Becky Robinson's Blog, page 7

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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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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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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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.

Episode 121: Keeping Your Foot on the Gas

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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. 

For this exclusive two-part interview, Becky is joined by attorney, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, athlete, co-founder and CEO of The Ready State Inc, Juliet Starrett. In this second installment, Juliet discusses how PR firms help to maintain momentum after a book launch, lessons learned during her book marketing journey, and best practices for achieving long-term success. 

Key Points From This Episode:

[02:38] Juliet breaks down how she was able to proactively drive Amazon reviews for her books.   

[05.52] Every author has an individualized and unique approach to their book launch campaign. Juliet shares her process for sending advance publication copies before her releases.

[10:26] Using influencer boxes as part of book marketing is becoming increasingly popular amongst authors. Juliet explains the pros and cons of gifting influencer boxes.

[13:55] Juliet reveals mistakes and lessons learned during her book marketing journey. 

[17:25] It is very common for authors to hire PR firms to help market their books to a wider audience. Juliet discusses how she went about hiring a PR firm to help maintain momentum post-launch.

[18:30] Using her own personal experience, Juliet reflects on organic ways that books become successful over time. 

[21:04] Becky introduces her new Rebecca-mendations book recommendations segment idea, highlighting Built to Move as a book that everyone should read.  

[22:26] Juliet talks about the inspiration behind Built to Move and why she and her husband, Kelly Starrett, decided it was important to put this message out into the world.

[27:52] Many authors think of the launch week as the week their book launches, and they tend to focus most of their marketing energy on that short period of time. Juliet emphasizes the importance of marketing your book for an extended period of time. 

[31:33] Juliet speaks about her 21-Day Built To Move Challenge that is currently available for free on her website.

Action Steps:

Actively show up on a consistent basis to market your book. To achieve success, it is critically important to make a commitment to actively engage and spread the word about your book. Create a challenge to share the value of your book. A challenge is a great way to build your email list and let people know about the content in your book.

Resources:

Check out Juliet���s website to connect with her and her husband and co-author, Kelly Starrett.Join in on the 21-Day Built To Move Challenge.Connect with Juliet on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.Get your copy of Built To Move on Amazon and leave an honest review! 

Key Quotes:

You may not be able to tangibly measure the return on the investment of the [influencer] box, but you know that it connects you to the people who are receiving it.  ��� Juliet Starrett 

The big huge podcast with a big reach can really make a difference . ��� Juliet Starrett 

Outside PR firms and in-house publicists can work really well together, but that also can be a source of tension. ��� Juliet Starrett 

That two weeks after [book] launch is 100% not enough time to take your foot off the brake. ��� Juliet Starrett 

Word-of-mouth magic happens when you write a book that is so practical and accessible and helpful. ��� Becky Robinson

Learn what your audience responds to. ��� Juliet Starrett 

We’re super hands-on doing this stuff ourselves. And so there’s no reason anyone who’s listening to this can’t do the same thing .   ��� Juliet Starrett 

In many ways, the more you give away for free, the more books you’re gonna sell. ���Juliet StarrettTo connect with Becky Robinson, send her an email here!

The post Episode 121: Keeping Your Foot on the Gas appeared first on Weaving Influence.

August 2023 Leadership Development Carnival

Weaving Influence has the privilege of hosting the August 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

Sean Glaze of Great Results Team Building shared How to Have More Effective 1:1 Meetings With Your Team. Sean writes: “One of the most powerful tools you have for developing your team are 1:1 meetings. Regular 1:1 meetings are an effective tool for building relationships, tracking progress and providing coaching insights that help team members achieve their goals. And they don���t have to be in-person���” Find Sean on Twitter at @leadyourteam.

Diana Peterson-More shared The Power of Silence. Diana explains: “‘The Sounds of Silence,’ a hauntingly beautiful song penned by Paul Simon was prescient, and dovetails nicely with one of my favorite communication adages ���Listening, asking and telling,��� with many of us doing more telling than listening or asking. This post is a primer – loaded with tips – on what I learned as a Zenger/Miller certified trainer/facilitator, with a focus on the important ideas that emerge from the team when leaders learn to live with silence.” Find Diana on Twitter at @DianaPMAuthor.

John Spence shared The Importance of Leading with Honesty: A Call to Action. John writes: “In a world where we are surrounded by half-truths and lies, it is critical for leaders to be a living examples of honesty and integrity.” Find John on Twitter at @AwesomelySimple. 

Robyn McLeod provided Are You a Talk-Thinker or a Quiet-Thinker? Robyn summarizes: ���Learn how understanding and valuing differences in the way we think can positively impact your team or partnership, leading to greater innovation, productivity, and collaboration.��� Find Robyn on Twitter at @ThoughtfulLdrs. 

Development

Marcia Reynolds of Covisioning Transformational Leadership provided The Greatest Block to Transformation. Marcia shares: “Your old patterns may have served you, but now is the time for transformation. These questions will help you shift from WHO YOU ARE TODAY to WHO YOU CAN BECOME.” Connect with Marcia on Twitter at @marciareynolds.

Dana Theus of InPower Coaching writes Personal Development Plan for Leadership: Get Out of the Weeds and Bring Out Your Best Self. Dana explains: ���When you move into management and leadership one of the hardest lessons to learn is that you now have two jobs you need to juggle. In addition to the job of doing the day-to-day work, you have a second job you must do in parallel, which is getting up above the day-to-day work and looking for trends, patterns and strategies to improve how to achieve outcomes and impact, which is not the same as all the activity in the work itself.��� Find Dana on Twitter at @DanaTheus. 

Bill Treasurer of Giant Leap Consulting contributed The Courage To Leap. Bill explains: “It takes courage to take a leap. Whether it’s a physical leap or stepping out of your comfort zone, everybody’s leap means something different to them, but the need for courage remains the same. The ability to become comfortable in an uncomfortable situation will help when taking a giant leap into the unknown.” Follow Bill on Twitter at @btreasurer.

Jon Verbeck provided Keep the Bathtub Full: Understand Your Numbers. Jon writes: ���Most business owners went into business to do what they love and do what they are good at ��� and they hoped to make a living and improve the business���s value while doing it. Most started their careers as employees, so they tend to carry an employee mindset vs. that of an owner, entrepreneur, or CEO. As a result, some business owners have created a high-stress job for themselves, not a business.��� Follow Jon on Twitter at @jonverbeck1. 

S. Chris Edmonds of The Purposeful Culture Group provided The Secrets of an NBA Coach’s Success. In this post, Chris shares: “The benefits of an uncompromising work culture are undeniable. The challenge is that most senior leaders have never experienced a successful culture change ��� much less led one.” Follow Chris on Twitter at @scedmonds.

Marcella Bremer of Positive Culture contributed Leaders as Positive Warriors for the Future. Marcella considers: “Here���s a case about a positive executive team and their CEO. This company wants to become future-proof. They care about nature, social issues and future generations. They start with what is positive to fix what is negative and act as positive warriors.” Follow Marcella on Twitter at @MarcellaBremer.

Jon Lokhorst of Lokhorst Consulting shared Can ChatGPT Make You a Better Leader? Jon explains: ���After testing out a few challenges, I can confidently say that I���ll be adding ChatGPT to my leadership toolbox���and you should too! But in doing so, treat it as a brainstorming and research partner, not the ultimate authority.��� Find Jon on Twitter at @jonlokhorst.

Ken Byler of Higher Ground Consulting Group contributed Becoming an Authentic Leader. Ken writes: “Authentic leaders align what they think, say, feel, and do by humbly admitting mistakes or acknowledging what they don���t know.” Connect with Ken on Twitter at @kenbyler.

ENGAGEMENT

Julie Winkle Giulioni shared Forging Stronger Careers: Turning Challenges into Growth Opportunities. Julie explains: “If there���s any truth to the adage, ‘The strongest steel is forged in the hottest fire,’ we must be cultivating the greatest careers imaginable ��� because, let���s face it, it���s pretty hot out there. In her regular column for Training Industry, Julie shares four strategies to help employees forge stronger careers.” Follow Julie on Twitter at @julie_wg.

Art Petty provided It���s Time to Get Rid of S.M.A.R.T. Goals. Here���s Why & How. Art shares: ���The research is unambiguous: fewer, larger goals promote growth and performance. Unfortunately, our preoccupation with S.M.A.R.T. goals tends to filter out the larger ideas, and our corporate approach to setting goals is often an exercise in compliance. Instead, consider a S.L.I.M. approach to your goals along with the guidance here to turbocharge your growth.��� Follow Art on Twitter at @artpetty.

Sara Canaday of Sara Canaday & Associates contributed Situational Fluency: The Secret Sauce of Leadership. Sara writes: “In the world of leadership, situational fluency is a competitive advantage that separates good leaders from great ones. Leaders who are situationally fluent know how to analyze the needs and preferences of those around them and respond accordingly. They aren���t afraid to abandon their own agendas if they recognize an opportunity to achieve more productive and meaningful results. Learn how to enhance your social fluency.” Connect with Sara on Twitter at @saracanaday.

team building

Priscilla Archangel of Archangel & Associates provided Is Your Team Murmuring? Priscilla writes: “A murmuration is a phenomenon among starlings when they move in elaborate shapes through the sky. They set an example for a massive team, coordinated and supportive in their activities. As a group, they perform better than the sum of individual birds. And in that context, we can learn something from their murmuration.” Follow Priscilla on Twitter at @PrisArchangel. 

Steve DiGioia contributed Are You Having Trouble Finding Qualified Service Employees? Try This. Steve writes: “Interviewing potential new employees is a chore. Most people don���t enjoy it. We���re not sure if they���re qualified for the position as they say or simply telling us what they think we want to hear. Will they fit into our ‘company culture’ and be a valued member of our team or someone who disrupts our morale? How will they serve our valued customers? Try asking all future applicants these 4 questions.” Find Steve on Twitter at @stevedigioia.

Jennifer V. Miller writes Fostering a Trustworthy Work Environment: 5 Key Steps for Leaders. Jennifer summarizes: ���Leaders build a trusting work environment by being the first to trust. Here are 5 ways to get started creating a culture of trust.��� Find Jennifer on Twitter at @JenniferVMiller. 

Randy Conley of Leading with Trust shared 4 Strategies for Building Trust Within Senior Leadership Teams. Randy shares: “Trust starts at the top with senior leaders. When they authentically embrace and embody trustworthy behavior, it sets the tone for the rest of the organization to follow suit.” Connect with Randy on Twitter at @RandyConley.

David Grossman of The Grossman Group provided 6 Benefits of Delegation and Why Most Leaders Under-Delegate. David shares: “What���s often missed when a leader fails to delegate is the simple fact that effective delegation is a cornerstone of great leadership. When leaders fully embrace the many benefits of delegation, they hold the keys to unlocking much more potential and greatness from their teams.” Follow David on Twitter at @ThoughtPartner.

Creativity/Inspiration

Brenda Yoho shared Are You a Leader People Want? Brenda explains: ���Are you a leader people want? This question is not just a thought-provoking statement; it serves as a reminder of the importance of asking questions daily and often, just like we did as curious children seeking to learn and understand the world around us. Unfortunately, as we grow into adulthood and take on leadership roles, we often forget the power of questioning and understanding others.��� Find Brenda on Twitter at @BrendaYoho. 

Mary Ila Ward of Horizon Point Consulting shared 3 Lessons in Effective Training from Inmates. Mary writes: “At HPC, we frequently send two trainers, so that one person can learn from a more seasoned trainer or two styles or levels of expertise can be shared. Each person brings different experiences, learning styles, and personalities to the group, and with two trainers it is more likely for a diverse audience to be reached effectively with a team approach.” Find Mary on Twitter at @maryilaward.

Neal Burgis of Successful Solutions contributed Fear as a Tool for Taking Action. Neal explains: “The biggest obstacle that stands in the way of anyone working on any task, project, or idea is fear. Do you ever feel like fear is holding you back? Fear has the power to hold you back from taking action.” Follow Neal on Twitter at @exec_solutions.

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 August 2023 Leadership Development Carnival appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 120: Unveiling The Secrets of Successful Authors

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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. 

For this exclusive two-part interview, Becky is joined by attorney, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, athlete, co-founder and CEO of The Ready State Inc, Juliet Starrett. Juliet reveals effective ways to pitch your book to publishing companies, efficient book marketing strategies and techniques, and insights from her journey to becoming a bestselling author.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:10] Juliet shares her background in the wellness industry and how she started her journey as an author along with her husband, Kelly Starrett. 

[02:59] Juliet���s latest book, Built To Move, was released in April of 2023. She talks about the success of the book, including making several major bestseller lists.

[05:00] For authors, it is not an easy task to achieve Juliet���s level of success. Juliet recounts how her first book publishing deal came about, and how her Mobility Project helped to catapult her brand and garner the support she needed.

[06:39] It is very common for first-time authors to make mistakes along the way. Juliet reveals what missteps she made at the beginning of her journey as an author.

[08:08] Juliet lets us in on marketing techniques she used for her Becoming a Supple Leopard book. 

[12:49] There are many benefits to having a network of supporters and followers. Juliet breaks down how her first book was instrumental in growing her fanbase and sheds light on the groundwork required for maximum brand visibility.

[16:53] Publishing companies play a very specific role in the overall success of a book, but the author has an important role too. Juliet reveals what authors need to do in order to have the best chance of achieving high levels of success. 

[22:49] Juliet shares some insight on how she developed her book proposal and marketing plan.

[27:13] Contests and sweepstakes are great tools for incentivizing people to take action. Juliet expounds on how she utilizes these methods to mobilize her network. 

[31:11] Juliet explains how she grew her email list and pinpoints the email cadence and frequency that worked for her.

[32:10] Authors who spend a lot of time, energy, and resources on book marketing often expect to see a return on every investment they make. Juliet breaks down how and why this mindset can negatively impact the overall trajectory of your book.

[33:22] Juliet talks about ways she uses various social media channels to market her book.

Action Steps:

Consider utilizing an umbrella brand instead of a book brand. If you intend to write more books, it���s not going to be beneficial in the long run to create a new set of channels every single time you write a new book. By operating under an umbrella brand, you���ll be able to leverage the audience you���ve worked so hard to build with every new release.Write a detailed marketing plan. Before you pitch your book to publishing companies, write a detailed proposal outlining your entire marketing plan to give yourself the best possible chance at landing a book deal.

Resources:

Check out Juliet���s website to connect with her and find out more about The Mobility Project.Connect with Juliet on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.Get your copy of Built To Move on Amazon and be sure to leave an honest review! 

Key Quotes:

The key��� is that we’ve created an ecosystem, and the book is only one part of our ecosystem.  ��� Juliet Starrett 

When it comes to digital marketing, we [authors] are the experts. And we know our audience, and we know how to sell to our audience. ��� Juliet Starrett 

Publishers are well aware that they’re a bit out of their depth when it comes to hardcore digital marketing. ��� Juliet Starrett 

There are certain things publishers can do really well. They can edit and print your book, they can do all this distribution. They can help with publicity, and some digital marketing and paid media, but for a book to blow up��� it cannot happen without a massive marketing effort from the author. ��� Juliet Starrett 

We really take the philosophy that people need to see something six times before they’re going to buy it. ��� Juliet Starrett 

If authors expect to be paid for every hour, every video they make, everything they’re doing, and everything always has to have an obvious return on investment, I think that’s a mistake.  ���Juliet Starrett 

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

The post Episode 120: Unveiling The Secrets of Successful Authors appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Episode 119: Building a dynamic launch team

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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. 

During this episode, Becky is joined by virtual event design consultant and executive Zoom producer, Robbie Samuels. Robbie gives insight into methods authors can use to establish effective launch teams, the importance of garnering authentic book reviews, and the best ways to maximize network connections.

Key Points From This Episode:

[03:16] Robbie lets us in on his career journey, starting as a networking expert with a specialty in networking events and then later becoming a virtual event design consultant and executive Zoom producer. 

[03:48] When an author receives authentic Amazon reviews, it helps build trust and create credibility for potential readers interested in their book. Robbie shares how he garnered over 200 Amazon reviews for each of his books: Break Out of Boredom, Small List Big Results, and Croissants vs. Bagels. 

[08:00] Having a launch team is necessary to build awareness around a book launch. Robbie explains his process for setting up an effective launch team. 

[10:37] It is widely believed that experience is the best teacher. Robbie tells a story of working with a friend on a virtual launch party, and the knowledge he gained from that experience. 

[14:34] Robbie gives some advice on how to get supporters that send reviews via form or email to transition to leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads.

[17:31] There are a number of book formats that authors use to distribute their books to their launch teams. Robbie uses his own experience to provide insight into the pros and cons of sending books in print, PDF, or advance reader copies.

[20:24] Robbie sheds light on the difference between a verified and unverified book purchase. 

[25:16] There are times when members of a launch team are not able to leave book reviews by the deadline set by an author. Robbie reminds everyone why it���s never too late to leave a review. 

[26:46] Robbie explains how he is able to differentiate book reviews by his launch team from organic reviews. 

[29:54] To maximize your network connections, it���s important to know who is most likely to lend you a helping hand. Robbie gives some insight on methods you can use to connect with the right people to garner the support you need. 

Action Steps:

Ask and ask again. Never be afraid to ask for help. You may feel that people are helping you by becoming part of your launch team or by leaving a review, but if you believe in your book and the message you���re putting out into the world, you���re helping them, too!Get the right people on your launch team. To start, focus on contacts within your network that would be happy to hear from you.

Resources:

Visit Robbie���s website to connect with him and find out more about networking and growing your audience.Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.Follow Robbie on Amazon to discover his books and be notified first of new releases.

Key Quotes:

Funnel all those lovely offers of support to one place���make a landing page. ��� Robbie Samuels 

One of the things I learned early on is that my best friends and my family weren’t gonna be the people who write reviews right away. ��� Robbie Samuels

Friends who are professional speakers and trainers and emcees beyond the team ��� are the doorways with lots of opportunities. ��� Robbie Samuels

The best way to sell your first book is to write a second. ��� Robbie Samuels

You wrote a great book, right? And you believe in the value of the book, so not telling people about the book would be a shame. ��� Robbie Samuels

I see reviews as social proof on a sales page. ��� Robbie Samuels

Use the Dunbar principle, if you get the right 150 people, magic will happen. It won’t just be about the reviews about the invitations, it’ll be about the connections. The book should lead to something and the book launch should help that happen. ���Robbie Samuels

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

The post Episode 119: Building a dynamic launch team appeared first on Weaving Influence.

Making Space for the Good Parts of Social Media

Two weeks ago, I deleted my social media apps from my phone. 

Entering my twelfth year in business as a digital marketing agency owner, I find myself depleted for various reasons. 

Increasingly, as a result, creating and posting content on social media has become a lower priority on my list. 

I firmly believe in the power of social media for good: to share meaningful messages, as a place to build genuine connections, and as a place to be generous to others as I amplify their work. 

I believe that when you choose to engage in online spaces, you create possibilities to reach more people with your work. I���ve seen the amazing opportunities sharing content online has created in my life and the lives of my clients. I know that investing time online in a focused, consistent way can create results. 

I���ve preached, time and time again, that it���s important to keep showing up. 

But, at times, for those of us who have showed up for years, it might be important to take a step back. 

I am slowing my online activity so I can be present more meaningfully in the offline world, with fewer distractions.I���ve been the kind of person who picks up my phone to mindlessly scroll through social media channels, justifying it as part of my job, as research, when really it���s just a waste of time. 

By reducing my meaningless social media time, I am creating space for the best parts of social media: sharing value, connecting, and supporting others and their messages. 

For me and most likely others who are very active on social media, if showing up online is a choice, not showing up is also a choice. 

After two weeks of minimal exposure to social media, I feel more free and less depleted. I���ve looked at social channels, sparingly, on my laptop. I���ve considered resuming posting, but decided to give myself a bit more time and space. I���m still sharing value on my podcast and through my newsletter, but I���m hesitant to resume social media posting until I can commit to being consistent again. 

I know that this is a break and not an exit. But I hope that my willingness to step back in order to re-enter social spaces more mindfully gives my clients, potential clients, and others who may be burned out or disillusioned with social media the freedom to make a similar choice. The upside is that when I do choose to re-engage, it will be with a renewed commitment to use social media for good, while leaving the less healthy parts behind.

The post Making Space for the Good Parts of Social Media appeared first on Weaving Influence.