tweet about this episode!

The post Episode 73: Measuring and Maintaining the Success of Your Book Post-Launch appeared first on Weaving Influence.

November 2021 Leadership Development Carnival

Weaving Influence has the privilege of hosting the November 2021 Leadership Development Carnival! We’re excited to share posts from leadership experts from around the globe on the topics of communication, development, engagement, motivation, productivity, team building, and more.

Communication

Liz Weber of Weber Business Services provided Communicate Changes Before Implementing Changes. Liz writes: “Managing change has become a never-ending but essential part of every leader’s job. But are you intentional in effectively managing change?” Connect with Liz on Twitter at @lizwebercmc.

Diana Peterson-More shared “Less is More:” Four Communication Tips for Maximum Impact. Diana explains: “In today’s too fast-paced environment, it’s imperative to make a point quickly, succinctly, and with maximum impact. Our ‘lizard brains’ are impatient: if we don’t capture another’s attention within a short period of time, we’ve lost our ability to make the case.” Find Diana on Twitter at @DianaPMAuthor.

David Grossman of The Grossman Group provided The Art of Listening for What’s Not Being Said: Top 10 Tips. David shares: “We all know listening is a critical part of effective communications, but did you know listening also means hearing what’s NOT said? Check out some of my top tips for ensuring the unspoken doesn’t limit your ability to engage employees.” Follow David on Twitter at @ThoughtPartner.

Team Building

Jennifer V. Miller writes Leaders as Role Models – What the Research Tells Us. Jennifer summarizes: “Modeling appropriate behaviors is a key leadership attribute. This is what research tells us about leaders and being a role model.” Find Jennifer on Twitter at @JenniferVMiller.

Paula Kiger of Big Green Pen shared How Lessons from an Adventure Race Apply to Government Leaders. Paula writes: “We don’t all have to get through a jungle, but we have to get through bureaucracy and conflict, which can sometimes feel like the same thing.” Connect with Paula on Twitter @biggreenpen.

Ken Downer of Rapid Start Leadership provided Boosting Team Performance: 3 Ways to Make Your Team’s Engine More Powerful. Ken shares: “Work teams, like jet engines, will self-destruct if they generate too much heat. Aeronautical engineers found a surprising way to solve that problem with the jet; here are three ways to apply their thinking to boost the power of our teams.” Follow Ken on Twitter @RapidStartLdr.

Neal Burgis of Successful Solutions contributed Rival Companies Working Together for Innovative Ideas. Neal explains: “Inventing and building the next industrial era isn’t going to be easy. Yet, it can be done. Bringing together the smartest teams of the best companies and while combining the efforts of both companies to create new projects can be achieved through collaboration, co-creation, coordination, and the capability to generate projects goes well beyond open innovation.” Follow Neal on Twitter at @exec_solutions.

Development

Jim Taggart of Changing Winds shared Are You an Authentic Leader? Jim considers: “Each of us needs to see our personal quest for leadership as one that first starts with the discovery of who each of us really is.” Follow Jim on Twitter at @JlcTaggart.

Bill Treasurer of Giant Leap Consulting contributed The Fall Hike Effect. Bill explains: “When faced with a challenge, whether professionally or personally, it is often fear that holds us back. But the more you courageously face fear, the less intimidating it becomes. I call this the Fall Hike Effect.” Follow Bill on Twitter at @btreasurer.

Wally Bock of Three Star Leadership provided It Would Be Nice. Wally explains: “It would be nice if leadership was easy. It’s not. It’s hard but rewarding work.” Connect with Wally on Twitter at @WallyBock.

Dr. Bill Donahue writes The Discerning Leader. Bill shares: “Discernment helps us judge without judging, push without shoving, stop without getting stuck, and move forward without mowing others down. Discernment helps us keep our edge without careening over the edge.” Find Bill on Twitter @drbilldonahue.

Sean Glaze of Great Results Team Building shared Why Humility Makes You More Successful (And Coachable). Sean writes: “Most of the executives I have met have secured coaches. But not every one of those executives or athletes has benefited from the information and encouragement and suggestions that they received. Because too few of us actually STAY COACHABLE.” Find Sean on Twitter at @leadyourteam.

Ken Byler of Higher Ground Consulting Group contributed Optimism and Leadership. Ken writes: “What often separates the optimists from the pessimists in any workplace is the different ways they view success and failure.”

Priscilla Archangel of Archangel & Associates provided 10 Core Responsibilities for Leaders: Understanding Your Role. Priscilla writes: “At least ten core responsibilities of leaders play a significant role in how effectively they lead their teams and organizations. How they do it will vary based on the industry, products or services provided, financial positioning, business environment and culture, and their values and personality. But these factors must all be leveraged as part of their position.” Follow Priscilla on Twitter at @PrisArchangel.

Randy Conley of Leading with Trust shared Simple Truths of Leadership Turn Common Sense into Common Practice. Randy shares: “What if I told you the key to being a successful leader was to make common sense common practice, and to do that, you need to remember and follow some important simple truths?” Connect with Randy on Twitter at @RandyConley.

S. Chris Edmonds of The Purposeful Culture Group provided Good Comes First: Make Values Measurable and Socially Relevant. In this video post, Chris shares: “You have to get very, very specific, creating measurable behaviors that define what your values are.” Follow Chris on Twitter at @scedmonds.

Karin Hurt and David Dye of Let’s Grow Leaders provided How to Help Your Team Think Like an Entrepreneur. Karin and David share: “Back in her Verizon days, one of Karin’s favorite questions to ask a team member whom she was encouraging to think like an entrepreneur was: ‘If this was your company, would you _______ (make this decision, hold this meeting, spend money in this matter, invest in this project)?'” Follow them on Twitter at @letsgrowleaders.

Productivity

John Hunter writes Interview of Bill Hunter, Brian Joiner and Peter Scholtes on Better Management Practices. John explains: “Management by opinion is a poor way to run an organization. Management by experimenting often and done by those doing the job is much more effective. In order to bring about this chance the organization must drive decision making down the organization chart and provide training, support and leadership that promotes data based decision making by those doing the work.” Follow John on Twitter at @aJohnHunter.

Jon Verbeck provided Fourth and Final: Finish Strong and Be Ready. Jon writes: “The fourth quarter has started – the final quarter of the year. In this fourth-and-final quarter, there are four things you should do in your business to stay strong and successful.” Follow Jon on Twitter at @jonverbeck1. 

Henry Mukuti of Insakanet contributed Why it is Important to Do What you Love for a Living. Henry writes: “When you love something you will do everything in your power to get it. When you get it you will be more careful in ensuring that you keep it for the longest period possible. It is much easier and better to achieve your goals by doing what you love.” Connect with Henry on Twitter at @HenryMukuti.

Creativity/Inspiration

Marcella Bremer of Positive Culture contributed A Positive Culture Cares for the Planet. Marcella considers: “The pandemic caused an unprecedented change and the IPCC reported accelerated climate change. A positive organizational culture helps to navigate the necessary transition. A positive culture IS a planet culture. Long-term success and return on investment aren’t possible without care for our climate. What’s your contribution?” Follow Marcella on Twitter at @MarcellaBremer.

Steve DiGioia contributed Should We Expect WOW Service? Steve writes: “Leaders, customer service gurus, trainers, and authors always talk about going above and beyond for the customer and finding ways to create an ‘experience.’ I too have said the same thing many times before. But are we wrong? Is it too much to expect a business to do more than we ask of them? I say no, it isn’t.” Find Steve on Twitter at @stevedigioia.

Eileen McDargh contributed Kenyan Women CRAFT Their Way to Safety and Security. Eileen explains: “One of the most marginalized women in Kenya are the Samburu. Instead of waiting for help they joined together for protection and enterprise.” Connect with Eileen on Twitter at @macdarling.

And More…

Lisa Kohn of Chatsworth Consulting Group shared Why Self-Compassion is the Essential Thoughtful Leadership Practice. Lisa shares: “When we treat ourselves more compassionately, we calm our nerves and our body, which allows us to think more carefully and strategically and to navigate tough conversations, situations, and people more effectively.” Connect with Lisa on Twitter at @ThoughtfulLdrs.

Brenda Yoho writes Create the Roads, Clear the Path. Brenda explains: “Leadership is the deciding factor of accomplishing the work, goals, and delivery of success to every component in our chain of command. Make people feel important who work for you, with you, or come in contact with you. Leadership is about motivating others.” Find Brenda on Twitter at @BrendaYoho.

Thank you to everyone who submitted articles for this month’s carnival! If you would like to be added to the distribution list for submission calls, please fill out this form and we’ll be happy to add you to the list.

The post November 2021 Leadership Development Carnival appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 72: Launching a Book as a Marketing Professional

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Ronne Rock — marketing professional and author of One Woman Can Change The World.

Today’s episode focuses on how a marketing expert plans their book launch. According to Ronne, marketing helps to understand the value of something, and then allows your audience to see the value that they can contribute back to it. She shares her experience as an author and her work in the marketing industry, and she reveals how she formed a strong launch team for her book, One Woman Can Change The World.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:17] Ronne shares about herself, her book, and her work in the world.

[04:35] Ronne describes her author journey, her publishing choice, what inspired her to write her book, and what the experience has been like for her.

[11:47] Since Ronne is a marketing expert, does that mean she had a great marketing plan for her book? She reveals what she learned about marketing as a result of her journey as an author.

[19:27] Ronne talks about how she formed her launch team, what she requested from them, and what she recommends other authors do as it relates to gathering a launch team for their books.

[19:27] Learn how many people were actually on Ronne’s launch team.

[26:19] Ronne shares one final piece of advice for authors to implement into their book launch journey. 

Action Steps:If you’re a business book author and you’re interested in finding out how Weaving Influence can support your launch team, email becky@weavinginfluence.com. We want to make sure you have all of the resources needed to set you up for success.If you’re planning for a book launch, take the time to explore the idea of launch teams. Showing up with resources for your launch team and connecting personally with them can make your plan so much more effective.Resources:Visit Ronne’s website and explore her stories.WAITING – NEED RESOURCE Follow Ronne on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Connect with Ronne on LinkedIn.Tweetables and quotes:

If you choose to share on Twitter, don’t forget to tag @RonneRock so she knows you enjoyed this episode!

My joy comes from telling a story, especially stories of hope, against a landscape of destruction or a landscape that feels very desolate. – Ronne Rock

To the people out there who think, “I want to write a book, but it seems scary.” The answer is, yes, it is. – Ronne Rock

No matter what comes of your book, it is a worthy book to be in the marketplace. And whether it is read by a million people or 100 people, those words are still worthy of being shared. – Ronne Rock

Have that group of people who will remind you that they are in it with you, that they are bragging about you, that they are coming along beside you, and that they are not going to walk away. – Ronne Rock

For you as a marketing person, whether you’re the author or you have a marketing firm, you must help contribute to the experience so that a reader will say, “Ah, I want to walk through the pages of that book.” – Ronne Rock

You want someone to walk out of your book changed. – Ronne Rock

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

Click here for our free resources. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 

Click here to tweet about this episode!

The post Episode 72: Launching a Book as a Marketing Professional appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 71: Marketing Your Book as a New Author

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Wendy Ryan — Author of Learn Lead Lift and CEO of Kadabra.

Today’s episode focuses on a new author’s perspective of the book marketing process. According to Wendy, it is a process that extends far beyond the book launch. She shares her experience as a new author and the lessons she learned while crafting and marketing her book, as well as how important it is for authors to be patient with themselves throughout each step of the journey.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:48] Wendy shares about herself, her work in the world, and how she came to write Learn Lead Lift.

[02:26] What has Wendy noticed about the book marketing journey as a first-time author?

[03:13] Wendy shares how she has been marketing her book since its publication, and what she envisions as she considers her future.

[06:14] Wendy reveals what marketing strategies have been the most impactful in terms of driving the results she’s most interested in.

[08:04] What’s better: an in-person launch party, or a virtual launch party?

[08:48] Wendy explains what has worked best for her in expanding her audience.

[10:34] There are always challenges that come with publishing a book, especially as a new author. Wendy shares some of the challenges she experienced that she didn’t expect.

[12:19] Wendy reveals some of the things she wishes she had known before she started her journey as an author.

[13:55] Wendy says that it can be helpful to make a patience list and an impatience list, and she gives listeners a glimpse into the items that might be found on each list.

[15:03] Wendy shares some final thoughts about book marketing and what she has learned as a first-time author.

Action Steps:Craft your own patience and impatience lists. As an author, what are the things you need to be patient about, and what are some things you truly need to be impatient about? Create a list of your own and share it with Becky at becky@weavinginfluence.com.Make a list of all your stakeholders for your book in order to engage in stakeholder analysis and mapping. Who are the people that you’re going to engage with in the process of marketing and selling your book? What do they need to see, hear, and understand from you and your team?Resources:Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn.Email Wendy directly at wendy@wearekadabra.com.Explore Kadabra’s website.Download a free excerpt of Learn Lead Lift and tools to help you put the content into action.Sign up for Kadabra’s newsletter through the homepage of their website.Tweetables and quotes:

If you choose to share on Twitter, don’t forget to tag @ceo_wendy so she knows you enjoyed this episode!

It takes a lot more time than we think it might to go through the journey of publishing a book, and it doesn’t end with the book launch. – Wendy Ryan

It really helps to have some dedicated, bigger chunks of time to write. – Wendy Ryan

I really encourage people to start their social media strategy at least six months before their launch, instead of two months before…like I did. – Wendy Ryan

For content creators, whether you’re a book author or a writer elsewhere, you have to think about all the different ways that your content is going to be consumed. – Wendy Ryan

When we cultivate patience, it sets us up for much more success. – Wendy Ryan

I would strongly encourage everyone to think about building their support team early. – Wendy Ryan

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

Click here for our free resources. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 

Click here to tweet about this episode!

The post Episode 71: Marketing Your Book as a New Author appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 70: Barb Roose’s Author Journey

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Barb Roose — Speaker, Author, and Literary Agent.

Today’s episode is continuing the “Author Journey” series, based on Becky’s book, which is scheduled for release from Berrett Koehler Publishers in April 2022. The book is called Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause.

Key Points From This Episode:

[02:16] Barb gives advice for submitting the first draft of a manuscript and how to handle edits.

[05:14] Why is “10,000 books sold in the first year” often the goal of an author? Barb explains. 

[06:41] Barb reveals which of her books has sold the most copies, and if it will be surpassed.

[07:57] Barb shares her perspective about the difficulties that people from marginalized communities face in creating traction for their books, businesses, messages, or causes. 

[10:12] There are four specific dials for BIPOC and other diverse writers, and Barb explains each one.

[14:10] Learn how to increase the visibility of diverse voices without causing the person to feel that they’re only being invited in order to create more diversity.

[15:34] Barb reveals what contributed to her being able to turn up the dial on her credibility and visibility, as well as what she sees other people struggling to overcome.

[18:10] Barb concludes with some final thoughts about how members of the majority can help elevate and amplify people with marginalized voices.

Action Steps:Follow 10 diverse voices on Instagram. Take whatever your area of interest is — business, self-help, memoirs, etc. — and make connections with diverse voices within that genre. Like and comment on their posts. Find out more about them.Buy the books of authors with marginalized voices. Buy three books and read them to begin expanding your own world and knowledge.Work with people of diverse voices. Find one person in the next six months and interview them for your podcast, write a blog post about them, or invite them to have a conversation on Zoom. Whatever it is, work with them.Resources:Explore Barb’s website and invite her to speak at your next event.Browse Barb’s books and Bible studies, and buy your own copy of her devotional, Surrendered .Listen to Barb’s podcast, Better Together.Get in touch with Barb by filling out this form.Follow Barb on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Tweetables and quotes:

If you choose to share on Twitter, don’t forget to tag @barbroose so she knows you enjoyed this episode!

The editing process is an invitation to allow our work to grow. – Barb Roose

BIPOC and diverse authors do not, by and large, have the access to connections or acquaintances that many other people have in publishing. When I show up at writers conferences, they are overwhelmingly, by and large, Caucasian. And what that means is that BIPOC and other diverse writers do not know about these conferences. They also are unable to take the time off or afford to attend them. And they also are not sure if they will feel welcomed. – Barb Roose

Diverse voices add to the flavor and texture of our lives. We’re all missing something from each other when we don’t get a chance to learn from each other. – Barb Roose

We can turn up the dial on visibility by making sure that diverse faces are in the spaces where they can be seen. – Barb Roose

A rising tide lifts all ships. We have to have an abundance mentality when we approach this. If you are a part of helping someone else, it’s going to help you as well. And it may not be dollar for dollar, follower for follower. It will create abundance in your heart, and in your content, and in your vision for what you do. – Barb Roose

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

Click here for our free resources. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 

Click here to tweet about this episode!

The post Episode 70: Barb Roose’s Author Journey appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 69: Implementing a Partnership Strategy

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Cynthia Shannon ‒ Food and Lifestyle Marketing Manager at Chronicle Books.

Today’s episode is all about authors and partnerships. According to Cynthia, partnerships provide a more organic placement for a book, which creates an authentic feeling for customers. There are a wide range of partnerships in book marketing, and Cynthia guides us through the most important ones, setting authors up for a natural and successful marketing strategy.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:43] For those who may not have heard of promotional partnerships, Cynthia provides a definition.

[00:43] Discover why authors should pursue partnership strategies to promote their books. 

[00:43] Cynthia elaborates on what the goals of a partnership might look like.

[05:21] How many different types of partnerships are there? Cynthia shares some of the most common examples. 

[05:21] Find out what Cynthia looks for in a great partnership. 

[09:41] Cynthia reveals where her creative inspiration comes from when trying to put partnerships together.

[09:41] Learn what steps an author can take to create a successful partnership.

[09:41] Cynthia explains what authors need to be careful about when they are pursuing partnerships.

Action Steps:Be very clear about your goals for the partnership. Determine how it will benefit both partners.Think differently and creatively about what a partnership could look like. There are endless ways to make your partnership unique and exciting.Find partners who are a natural fit for your book. You want the partnership to feel authentic. Resources:Learn more about Cynthia and explore her website here.Connect with Cynthia on LinkedIn, and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.Get in touch with Cynthia by filling out this contact form.Explore the Chronicle Books website and their wide selection of content.Follow Chronicle Books on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.Tweetables and quotes:

Promotional partners can be people, places, or brands that help you expand your platform beyond the people you already know and help drive serendipitous discovery of your book. – Cynthia Shannon

Partnerships allow you to build awareness without spending a lot on advertising, or dealing with the uncertainty of publicity. They can provide a natural placement for your book, which will feel much more authentic for the customer. – Cynthia Shannon

The hallmarks of a great partnership are audience affinity and reciprocity. – Cynthia Shannon

Each partnership is very unique. And you can play with all of the different assets in terms of what you’re able to do together. – Cynthia Shannon

Great agreements make great partnerships, and great agreements are in writing. – Cynthia Shannon

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

Click here for our free resources. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 

Click here to tweet about this episode!

The post Episode 69: Implementing a Partnership Strategy appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 68: Chris Brogan’s Author Journey

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Chris Brogan  — Writer and Strategic Advisor at Chris Brogan Media.

Today’s episode is continuing the “Author Journey” series, based on Becky’s book, which is scheduled for release from Berrett Koehler publishers in April 2022. The book is called Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:13] Chris gives some background about himself and his work in the world.

[02:49] Chris provides context for how long he’s been showing up online and working to establish an online presence.

[04:48] “You have to add value before you can extract value.” Find out if Chris actually said this popular quote.

[07:31] How can you understand if you’re offering value through your online presence or not?

[09:05] Chris explains the role consistency plays for him in building the reach of his work.

[11:32] Chris talks about his famous Sunday newsletter.

[12:59] Chris started blogging in ‘98 and podcasting in ‘05. What has this longevity done for him?

[15:31] Discover how the nine books that Chris has written have affected his career.

[18:29] Chris reveals his favorite book that he has ever written. 

[22:59] Generosity has played a major role in Chris’ life and career. Find out why.

Action Steps: Write before you’re ready to write. Don’t wait around to be good at writing — you only get good at it by doing it. So write before you’re ready to write, and you’ll be a lot better off in the process.Write messy. It’s okay not to know how to say something and return to it later. You either have to be a great upfront writer or a great outback editor.Write something useful, always useful. Many people write books to please themselves that aren’t going to be useful to the world. You have to be helpful.Write something that you want people you love to read. Write as if you’re writing to someone that you really care about, and if they have this information, it might make things better.Resources:Check out Chris’ website to learn more about him, his work, and the services he offers.Sign up for Chris’ Sunday newsletter here.Get in touch with Chris by emailing him at chris@chrisbrogan.com. Watch Chris’ video about how it took him 10 years to become an overnight success. Tweetables and quotes:

I think the inbox is the most powerful social network in the world. And that’s where I put most of my energy to connect professionally. – Chris Brogan

I always say quit but never surrender. – Chris Brogan

If you kind of just go out and do your little marketing campaign and then vanish, you’re a bad person, because you’re not there. You’re not part of the community. – Chris Brogan

There’s a plus and a minus on longevity. The plus is that people go, “Man, that guy’s been around.” The minus is that people love shiny and new. – Chris Brogan

A lot of times people plant the seed in the ground, and the minute they see the green little tiny leaf pop up, they go, “Oh, here we go.” And then they pull everything out of the ground, and then it doesn’t really grow anymore. – Chris Brogan

This process is that people have to feel comfortable with you. They have to kind of feel into it a minute, you know, it’s not the length of a Tik Tok. It’s the length of a real old timey book with, like, 260 pages. – Chris Brogan

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

Click here for our free resources. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 

Click here to tweet about this episode!

The post Episode 68: Chris Brogan’s Author Journey appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 67: Becoming an Evergreen Author

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Roseanne Cheng  — Author and Co-Founder of Evergreen Authors.

Today’s episode focuses on why authors must stop trying to do everything when it comes to book marketing. According to Roseanne, it is far more productive to find one or two things that bring them joy and to capitalize on those things. This intentionality is what sells books and sustains an author’s success over time, making them “evergreen.”

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:23] Roseanne introduces herself and her work.

[03:32] Roseanne goes into detail about her online course and her book titled, The Evergreen Author.

[05:21] Learn more about what “evergreen author” really means.

[07:15] Roseanne explains why it is so difficult for authors to find joy in the process of marketing their books.

[09:57] Roseanne lists some common themes behind what she sees draining the joy of authors.

[09:57] Roseanne gives an in-depth explanation of the 80/20 rule and how it applies to book marketing.

[14:52] If you’re an independent author, Roseanne has some specific advice for you.

Action Steps:Be willing to let go of things that are draining your joy. Think about your current efforts around book marketing and choose one thing to stop doing. Send Becky an email at becky@weavinginfluence.com and let her know what you choose to stop doing as a result of listening to Roseanne’s wisdom. Authors, no matter where you are in your journey, think about how you can relaunch in this new reality. You have an opportunity in this world of the pandemic and post-pandemic to rethink, relaunch, and rebrand yourself and your book.Resources:Check out the Evergreen Authors website to learn more about the joy of getting your book into the world, and to explore the variety of resources they offer.Buy Roseanne’s book, The Evergreen Author, or download a free sample here.Sign up for Algorithm Alchemy , an Evergreen Authors masterclass all about growing your Amazon traffic in 30 days or less. OR learn more about how to run Amazon ads here.Listen to this episode of The Book Marketing Action Podcast that focuses on the importance of Amazon ads, how to effectively use them, and myths related to Amazon advertising.Follow Roseanne and Evergreen Authors on Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.Tweetables and quotes:

I’m all about the real work that goes behind book marketing. And the good news is some of that work doesn’t have to be as hard as you think it is. In fact, it can be really fun and really joyful. – Roseanne Cheng

We feel very strongly that the most successful authors — the happiest authors — are the ones who are all about sustainability. They’re creating a writer career, an author career, that is something that they can do for the long haul, the long term. – Roseanne Cheng

What you need to be doing is finding one or two things that you enjoy doing when it comes to your book, or your brand, or your business, or whatever it is that you’re doing to put yourself out there, and do those one or two things really well. – Roseanne Cheng

Social media is something that drains people’s joy, just because there’s this weird misconception that they’re all the same, when they are not. And so you need to find one or two that you really enjoy. – Roseanne Cheng

In the marketing world in general, 80% of your results are going to come from 20% of your work. – Roseanne Cheng

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

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The post Episode 67: Becoming an Evergreen Author appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 66: Justin Miller’s Author Journey

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Justin Miller — Author and CEO of CARE for AIDS, Inc.

Today’s episode is continuing the “Author Journey” series, based on Becky’s book, which is scheduled for release from Berrett Koehler publishers in April 2022. The book is called Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:35] Justin discusses the journey, founding, and growing of his nonprofit, CARE for AIDS, and how his brother David inspired his journey.

[04:39] Justin shares some of the highlights, exciting accomplishments, and impacts of CARE for AIDS over the past 13 years.

[06:37] Justin explains what has helped him get more attention and contributions that have fueled his work over the years.

[08:28] It is important to steward relationships with partners, and Justin provides examples of how he mobilizes people who are invested in his message.

[08:28] Justin reflects on the setbacks that he has faced along his journey, and what he learned from them.

[12:14] Learn about how Beyond Blood, the book written by Justin and his co-founders, has helped share the message of CARE for AIDS in a wider way. 

[14:43] Justin explains how he will continue to incorporate Beyond Blood in his outreach about CARE for AIDS.

[16:05] Justin concludes by describing how he builds organic reach in the U.S. by consistently opening the conversation about AIDS in the places where he would like to see it represented. 

Action Steps:Consider ways that you might continue to keep your book in the conversation. One thing Justin mentioned is that his book is going to be a long-term asset in sharing the story of CARE for AIDS. Gift your book to people who might be interested in the work that you’re doing, or bring it with you everywhere you go in order to keep it circulating.Think about whether there’s a new book you may need to write in order to help share your work in the world. After hearing Justin’s story and the way his book has influenced the growth of people knowing about his nonprofit, is there a story tugging on your heart that you want to write?Donate to CARE for AIDS. It is through the support of donors that Justin is able to see the lives of families transformed and advance the work he is doing. Donte here in order to support the mission of CARE for AIDS.Resources:Learn more about Justin’s nonprofit organization, CARE for AIDS.Learn more about Beyond Blood, the book Justin and his co-founders wrote, here.Connect with CARE for AIDS on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Learn more about Justin and explore his website, here.Connect with Justin on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.If you’re looking for additional support on your book marketing journey, join us for the Reach More Readers Workshop.Tweetables and quotes:

We’ve impacted about 25,000 clients who’ve come through the doors of our program, and they represent about 75,000 kids. And that was always part of our desire for the program, that these parents living with HIV would have the opportunity to live for 20 or 30 more years to see their kids grow up, and to help educate their kids. – Justin Miller

We are really trying to remind people and bring attention back to this issue that is societal and is really on the decline in terms of people’s interest. – Justin Miller

There are some themes that we’re really passionate about, and one of them is really talking about this idea of redemptive relationships. What does it mean to be in a relationship with people who look, who think, who believe differently than you do? And how does that help us grow? How does that change us? – Justin Miller

This kind of really organic reach that has been developed over time by being consistent and being excellent in our work has really been the key to our success. – Justin Miller

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

Click here for our free resources. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 

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The post Episode 66: Justin Miller’s Author Journey appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 65: Building an Author Brand

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information that you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. In this episode, we are joined by Liz Charlotte Grant—Author and contributing editor at The Curator Magazine.

We are so happy to be recording another episode with the amazing Liz Charlotte Grant. She’s back by popular demand because her episode that we recorded about how to grow a following on Instagram is among our most listened to podcasts. In this episode, we are thrilled to talk with Liz about branding for authors.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:46] What is author branding? Liz shares her definition. 

[03:00] Liz shares why it is so important for an author to understand branding.

[04:20] We hear about Liz’s brand and what she’s seeking to share through her author brand. 

[06:05] Liz shares some authors who she believes have memorable brands. 

[12:31] Liz shares her advice for someone who’s just starting out with building an author brand.

[13:25] For an author who may be a little farther along on their branding journey, Liz shares ways you can drill down and be even more effective in sharing your brand.

[17:00] There’s no wrong way to create your brand. 

Action Steps:Download Liz’s free branding resource. What do people think when they hear your name? If you are just starting out with your author brand, Liz recommends looking at the resource that she created that will help you really think through who you want to be through your online presence. Seek help from a graphic designer. If you are an author who’s a little bit farther along in your journey, the recommendation is to seek out professional assistance from a graphic designer who can really help you bring your brand to life through the visual look and feel of your brand. Resources:Learn more about Liz and the work she does in the world. Connect with Liz on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Subscribe to Liz’s newsletter, The Empathy List. Liz’s FREE branding worksheet helps authors create a personal brand they can be proud of. Download here. Listen to Episode 43, How to grow a following on Instagram, here. Memorable authors liz mentions: David Sedaris, Cheryl Strayed, R.L. Stine, IBRAM X. KENDI, and Dav Pilkey.Tweetables and quotes:

I think the reality is that brands can really help us stand out in our category as an author. And it’s really about what is unique about you. – Liz Charlotte Grant

The reality is you have a brand, whether you have honed it or not. – Liz Charlotte Grant

Your audience attracts new folks, builds greater attachment, and then communicates that professionalism within publishing. – Liz Charlotte Grant

In all aspects of my branding, my goal is to be open and honest and warm. – Liz Charlotte Grant

There’s no wrong way to do a brand. – Liz Charlotte Grant

If you found value in today’s episode, we hope you’ll take a moment to share it with someone else who might benefit from it. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please email Becky Robinson here.

Click here for our free resources. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 

Click here to tweet about this episode!

The post Episode 65: Building an Author Brand appeared first on Weaving Influence.