Marketing

,

Don’t Use Your “Signature Talk” to Write Your Book (It’s a bad idea – here’s why!)

For YEARS now, it’s been floating around the coaching industry that the best way to write your book is to simply take your “signature talk” and put it in your book. Some “book writing companies” even go as far as saying they’ll record you giving your talk, transcribe it, clean it up, and that’s your book.

I’m calling false.

This is a TERRIBLE idea!

Why?

Because your talk, sometimes called a signature talk, your webinar, preview call, or a speak to sell talk, serves a very different purpose than a book.

These talks are designed to position you as an expert, give some WHY the person should do what you say, tease the HOW you get results, and then invite them to buy from you.

Want to know what else does that?

A sales page.

Your book is NOT a long-form sales letter!

Your book is NOT a long-form sales letter. Don't write it that way! Do THIS instead. Click To Tweet

Your book SHOULD be used to encourage people to work with you more closely – if that’s your thing. (For many of my authors, they don’t HAVE coaching program, products, or “stuff” for a reader to buy.)

Keep Reading!

, , ,

Do Stories REALLY Create Connection to Your Reader?

Maybe this is you:

You’ve written MOST of your book. You’ve poured your heart, soul, and your best teaching into the book.

You’ve explained your concepts.

Then you’ve said, “In other words…”

And you’ve explained your concepts again.

That draft is nearly done – and it’s damn good. The writing is tight, sparse even, and every word counts.

But now…

You’ve got me, whispering in your ear. Whispering about… storytelling. Telling you that your hard-won book isn’t going to be effective, that the writing you’ve done, while brilliant, won’t actually make the difference in your reader’s life that you want it to make.

And you’re a little bit angry at me.

But mostly… you’re a little bit worried that I’m right. That your book ISN’T what you wanted it to be – the book that can change a life – but you’re not 100% sure how to take it from where you are now to where you want it to be.

Are stories the missing piece?

My darling fellow author, I would never tell you to do something if it didn’t matter! When was the last time I fussed at you about learning better grammar? Um… never! Why? Because THAT can be fixed in editing.

What can’t be fixed is the lack of stories. They aren’t something you can shoehorn in, after the fact.

How do I know?

First off, I have a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. So yes, I’ve done the studying of writing and storytelling in a University setting. I’ve also attended writer’s conferences around the world and studied writing with some of the top names in current literary work.

I’ve written more than 20 books OF MY OWN. The ones that outsell the others, that get the best reviews, and that have people contacting me – even years later – are the ones with the most stories. The “cut-and-dry” ones are just that… dry.

But more than that, I’ve got thousands of articles under my belt. Yes, thousands. I used to blog nearly daily at TheOutdoorPrincess.com (which… kinda still exists. More on the tech stuff in a day or two.)

Plus NINE YEARS of writing to you, here. At least weekly, often times more.

People will TELL you that they want cut-and-dry articles, pithy things like: Five Ways to Keep Readers Turning Pages (and then a short article with JUST the five ways.)

But here’s the thing:

Search engines may love that crap.

But PEOPLE don’t.

People want to connect. They want to know you’re a real person – with strengths, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies, dreams, hobbies, and flaws. They want to read your word and feel like they know YOU.

My least-received articles are the bland, here are your steps, articles.

Keep Reading!

, , , ,

Create a Plan BEFORE You Get a Bad Book Review

#truthbomb

Some people aren’t going to like your book.

Yes, that sucks. It’s hard to hear. But there it is.

Because I get it:

You’re really proud of that book. You know it (and your message) is here to change the world.

And you’ve done a good job in the whole process: rewriting, editing, getting feedback, and then writing some more. But there’s something really important that is never told to authors – and it really should be.

Somebody will hate it. They’ll hate it so much, they’ll leave you a one-star review. And IF you’re lucky, they’ll keep their comments to how dumb the book was (and maybe how much they didn’t like the writing.) If they’re a true Troll, or simply having a Really.Bad.Day, their one-star review will ALSO be a personal attack.

What happens when you get your first 1-star review?

Take a deep breath. Because let’s be perfectly honest here: it’s going to happen. Somebody is going to hate your book – and if you let it, that little 1-star review will have the power to obliterate all the 4- and 5-star reviews that came before it.

Your best defense is… a plan.

It’s not a plan for how you’ll plead with Amazon to remove it.

It’s not a blueprint for how you’ll hunt down the reviewer and make him change his mind – and publicly apologize.

It’s not a plan for how you’ll fire off a witty comeback that is not only the perfectly placed literary knife to the ribs but also makes you look brilliant, beautiful, and 15 pounds lighter.

Here’s the thing about reviews: there’s not a single way you can respond that leave you looking classy. If you argue with a “bad” review, you’re whiny; if you thank the reviewer for a “good” review, you’re a creepy stalker author.

#authortip Never respond to your Amazon reviews. Nothing you say will make you seem classy. Click To Tweet

Still, you need a plan for how you’re going to handle it.

Here are some tips:

1. Don’t check on your reviews right before bed.

I’ll admit, when my first book was newly published, I checked sales stats and if there were any new reviews about every three hours. All. Day. Long.

But I knew from past experience, a nasty email from a client had the power to ruin a good night’s sleep. A bad review from a stranger… no WAY I’d be able to sleep. Keep Reading!

,

How to Get Advance Praise Reviews for Your Book

It’s a busy spring around here! Two clients in structural edits, two in copy edits, and one in layout. The client in layout asked a great question today about collecting advance praise reviews for her book. So to give her some direction and create a resource for you, here’s how you do it:

1. When should you start getting advance praise reviews?

Don’t jump the gun here! Your book needs to be [this close] to being done. Usually that means that you’ve got a layout done.

Why?

Because you don’t want your expert to see a draft of the book! Not a rough draft, certainly, but also not an unedited draft.

2. Who should you ask?

There are two types of experts that will help you sell books:

  1. A well-known (and RELEVANT) name
  2. An unknown person with a RELEVANT title.

Sure, everybody wants their business mentor to write an advance praise blurb for their book. But if your book isn’t about BUSINESS than that person’s praise won’t mean anything to your potential reader. Just because your business mentor is famous to YOU (or in your business circle) doesn’t mean she’s a good fit.

For example, my client Rochelle Seltzer got an amazing review from Seth Godin for her book, “Live Big: A Manifesto for a Creative Life”. Seth Godin is really well known in business-book circles. Would this review pack the same punch if her book had been about weight loss? Nope! It would have just been weird!

You can also find someone with zero name recognition but who has an impressive TITLE – one that will really matter to your reader.

Now read that last bit again:

It must MATTER TO YOUR READER.

Because if these advance praise experts aren’t perceived as experts to your reader, then you might as well have your best friend’s dog groomer write the advance praise blurb!

Keep Reading!

, ,

Authors Need to Network Too (How to get into Kim’s personal database of resources!)

I’m always on the lookout to bring you great resources. HOW do I do that?

Through concentrated networking. Both in person and through virtual efforts. Why?

Because I love being a connector!

  • Have a podcast and need somebody who loves to knit? I know somebody!
  • Telesummit for boosting immune health? I’ve got three people you need to meet!
  • Need to know about Facebook ads? Two people depending on if you’re DIY or done-for-you.

My network is HUGE. And it’s what makes my clients’ book launches so successful. I’m able to introduce them to people they need to know.

So I’m bringing you another resource, ~Contact.FirstName~. It’s called “Collaborate Live!” from Rich German and Iman Aghay. (I’ve met Iman personally, taking a class from him, heard him speak – he’s the real deal!) This event isn’t just for networking; it TEACHES you how to make strategic, win-win partnerships.

Why is this important?

  • So you can get your message out there in a bigger way!
  • So you can build your email list.
  • So you can help the people you’re meant to help.

You’ve got three steps:

1. Register for the free ticket here >>> https://bit.ly/3oWDwAu

2. Upgrade to the $47 VIP Ticket so you can attend the networking portions of the event.

3. (BONUS) After the event, you and I will jump on a 15-minute “interview” where I’ll learn about you so you can be part of MY trusted network – and I’ll happily introduce you to people who will need you. (They may be potential interviews, JV partners, clients, etc.)

Here’s the fine print:

You’ve got to register and PAY for the event through my link. I want to KNOW you’ll be a good partner for my people; and that starts by investing in learning HOW to be a good partner.

The deadline for you to register AND do the VIP Upgrade, using my link, is November 10. (They also track through Infusionsoft so I know it’s solid!)

Here’s to building our connections so we can all thrive!

,

Guest Post: Kristen Robinson

On October 4, 2020, I had routine gallbladder surgery that went sideways. So I’m very far from recovered — doctors are saying 3-4 MONTHS before I can resume normal activities, and a few more WEEKS before I can be at the computer (i.e. sitting up) for any length of time.

Thank GOD for great business friends. Today’s article is from Kristen Robinson — and I highly recommend you jump on her newsletter here >>> http://FreeGiftFromKristen.com

5 Steps to Create a Successful Facebook Ad that Works and Converts For Your Online Business

“Facebook Ads are scary Kristen!”

I get this reaction when I suggest doing Facebook Ads to grow their business, and I get it.

Facebook Ads CAN be scary. What makes it scary is that you’re going into unknown territory. You’re not sure how it’s going to work out.

Oh, and let’s not forget the horror stories. You know what I’m talking about. The ones where they spent THOUSANDS of dollars on Facebook Ads and got nothing in return. Or how Facebook Ads simply didn’t work.

With all of these horror stories and the unknown about Facebook Ads, I can see why it’s scary.

So, I’m going to breakdown my 5 step system on how to create a Facebook Ad that works and converts so it doesn’t seem as scary.

Step 1: Target the RIGHT people
The biggest mistake I see entrepreneurs make is that they are so general with who needs to see their Facebook Ad. With Facebook Ads, you don’t want to be general. You really want to be specific so that the right people click on your ad. Remember, a small number of the RIGHT people is better than a huge amount of the “kind of right people” any day.

Step 2: Have compelling ad copy
The key to having great copy for your Facebook Ad is knowing what your audience wants. Here’s a tip: People are selfish. They only care what’s in it for them. In your Facebook Ad, make sure you have at least 3-4 key benefits of what the person is going to get and why it matters.

Keep Reading!

,

Guest Post: Stephanie LH Calahan

Baby Girl Galloway is a whole month old (yesterday) and MY birthday is tomorrow! To make my life a bit easier, I’ve reached out to some of the best voices in my sphere of influence and asked them to share their wisdom with you. Each guest author was chosen because I KNOW you’ll learn something from them.

How to Be an Outstanding

Guest Before the Interview

Being a guest on podcasts, radio shows, live internet shows, and television is a great way to promote the book you have written or the project you are promoting. Yet, many authors and experts are not ready when the invite happens.

When you are a guest expert, you can sell more of your offerings, because the audience can hear (and sometimes see) your passion when you show up and share your brilliance.

Your ideal clients will naturally magnetize to you because you are talking about a topic they have actively selected to pay attention to.

Just the other day I was contacted by a Chicago television reporter who had a 2-hour deadline to meet for her story and needed someone for a quick 5-minute Zoom interview. It could happen to you too!

Would you be ready to say yes if a reporter or podcast host contacted you for an interview?

What would a host, producer, or reporter find if they looked at your website?

Unfortunately, many fabulous writers and experts find their business growing “out of control” or experiencing the feeling of “invisibility” because they lack business processes to support their goals.

Could you say yes if a reporter or podcast host contacted you for an author interview? @StephCalahan Click To TweetHow well you balance everything that needs to get done determines how fast your business can grow.

Here are 9 actions you can take to make sure that you are an appealing guest when hosts, producers, and reporters are considering you for their show; and that you are top of mind for referral later and make sure that you leverage that appearance far into the future:

1 – Remove Your Visibility Blocks
If you’re like a lot of my clients, your biggest (I might even say only) barrier to “getting out there” may be an internal one. A Visibility Block is a belief that you knowingly or unknowingly have going on in your subconscious that is limiting your ability to get more visible. Getting interviewed or going on shows can bring out a number of them.

2 – Make sure Your Online Bios are Up-to-Date
When was the last time that you looked at your social media bios to make sure that they are current? Are the descriptions accurate? Do the links work? Does the picture of you still look like you? Hosts often go out and check your website and social media accounts prior to inviting you to be on their show.

3 – Create a Guest Expert Intro Page on Your Website
Hosts move at a quick pace. Some have web forms they ask you to fill out and others request information via email or phone or even Facebook messenger. Be ready when they ask! Have one page on your website you can reference that has everything a show host might need from you. (Guest Expert Page Sample)

4 – Create Social Media “Containers” for Your Appearances
One step that you can take before you ever get on a stage or share your wisdom on a podcast is to create social media “containers” to make it easy for you or your assistant to amplify your visibility.

  • Create a category on your blog for all of your guest appearances.
  • Create a media room page on your website to share all of your appearances. (Media Room Sample)
  • Decide on a hashtag that you will use to “collect” your appearances. (Instagram Hashtag Sample)
  • Make a board on Pinterest that is for your guest appearances. Pin your appearances to that board to make it really easy to see them all in one spot! (Sample Pinterest Board)
  • Create an album on your Facebook Business Page and/or your Facebook Profile to share your guest appearances.
  • If you already have some impact and reach, submit for a Wikipedia page to be made about you or your business. Within that page, link back to your guest appearances.

Once you have each “container” set up, create a checklist you can use every time you have an appearance to remind you to put content in those containers.

Keep Reading!

1 2 3 4 5 >»