People are always telling me they want to write a book.
Business books, memories, children’s stories, short stories… there are all kinds of books. Some of you are contemplating it, and getting ready to get ready, but you have writer’s block when you sit down at your computer and you get stuck. If that’s the case, I encourage you to watch Seth Godin’s talk here to give you some ideas on how to get unblocked and unstuck so you can get on your way of creating one of the best marketing materials for your business!
The rest of you have set your wheels in motion and are feverishly putting your words to paper…
Maybe they are already on paper and you’re going to edit…
Perhaps you have your precious new work of art right in the palm of your hand and you don’t know what to do with it!
(I’m assuming if you’re reading this, you did not get published by McGraw Hill or some other big time NY publishing firm, but rather you chose to self-publish or hybrid publish).
That’s precisely what’s happened to a few of my friends. They are super excited to get their book, but then nothing comes of it. The 500 copies they ordered collect dust on a shelf and the feelings of excitement fade away.
I don’t want that to happen to you too, so let’s talk about a few ways you can get and keep momentum with your book after (or even before) it has been printed.
1) Book Launch Party! Choose a date, time, and location and throw yourself a party. Make sure you get appetizers and bubbly so your guests are enticed to come to support you and your book, plus have a good time and network.
Invite your friends, your past and current clients, and invite those people who you want to do business with. If the goal of writing your book is to increase your marketing and credibility, then give copies away to your guests. It’s the best gift you can give.
Add a personalized autographed message inside each book for a real treat.
Have some books for sale in case someone wants to buy a copy or 10 for their office.
Follow up afterward with your clients and prospects to schedule a meeting. You’re likely to be rewarded with more business!
2) Schedule Speaking Engagements. As I said earlier, your book is now your best marketing piece.
Use it to get in-person speaking engagements at networking events, conferences, and meetings where your target market is hanging out. Book podcast interviews and video interviews.
Write a press release and feature yourself as the local person who wrote this extraordinary book. Send it to TV stations, radio stations, magazines, and newspaper. If you get picked up by one of these mass media, you’ll love the extra publicity and can use the credibility on your website and social media.
3) Use Your Book as Your Business Card. Want to really impress new prospects?
Start handing out your book as your business card. Books don’t really cost that much to print… $1-$5.
Especially if your market is high-end buyers, that’s a small investment to make to really set yourself apart for the sea of competition vying to get the attention of decision makers.
While everyone else’s businesses cards are going in a desk drawer, or the trash, you’re beautiful book will be setting on your prospects desk, in their hands, or at the very least on their book shelf. Your book has a much longer shelf life than your business card, so it’s worth giving them out.
What are you waiting for? Get your book, get out there, and build major influence with buyers.
Want to learn my #1 way to build influence? Visit my website: www.jenniferdarlingspeaks.com
About the author: Jennifer Darling is your Positively Successful Sales Coach. She has worked with 1,000s of businesses in strategic planning to increase their revenue. She provides sales, marketing, personal development and business consulting for small to medium businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and groups. Jennifer possesses 20 years experience for companies such as NBC, CBS, FOX, and Comcast. She holds a Master’s Degree in Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising & Promotion. Learn about upcoming events on her website at www.jenniferdarlingspeaks.com.
Photo: Copyright: <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/profile_satyrenko’>satyrenko / 123RF Stock Photo</a>