Becky Robinson's Blog, page 7

January 2024 Leadership Development Carnival

Weaving Influence has the privilege of hosting the January 2024 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

David Grossman of The Grossman Group provided What Is Crisis Communication? A Best Practices Guide for Leaders. David shares: “Whether it���s big issues or small disruptions, how leaders respond to the situation makes all the difference in securing the company���s reputation and maintaining the confidence and trust of employees. This guide shows you how.” Follow David on Twitter at @ThoughtPartner.

Diana Peterson-More shared Communication Resolutions for 2024: Five Key Tips. Diana explains: “Year-end is a time for reflection, renewal, and commitment, often through pledging to New Year���s Resolutions. For 2024, why not embrace a quote from an admired historical figure that informs communication? After all, it���s something we do 24��7, whether we want to or not, and whether we intend to or not. By focusing on how we communicate, we may have more successful results.��� Find Diana on Twitter at @DianaPMAuthor.

Karin Hurt of Let’s Grow Leaders provided 4 Communication Strategies for an Unpopular Return to Office Decision. Karin shares: “As a leader, not every decision you make will be popular. Sometimes you���ll be tasked with delivering news that you know won���t be popular. How to communicate an unpopular “return to office” decision with grace.” Follow Karin on Twitter at @letsgrowleaders.

John Stoker of DialogueWORKS contributed 10 Behaviors to Avoid When Talking about Tough Topics. John writes: “Holding difficult conversations offers a variety of challenges. Given the nature of the topic, there are certain behaviors that everyone should avoid when talking about difficult issues. This article will identify those behaviors that should be omitted from your tool kit when attempting to talk about what matters most.” Connect with John on Twitter at @JohnRStoker.

Development

Ken Byler of Higher Ground Consulting Group contributed The Gift of Presence. Ken writes: “Most leaders I know seem wired for activity and take pleasure in preparing, doing, or fixing. Few of us surrender to the quiet presence that is needed to think clearly and make wise choices.” Connect with Ken on LinkedIn.

Frank Sonnenberg shared Be Kind and Considerate…It’s More Than Just a Catchy Phrase. Frank explains: “Although slogans are great, they���re just words. The key is to treat people that way.” Connect with Frank on Twitter at @FSonnenberg.

Julie Winkle Giulioni shared Give Yourself and Others the Gift of Mentorship (This Holiday Season and All Year Long). Julie explains: “The talent development strategy of mentorship is getting a lot of attention these days. From books to boardrooms, everyone is trying to crack the code and tap its potential and power. Consider these 6 ways you can personally benefit from the process.” Connect with Julie on LinkedIn.

Dana Theus of InPower Coaching writes 2023 Career Audit: How Much Worklife Bliss Did You Achieve? Dana explains: ���How are you doing in your career? Are you where you want to be? Is everything hunky dory? Do you end every day at work glad to be alive? If every answer isn���t an enthusiastic YES! Then it���s time to do a career audit and see just how much ���bliss��� you���ve got in your work and life. It may even be time for a Worklife Reset to get yourself on track.��� Find Dana on Twitter at @DanaTheus.��

Bill Treasurer of Giant Leap Consulting contributed Keeping an Opportunity Mindset. Bill explains: “In a world often governed by fear and uncertainty, embracing an opportunity mindset is not just refreshing but transformative. This mindset shifts our focus from avoiding threats to seizing the chances for growth and development. It’s about understanding that opportunities are not just external chances that come our way, but are created and nurtured by leaders who understand their power to change lives.” Connect with Bill on LinkedIn.

Mary Ila Ward of Horizon Point Consulting shared SPECIAL FEATURE! BBB Torch Awards Speech. Mary writes: “Character is innate. It is a fixed characteristic. You are born with it or you aren���t. Putting this another way, character is a will issue, not a skill issue. We talk about skill and will a lot in the work we do and often say, hire for will (because it is static, innate, not changing) and train for skill (because it can be learned and people can acquire and grow in skills), but what if character is a skill?” Find Mary on Twitter at @maryilaward.

Jon Verbeck provided Progress and Growth: Things I Learned in 2023. Jon writes: ���At this time of year, I���m usually pushing to finish strong, both personally and professionally. I���m helping my clients get ready for a quick year-end close and effective kickstart to the new year. I���m finishing my own planning and goal setting as well because I like to start each year with a clear direction and strategy. I thought it might be helpful to share some of the things I learned and experimented with this year.��� Follow Jon on Twitter at @jonverbeck1.��

Randy Conley of Leading with Trust shared A Simple Truth about Leading with Integrity. Randy shares: “Virtually everyone agrees that integrity is critical to being a successful leader, but few have a defined plan of how to develop it. In this post, Randy Conley shares a game plan from his recent book, Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook, that any leader can follow to increase their integrity.” Connect with Randy on Twitter at @RandyConley.

Dan Oestreich provided Three Voices: Truth, Kindness and Destiny. Dan summarizes: ���Over time, I���ve come to feel there are three internal voices that influence our larger choices. This is a metaphorical way of saying things ��� the voices I���m talking about are just patterns of thought and perception.��� Find Dan on Twitter at @DanOestreich.

PRODUCTIVITY

Sean Glaze of Great Results Team Building shared Mirrors, Windows, and a More Successful 2024 with Reflection. Sean writes: ���It is only natural to begin to look forward and to direct your focus to the things you anticipate and things you want to accomplish in 2024. We look out windows every day as we consider what might be possible. And as the new year approaches, the tendency is to look ahead. Looking out windows is helpful. Windows gives us a vision of what is possible��� what is ahead for us.��� Find Sean on Twitter at @leadyourteam.

Eileen McDargh contributed A Clue for Balance: PATIENCE, NOW! Eileen explains: “I admit that I am, at times, inpatient. So, is this a behavioral flaw? A personality trait? Answer: it’s not a flaw but it is behavior that has no genetic bearing. It can be altered.” Connect with Eileen on Twitter at @macdarling.

Neal Burgis of Successful Solutions contributed Happy New Year & Welcome 2024. Neal explains: “As you bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024, prepare for a year of growth, innovation, and success. By following these tips and staying committed to your vision, you can set the stage for a prosperous year ahead. January is an opportune time to lay the groundwork for a year brimming with accomplishments and progress.” Follow Neal on Twitter at @exec_solutions.

Marcia Reynolds of Covisioning Transformational Leadership provided 3 Questions to Balance Hope with Reality. Marcia shares: “How do know when to hope and when to let go? These three questions will help you choose what is the right action to take.” Connect with Marcia on Twitter at @marciareynolds.

Creativity/Inspiration

Marcella Bremer of Positive Culture contributed Let���s Prepare for a Positive Future. Marcella considers: “Let’s prepare for 2024. Preparing means learning and adapting, training resilience and skills. Read this selection of articles on organizational culture, change, and positive leadership to inspire!” Follow Marcella on Twitter at @MarcellaBremer.

Robyn McLeod provided Is the Life You Imagine One You���re Ready to Live? Robyn summarizes: ���While it is easy to let the ‘until’s stop us, it is also possible to dive in and live the lives we���ve imagined now. We have the chance ��� and the choice ��� to begin living our imagined lives today.��� Find Robyn on Twitter at @ThoughtfulLdrs.��

OTher

Jon Lokhorst of Lokhorst Consulting shared 2 Types of Goals You Need to Succeed in the New Year. Jon explains: ���Research shows that 90% of businesses fail to achieve their strategic goals. The success rate for individuals is even lower, with an astounding 92% of people missing the mark. How can you increase your likelihood of success? Using this two-part goal-setting structure will get you closer to achieving your goals in 2024 and beyond.��� Find Jon on Twitter at @jonlokhorst.

Angela Hummel of Angela Hummel Consulting writes The Leader’s Role in Blending Workplace Cultures. Angela shares: ���During transitions, leaders often talk about the need for collaboration and connection early in the process, only to be long-forgotten words, not actions. The successful integration of workplace cultures can only happen through intentional and purposeful leadership to make the combined organizational masterpiece possible.��� Follow Angela on Twitter at @AngelaJHummel.��

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 January 2024 Leadership Development Carnival appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 129: PR for Authors

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Welcome to Season 4 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

This episode is all about the world of public relations for authors. Becky is joined by PR coach and publicist Lilian Sue. During the episode, Lilian talks about how impactful mindset is when it comes to PR, some of the most important components of a PR strategy for authors, and how PR supports book promotion and marketing. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:44] Lilian shares a little bit about herself and her work in the world. 

[05:40] Lilian reveals how authors can shift their mindset on issues related to publicity and how to make PR more approachable. 

[11:16] What are the crucial components of a PR strategy for authors? Lilian outlines them. 

[19:08] Lilian talks about the value of an author doing their own pitching to media outlets versus outsourcing to a publicist.

[23:12] Lilian explains why PR is such an important piece of the book promotion puzzle. 

[27:17] For any fiction authors who listen to the podcast, Lilian provides some inspiration and guidance as it relates to marketing and PR for fiction books.

Action Steps:

Sit down and start brainstorming about what your goals are. Don���t just say that you want more sales���figure out how you are going to get there and what different methods you could use to get there.Think about whether you have some self-limiting beliefs that are holding you back. Reflect on what your mindset is and the role it might be playing as you market your book. 

Resources:

Follow Lilian on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Contact Lilian through her website. Learn about Lilian���s first nonfiction PR book, The Powerful Publicity Prescription , and consider supporting her launch campaign.

Key Quotes:

I empower authors to gain the confidence to push past limiting beliefs such as fear, anxiety, and impostor syndrome to really learn how to use the tools, resources, and skills to launch successful campaigns. ���Lilian Sue

Instead of looking at a media outlet, a podcast, a freelance writer, or a blogger as a stranger, find some common ground. ���Lilian Sue

What makes your story unique, as an author and for your book, and why should a media outlet care? How is this going to appeal to them? How is it going to appeal to their audiences? If you can answer those questions in your pitch, it’s going to make it a lot easier and much more likely for you to get a response from a media outlet.  ���Lilian Sue

I always put an emphasis on the promotion piece and say, ���Hey, this is awesome. We had that interview that went live. Now we have to work together to really promote it and make sure audiences see it.��� They listen to it, and they follow you, subscribe to your newsletter, or buy your book because of it. ���Lilian Sue

If you’ve never done publicity before, reach out to your community and your fellow authors who may write in similar genres to see who they would recommend. ���Lilian Sue

To connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!

The post Episode 129: PR for Authors appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 128: Breaking Down Book Distribution

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Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 4 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

This episode is about the various platforms for book distribution and how to use each one. Becky is joined by Everett O���Keefe���Founder of Ignite Press and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. During the episode, Everett shares his vast knowledge of three book distribution channels���KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital���including their benefits, cost, and how they impact a book���s pre-order campaign. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:16] Everett shares about himself and his company. 

[03:31] Everett introduces the three distribution channels, starting with KDP. 

[05:56] Why would an author not only want to distribute their books through KDP but also choose another distributor like IngramSpark? Everett reveals the answer. 

[08:18] Everett discusses Draft2Digital and what it is used for. 

[09:17] If you���re curious about the costs of all of these distribution channels, Everett outlines them.

[11:48] Everett explains what an ISBN is and how an author can purchase their own. 

[15:48] Everett talks about how the various distribution channels impact the ability for a book to be available for pre-order, as well as why Ignite Press does not offer pre-order campaigns. 

[21:35] Learn about how Everett goes about pricing Kindle books, what strategies he uses to help Kindle books obtain bestseller status, and the results he has experienced.

[25:53] Everett shares some of the changes happening on Amazon related to bestseller launches. 

Action Steps:

Explore Draft2Digital . Learn more about expanded distribution for your ebooks.Get very clear about your own goals as you get ready to launch your book. If the idea of becoming an Amazon bestseller in a category is critically important to you, research the approach that Everett advocates for, which is a Kindle-centric launch.

Resources:

Get familiar with KDP and IngramSpark.Buy ISBN numbers from Bowker���this is the only source you should use.Browse the website for Ignite Press and consider scheduling a consultation. Follow Ignite Press on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.Order Everett���s book, The Power of the Published .

Key Quotes:

There are multiple channels available for distribution, and they each have the things they’re best at. ���Everett O���Keefe

We used to do a little survey every year where we compared different print-on-demand printers, and every time, Amazon came up as the least expensive source. ���Everett O���Keefe

KDP is the absolute best tool for you to use to control your book as to how it appears on Amazon, how it’s priced, and how it’s categorized. ���Everett O���Keefe

The Ingram network is the network which bookstores and libraries purchase their books through. ���Everett O���Keefe

Draft2Digital is our preferred method for distributing the digital version of your book everywhere except Amazon. ���Everett O���Keefe

It is better if you own your own ISBN for multiple reasons. ���Everett O���Keefe

Every format of your book needs to have its own unique ISBN number. So you need one for your paperback, you need one for your hardcover, and you need one for an audiobook. ���Everett O���Keefe

Category selection and the research behind it are absolutely critical. ���Everett O���Keefe

Once a bestseller, always a bestseller, as far as credibility and marketing purposes are concerned. ���Everett O���Keefe

To connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!

The post Episode 128: Breaking Down Book Distribution appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 127: Investing in the Long-Term Value of Your Book

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Welcome to Season 4 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

This episode is about the importance of having a long-term view of the value your book can bring to the world. Becky is joined by two former guests, Gena Cox and Kevin Wilde, who have both reached the one-year anniversary of their latest book launches. During the episode, Gena and Kevin share what they have learned about book marketing and some of the tactics that have helped them continue to gain momentum for their work post-launch. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:57] Gena and Kevin share about themselves and their work in the world. 

[04:23] Gena and Kevin outline some of the tactics and approaches they have used after the launch of their books to continue getting their work out to new audiences.

[11:06] Are there any tactics that Gena and Kevin tried that were not worth it in the end? They reveal what strategies didn���t work as well as they hoped. 

[13:34] Both authors talk about the journey of figuring out who their audience would be for the book and how those audiences have evolved.

[20:12] Discover how earned media���podcast appearances, interviews, articles, blog posts, etc.���have propelled momentum for Gena and Kevin���s books post-launch. 

[27:57] Gena explains the standard she has set for herself when it comes to marketing her book: Do at least one thing each week to support and promote the book. 

[30:49] Becky shares a key approach she uses, and that all authors can use, to continue the momentum of their book after it has launched. 

[33:40] Gena and Kevin share some parting wisdom about investing in the long-term value of your book. 

Action Step:

Email becky@weavinginfluence.com to get a free copy of the Google Jamboard for organizing your book marketing. Think about one big thing each month that you could do to keep your book in the conversation and share your message in a bigger way with others.

Resources:

Listen to Gena and Kevin���s previous appearance on the podcast, where they talked about book awards.Order Gena and Kevin���s books. Explore Gena and Kevin���s websites to connect with them and access resources.Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.Follow Gena on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Key Quotes:

For me, the one tactic that I have used most consistently and with the greatest success is social media. ���Gena Cox

I’m selling more books now than I did at launch. ���Kevin Wilde

It’s actually quite a journey to figure out what are the best ways to market your book because it’s a journey to figure out who your book is for. ���Gena Cox

Get clear about who you’re writing your book for, and then center your efforts on reaching those people. Be open along the way to discovering the possibility that maybe you wrote your book for someone and you didn’t even know that it was for them. ���Becky Robinson 

If you have Amazon or Goodreads reviews from people you don’t know, what they choose to highlight as they talk about your book could be a clue into the audience that your title resonates with. ���Becky Robinson 

Try to get some local media first; don’t even worry about national media as a starting point. ���Gena Cox

You probably have more people and networks than you think that can help you sustain over 12 months post-launch. ���Kevin Wilde

I try to do at least one thing each week that I would put in the category of marketing support for the book. ���Gena Cox

To connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!

The post Episode 127: Investing in the Long-Term Value of Your Book appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 126: Writing the Right Book for Your Business

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Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 4 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

This episode is about the process of writing a book for your business and how to overcome the inner obstacles you might face along the journey. Becky is joined by Catherine Gregory���Book Coach, Publisher, and Co-Founder of Modern Wisdom Press. During the episode, Catherine shares her expert guidance for writing a book and understanding when it���s the right time to share your message with the world.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:33] Catherine shares a little bit about herself, her own author journey, and her business. 

[02:53] Catherine dives deeper into the resistance and fear she faced as a first-time author and the resistance and fear she sees in other first-time authors.

[06:06] What should authors be thinking about as they pursue the goal of writing a book to support their business? Catherine explains. 

[06:20] Catherine reveals what causes authors to overthink as they plan their book projects. She also shares how she helps first-time authors get clear about who their ultimate reader is. 

[08:51] Discover how an author ��� who is not sure what their business will become ��� can go about writing a book for that business.

[10:24] Catherine talks about how she gets authors into a space where they will allow their inner wisdom to emerge. 

[11:57] Why can having a beginner���s mindset help an author as they start to envision the right book for their business? Catherine shares her thoughts. 

[13:44] Catherine explains how she evaluates whether or not a book idea from one of her authors is the right book for their business. 

[15:08] Learn how to tell the difference between fear and intuition when it comes time to share your work with the world. 

[18:03] Catherine wraps up by revealing how the book writing process has been transformative for her and the authors she supports.

Action Steps:

Download this free resource from Modern Wisdom Press. Use it to access your own inner wisdom and the vision you have for your book and your business. Ask yourself some hard questions about the goals you have for your book. Who is your ideal reader? What are the business outcomes that you want to achieve with your book? 

Resources:

Explore the work of Modern Wisdom Press and the services they offer. Purchase Catherine���s book, Fertile: The Wise Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy Success .Follow Modern Wisdom Press on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Key Quotes:

Showing up in a new way, as a new version of yourself, can bring up all kinds of self-doubt and fear. ���Catherine Gregory 

Know your business well, know your ideal client well, and really understand the language they’re using to talk about their current challenges or their current problems. ���Catherine Gregory 

Organizing the content of your book can often be where you birth new, creative ideas and offerings for your business. ���Catherine Gregory 

Stay open to being surprised that there may be another direction to go in, or there may be a new story to tell that you didn’t think about telling. ���Catherine Gregory 

Sometimes that voice telling you it���s not the right time yet is actually fear. ���Catherine Gregory 

To be willing to look at the book journey as part of your own personal growth and evolution is super important. ���Catherine Gregory 

To connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!

The post Episode 126: Writing the Right Book for Your Business appeared first on Weaving Influence.

October 2023 Leadership Development Carnival

Weaving Influence has the privilege of hosting the October 2023 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

David Grossman of The Grossman Group provided How to Communicate a Merger and Acquisition to Employees in 9 Steps. David shares: “Whether merger or acquisition decisions are to expand its operations, improve competitiveness, or achieve distinct financial objectives, M&A transactions often present a double-edged sword that brings about exciting opportunities while also introducing uncertainty and change that can be unsettling for employees. That is why effective communication is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining employee morale and productivity.” Follow David on Twitter at @ThoughtPartner.

Development

Priscilla Archangel of Archangel & Associates provided 360 Perspective: What Do You See? Priscilla writes: “Leadership teams often identify issues that need to be addressed in their organizations. However, they tend to identify them based on their perspective of a particular issue that needs to be solved, and their perspective may not always reflect all the views of others who are impacted by the situation. In doing so, they miss the fullness of the issues and the possibilities for improving them.” Follow Priscilla on Twitter at @PrisArchangel. 

Ken Byler of Higher Ground Consulting Group contributed Dealing with Passive-Aggressive Behavior. Ken writes: “If you employ passive-aggressive behaviors regularly it���s because it usually works and it feels good too. We may as well admit it. Expressing our negative feelings in a subtle or indirect way offers control with an easy way out if needed.” Connect with Ken on Twitter at @kenbyler.

Sara Canaday of Sara Canaday & Associates contributed Fall Into Growth: Your Season for Professional Advancement. Sara writes: “As Fall arrives, many of us sense a mental shift���a fresh start for personal and professional development. In this article, discover how to maximize your growth potential with a solid plan and some suggested strategies. Don’t let this season of opportunity slip away; commit to learning something new, breaking old habits, and tackling fresh challenges.” Connect with Sara on Twitter at @saracanaday.

Sean Glaze of Great Results Team Building shared How Awareness Accelerates Your Leadership Growth and Improves Team Culture. Sean writes: ���The ability to cultivate awareness stands out as the most crucial trait for leaders to develop. Awareness accelerates leadership growth and improves your team culture. It encompasses self-awareness, social awareness, and situational awareness, enabling leaders to make informed decisions, build strong relationships, and foster a high-performing culture.��� Find Sean on Twitter at @leadyourteam.

S. Chris Edmonds of The Purposeful Culture Group provided How Ethical Leaders Scale Respect Across Their Organization. In this post, Chris shares: “The importance of an uncompromising work culture is often overlooked by business leaders, but it has a huge impact on an organization���s success. A purposeful, positive, productive work culture not only boosts employee engagement but also leads to improved customer service, increased results, and higher profits.” Follow Chris on Twitter at @scedmonds.

Frank Sonnenberg shared Some People Have No Shame. Frank explains: “You were born with the potential for greatness, but that won���t happen without hard work, determination, and sacrifice. Why throw the gift away? That would be an incredible shame.” Connect with Frank on Twitter at @FSonnenberg.

Marcella Bremer of Positive Culture contributed The Big Con – Beware of the Experts. Marcella considers: “Mazzucato and Collington���s book The Big Con doubts the expert approach that makes money but little results. Is climate change the new consulting cash cow? Or can your engaging approach tap into the collective intelligence and yield lasting results?” Follow Marcella on Twitter at @MarcellaBremer.

Julie Winkle Giulioni shared The Labor Market May Be Shifting. Here Are 5 Mistakes Leaders Should Avoid. Julie explains: “While it may feel like employers hold all the cards right now, top talent���the people you desperately want and need���will always have the upper hand. Your good work and progress over the past few years can quickly evaporate if you wield your returning power in less-than-benevolent ways. Find five common and catastrophic mistakes that leaders should avoid as power in the labor market shifts.” Follow Julie on Twitter at @julie_wg.

Bill Treasurer of Giant Leap Consulting contributed The Open Door. Bill explains: “As a leader, it is important to have a clear understanding of what your role is. How are you facilitating growth? Are you leaving those you lead better than you found them? Real leaders open doors.” Follow Bill on Twitter at @btreasurer.

Jon Verbeck provided The Rearview Mirror for Looking Ahead: Know Yourself to Grow Yourself. Jon writes: ���The rearview mirror is important, and we do have to have accurate data; it���s essential to know where you are and where you���ve been. If you don���t it���s hard to get to where you want to go.��� Follow Jon on Twitter at @jonverbeck1. 

Art Petty provided Toward a Better Model for Leader Development. Art shares: ���Our traditional methods for developing leadership talent in our organizations, including check-box training, loose mentoring, and limited access to coaching, need to be changed for a world where all organizations need to field talent who can help align, execute, and renew at the speed of change. We need a different model for leader development.��� Follow Art on Twitter at @artpetty.

Marcia Reynolds of Covisioning Transformational Leadership provided Who Shaped Your Identity?. Marcia shares: “When you know who shaped your identity, you can decide what to keep and what parts you will release that will set you free to become the person you want to be.” Connect with Marcia on Twitter at @marciareynolds.

Jon Lokhorst of Lokhorst Consulting shared How to Become a Better Delegator. Jon explains: ���Ineffective delegation is a leadership limiter. Leaders who don���t effectively delegate end up performing tasks that would be better handled by other team members, taking valuable time from crucial leadership functions like strategic thinking, critical problem solving, and staff development. Leaders who don���t delegate also stunt their team members��� growth, keeping them from developing essential skills.��� Find Jon on Twitter at @jonlokhorst.

Randy Conley of Leading with Trust shared You Are “They” – Owning Your Role as a Mid-Level Leader. Randy shares: “It’s common for mid-level managers to view senior leadership as “them” versus “us.’ But from the team member’s perspective, the manager is “them.” If you’re a mid-level leader, you are they! In this post, Randy Conley shares concrete steps you can take to fully embrace and own your leadership role, regardless of your level in the organization.” Connect with Randy on Twitter at @RandyConley.

PRODUCTIVITY

Lisa Kohn of Chatsworth Consulting Group shared Care for Yourself As If Your Life Depended On It. Lisa shares: “Self-care is one of the most important leadership skills. If we aren���t strong enough, we can���t lead, and if we drive ourselves into the ground, those who work with and for us will think they need to do the same.” Connect with Lisa on Twitter at @ThoughtfulLdrs.

Eileen McDargh contributed Millennials���Are They Lazy Or���Maybe Smarter? Eileen explains: “According to a recent Australian 60 Minutes program millennials want a more rounded life. We used to think hard work, long hours, and loyalty to our employers was the most important thing in life. Perhaps we need a reevaluation of how we perceive work and life.” Connect with Eileen on Twitter at @macdarling.

Neal Burgis of Successful Solutions contributed Problems Are Hidden Opportunities in Disguise. Neal explains: “Looking for hidden opportunities requires you to realize an obstacle is often a stepping-stone. If you have to, look upside down to shift your perspective to find the hidden opportunities that may be hidden that no one else is willing to look for.” Follow Neal on Twitter at @exec_solutions.

Diana Peterson-More shared Three Tips for Skill-Based Hiring. Diana explains: “Stories abound of employers saying ���oh, so and so���s son (daughter, sister, cousin, etc.) just applied. Since he���s such a good employee, I know his son will be, too.��� Alternatively, employers say ���I just follow my gut; I rely on my instincts to get the best people.��� This is what I call hiring the ���usual suspects.��� This is where skill-based hiring comes in: a neutral, fact-based program that nets the best candidates, allows for a fair, unbiased look at ���old Joe���s��� nephew, or your best client���s daughter, or the boss���s ���gut reaction.��� This is what I call hiring the ���unusual suspects.��� Find Diana on Twitter at @DianaPMAuthor.

Creativity/Inspiration

Brenda Yoho shared Broken, Shattered,���Repaired. Brenda explains: ���Building the ability to identify how to overcome, gain resilience, and discover solutions becomes essential. It’s easy to quit, but it’s more difficult, and often more rewarding, to work towards reclaiming victory in your life and your workplace.��� Find Brenda on Twitter at @BrendaYoho. 

OTher

Lorrie Coffey of Horizon Point Consulting explains When Working Costs too Much. Lorrie writes: ���The termination of each benefit creates a ���cliff��� for the employee at which an increase in wages creates a decrease in total income due to the loss of assistance dollars. Therefore, it may be more financially beneficial for the employee to terminate employment and find a lower paying job in order to keep their state benefits or to exit the workforce altogether.��� Follow Lorrie on Twitter at @ohmyHR. 

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 October 2023 Leadership Development Carnival appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 125: Book Marketing Insights from a Bestselling Author����

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Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 4 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

This episode unlocks some of the secrets of successful book marketing with insights from an accomplished author who has sold over one million books! Becky is joined by Michael Bungay Stanier���Bestselling Author of The Coaching Habit, Founder of Box of Crayons, Keynote Speaker, and the #1 Thought Leader on Coaching. During the episode, Michael talks about the continued success of his book, The Coaching Habit, and what he has learned about the book marketing journey as a result. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:16] Michael shares about himself and his work in the world. 

[03:14] Michael reveals how many Amazon reviews The Coaching Habit has and how the process of getting reviews has been different for his more recent books. 

[5:00] Discover how many reviews Michael hopes to get for his latest book, How to Work With (Almost) Anyone, and what efforts that will take. 

[06:41] Michael shares some statistics about book sales and reflects on what success really means as an author. 

[09:28] Michael talks about why he offers his books to people for free. 

[13:11] Learn how Michael received his top voice badge on LinkedIn and the impact of having it. 

[15:12] Michael discusses what it���s like having other people running his social media channels and the preparation that went into it. 

[17:26] What mindset shift did Michael have to make to allow others to build his social media presence and allow himself to step away from it? He shares. 

[18:52] Michael reveals what he thinks about the idea of giving away the best content from a book through online content.

[20:39] Discover Michael���s strategy for changing the working lives of 10 million people rather than focusing on specific book sales. 

[22:34] Michael explains how he measures whether or not he has affected a working relationship. 

[24:40] Michael talks about how much time he takes between writing books. 

[26:42] How has the momentum for books and marketing gotten easier for Michael as he���s progressed from book to book? He discusses. 

[28:07] Michael reveals whether or not he anticipated that The Coaching Habit would become his ���unicorn book.��� 

[29:42] Michael explains how his books have fueled his other professional services, including speaking. 

[31:25] Michael shares some final thoughts about how to build an ecosystem around a book. 

Action Steps:

Visit the individual websites for each of Michael���s books��� The Coaching Habit , The Advice Trap , How to Begin , and How to Work With (Almost) Anyone ���his business website , and his personal website . See what you can learn by observing the way that Michael invites people into the ecosystem of the services that he offers. Write down a vision that���s bigger than book sales. Think of a mission you can accomplish with your book that will help you stay focused as you market it. Be creative in the ways that you can reach more people with your work. 

Resources:

Purchase Michael���s latest book, How to Work With (Almost) Anyone .Make sure to get a copy of Michael���s bestselling book, The Coaching Habit .Follow Michael on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). 

Key Quotes:

88% of books sell less than 5,000 copies. ���Michael Bungay Stanier 

Marketing and selling a book takes a real kind of dedication and focus. ���Michael Bungay Stanier 

I think because I’ve got a team regularly posting, I’ve done a LinkedIn learning course, and I’ve been on a LinkedIn podcast that I got the top voice badge just because of repetition and longevity. ���Michael Bungay Stanier 

If people only read the first chapter of my book, I want them to have the best ideas in the first chapter. ���Michael Bungay Stanier 

It’s probably a two-to-three-year game to really get a book out in the world and get a flywheel spinning so you’re having some success with it. ���Michael Bungay Stanier 

My best way of getting ideas out in the world is through books. ���Michael Bungay Stanier 

Make it really easy for people to depart the book and arrive at your website. ���Michael Bungay Stanier 

To connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!

The post Episode 125: Book Marketing Insights from a Bestselling Author���� appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 124: The Porchlight Business Book Awards

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Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 4 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully. 

This episode is about Porchlight Book Company and their 2023 Business Book Awards! Becky is joined by Sally Haldorson, Managing Director at Porchlight Books. During the episode, Sally talks about the mission of Porchlight Books, what it���s like for an author to work with a bulk retailer, and a shift in the selection process of this year���s book awards. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:53] Sally shares about herself, her work in the world, and the work of Porchlight Books. 

[04:51] Learn what it means to be a ���bulk book retailer.��� 

[07:21] If you published a business book this year and are interested in the Porchlight Business Book Awards, Sally shares more details about the awards and the changes happening this year. 

[12:21] Sally reveals when the 2023 Book Awards will be announced, what the submission process is like, and some of the eligibility rules.

[15:12] What are some benefits of working with Porchlight Books? Sally shares.

[18:45] Sally outlines some of her advice for authors interested in working with Porchlight Books or other bulk retailers.

[21:49] Porchlight Books is helping authors who want to sell books to organizations with a dispersed workforce. Find out how.  

[25:11] If you���re an author who aspires to land on a bestseller list, like the Wall Street Journal list, Sally explains what you need to know about partnering with Porchlight Books as you work toward that goal. 

[27:30] Sally reveals how soon an author should talk to Porchlight Books before their book launch if they���re hoping to land on a bestseller list.

Action Steps:

If you���re an author who has released or is releasing, a business book this year, consider submitting it for the 2023 Porchlight Business Book Awards. Take action ASAP because the call for entries closes on October 2nd!  Identify three or four books that could be in conversation with yours. Consider whether or not you could reach out to the authors of those books to find ways to collaborate and cross-promote. 

Resources:

Learn more about the 2023 Porchlight Business Book Awards. Listen to Episode 122 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast for more insights on book awards in general. Read Becky���s ���ChangeThis Manifesto,��� created in partnership with Porchlight Books.Explore the website for Porchlight Books and check out their blog. Follow Porchlight Books on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Connect with Sally on LinkedIn. Watch some of the great interviews from the Author Series on Porchlight Books��� YouTube channel. 

Key Quotes:

We use the imagery of a porchlight because it is an invitation to enter. It is welcome to everyone. ���Sally Haldorson 

We have learned over the years that books are more than just books. They are the experience of seeing the speaker. They are the experience of gathering ideas and learning something new. ���Sally Haldorson 

It is better and more accurate to see books as being in conversation with one another rather than in competition with one another. ���Sally Haldorson 

The biggest way we support authors is by offering our human experience and expertise to them in all sorts of different ways���by giving them someone or multiple someones to talk to about the birth and life of their book. ���Sally Haldorson 

One of the things that any author needs to think about really early on is building their platform, building that network. ���Sally Haldorson 

The attention you’re building for your book starts to drive the demand in the first week or two of your book sales. ���Sally Haldorson 

To connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!

The post Episode 124: The Porchlight Business Book Awards appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 123: The Return of USA TODAY���s Best-selling Booklist

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Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 4 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. 

This episode is about the exciting return of USA TODAY���s Best-selling Booklist! Becky is joined by sisters Nancy Sheed, Social Media Marketing and Communications Consultant at Sheed Communications, and Holland Saltsman, Owner of The Novel Neighbor. During the episode, Nancy and Holland discuss various bestseller lists and what they mean for authors, why USA TODAY���s list is so unique, and how authors and independent booksellers can benefit from its return. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[03:33] Nancy and Holland reveal some of the bestseller lists that most authors pay attention to and why some of them are not easily attainable.

[05:56] Discover why USA TODAY���s Best-selling Booklist went on hiatus and what was previously driving the selection of books on the list. 

[07:46] Nancy and Holland share what is different about USA TODAY���s revised list and how it is more reflective of what the people want. 

[12:14] What features of USA TODAY���s list are different from other mainstream lists? Nancy and Holland share a few of the most important. 

[14:54] Learn what kind of titles have been showing up on USA TODAY���s Best-selling Booklist in the months since its return. 

[16:35] Nancy and Holland outline some of the criteria for authors who are hoping to make the list organically and land in the top 150. 

[21:16] What else should authors know about USA TODAY���s Best-selling Booklist and how is it helping to support independent booksellers? Nancy discusses. 

[22:14] Holland talks about how independently published authors may get their book on the shelves of a brick-and-mortar store like The Novel Neighbor. 

[26:37] Nancy and Holland share their final thoughts about USA TODAY���s Best-selling Booklist.

[32:22] Rebecca-mendations: Nancy and Holland reveal their latest book recommendations. 

Action Steps:

Check out USA TODAY���s Best-selling Booklist. Take a look at the books that are showing up there, the criteria, and the data that has been gathered to fuel the list. It may give you some ideas as you craft your book marketing strategy. As you plan your book marketing strategy, consider what part you can play in supporting independent booksellers. One of the upsides of fueling a campaign where you send sales to independent stores is that it might increase your likelihood of landing on a bestseller list.

Resources:

Listen to Nancy���s previous appearance on The Book Marketing Action Podcast.Explore Nancy���s website and check out The Novel Neighbor. Follow Nancy on LinkedIn and Instagram.Follow The Novel Neighbor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. Follow Holland on Instagram and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Key Quotes:

In addition to the list, there is now more featured content, and one of those new pieces every week is a profile of an independent bookstore somewhere in the United States. ���Nancy Sheed

Not only are you getting to know all of these diverse and wonderful [booksellers], you’re also having each one of them show some of the unique books that they’re trying to hand-sell, and what makes each one of them a little more special. ���Holland Saltsman 

Here’s a nationally recognized list that you truly are a bestseller of to compete with the other lists that are not as achievable for most authors. ���Nancy Sheed

It���s an opportunity to really get a great breadth of what the people are reading. Because even if you’re number 89, that’s still 89 across the country, and to be able to be on that list is phenomenal. ���Holland Saltsman 

This list is a very organic way to get everybody talking nicely and getting better visibility than they might otherwise have had. ���Nancy Sheed

To connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!

The post Episode 123: The Return of USA TODAY���s Best-selling Booklist appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 122: Book Awards

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Click here to listen on your device and subscribe! 

Welcome to Season 4 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. 

This episode is all about book awards! Becky is joined by three authors���Gena Cox, Libby Hoffman, and Kevin Wilde���who have all been successful in applying for, and winning, book awards. During the episode, Gena, Libby, and Kevin talk about the process of seeking out awards for books, whether it���s worthwhile to apply for them, and what book awards have done for the life of their books. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[04:32] Gena, Libby, and Kevin discuss what their goals were when applying for book awards and what the process looked like for each of them.

[08:05] If you are not familiar with book awards and the process of applying for them, Gena, Libby, and Kevin reveal some of the key points you should know.

[13:23] All three authors share some misconceptions that other authors might have about the book awards process.

[20:57] Learn more about the different awards that Gena, Libby, and Kevin applied for and received.

[30:06] Becky believes that there is only an upside to applying for book awards, as long as the budget is available. Gena, Libby, and Kevin elaborate on this. 

[34:33] Discover the benefits of winning a book award, or multiple awards. 

[41:05] Gena, Libby, and Kevin talk about how an author can amplify the impact of awards once they have won them.

[47:54] Gena, Libby, and Kevin share their final thoughts about the book awards journey.

Action Steps:

Plan early for the book awards that you might apply for. Be creative about the categories into which you place your book.If you don���t already have a community of author friends, seek out others who are in a similar place on the author journey. This will help with any feelings of loneliness. 

Resources:

Order Gena, Libby, and Kevin���s books. Explore Gena, Libby, and Kevin���s websites to connect with them.Follow Libby and Catalyst for Peace on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.Download Gena���s free resource for conducting bold discussions. Follow Gena on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Key Quotes:

My goal was really to have the quality of the book validated in a way that traditional media outlets weren’t quite poised to be able to do. ��� Libby Hoffman

Start as early as you can to educate yourself about the focus of certain awards and try to figure out which are the better ones that are worthy of your reputation. ���Gena Cox

I don’t think the recognition is a validation of our work or our message. It’s just helpful in this whole process of connecting and getting the word out and being a little different than the noise in the book world. ���Kevin Wilde

Pay attention to both kinds of categories: The general idea categories, as well as the more focused, thematic ones. ��� Libby Hoffman

You’re not going to get every [award] you apply for. But it’s no reflection on the great work you’ve done. ���Kevin Wilde

I think that applying for awards has an additional benefit over and above the award, which is the relationship-building aspect. ���Gena Cox

It’s important to think of the awards as a strategic part of your overall book marketing. ���Gena Cox

The awards have given me the opportunity to really ground myself in my writer identity in a new way. ��� Libby Hoffman

To connect with Becky Robinson and request a list of book awards, send her an email here!

The post Episode 122: Book Awards appeared first on Weaving Influence.