Many are the desires of the first-time author. Writing is the biggest. Often new authors find it overwhelming to write and see the manuscript to the end. When they do, the next step is often forgotten. Suddenly an author becomes and an entrepreneur – one in which they didn’t anticipate. Developing the book’s brand… yikes!
It’s important to the book’s success and target audience awareness. Essentially, building an author brand is very important because a strong brand helps you stand out, attract readers, and build a loyal fanbase. Here are six (6) steps to get you started:
Build Your New Author Brand
Understand your Brand
How do you distinguish yourself in the literary world?
Discover your Brand’s Identity
Reflect: Who are you as an author?
Who is your ideal Reader?
USP: What sets you apart?
Create your author persona
Define your writing style, tone tc
Design consistent visual identity
Create author Bio to showcase achievements, background, writing journey
Build your online Presence
Create author website to showcase books and engage with Readers
Choose social media platform where target audience hangout
Don’t let mental blocks control you. Set yourself free. Confront your fear and turn the mental blocks into building blocks.
Dr. Roopleen
Whether you feel stuck in your career, overwhelmed as a supervisor or simply want to maximize your performance, coaching could be the key to achieving in months what might take years alone. The top signs you will benefit from working with a coach are discussed in the video.
You feel stuck and unable to move forward.
You are struggling to Balance work, life and personal commitments.
You are in a Leadership role but feel out of your depth.
You are going through significant life or career transition.
Invest less than 10 minutes to watch this video and discover the power of coaching for yourself! The returns could change the trajectory of your personal and professional life.
Don’t get distracted. Never tell yourself that you need to be the biggest brand in the whole world. Start by working on what you need at the present moment and then what you need to do tomorrow. So, set yourself manageable targets.
Jas Bagniewski
20% of new startups fail within the first year of business. This can be scary for first time entrepreneurs. So, the more prepared small businesses are, the more they can survive especially as it concerns making bold marketing steps which require some upfront investment. That said, here are some ideas to counteract those costs for a new business owner on a tight budget:
Leverage free platforms – For example, start a free blog, post on LinkedIn, use free webinar services, publish a podcast using free hosting.
2. Barter services – Exchange things like hosting an event or providing content in return for exposure from partnerships.
3.Get sponsorships – Seek sponsorships from vendors/partners to help fund events, ads, giveaways. Offer sponsor visibility.
4. Use DIY options – Design your own simple website, create your own flyers, give free talks at local libraries versus paid venues.
5. Offer packages – Offer bundles and multi-session discounts to incentive larger purchases to increase revenue.
6.Be guest instead of host – Guest blog, speak at other events instead of funding your own. Reduces costs.
7. Tap into your network– Ask connections to share content, provide referrals, submit testimonials, write guest posts.
8. Focus locally first – Start by promoting heavily just within your local community to establish proof of concept.
9. Only invest where needed – Don’t overspend on unnecessary items. Prioritize money only where it will derive direct value.
Essentially, the goal is to maximize existing free resources and opportunities where you can exchange services. The aim is to become creative in order to access cost-effective resources until you gain proof of return on investment, then you can increase spending.
Which of the methods have you used? Can you add another method that has proven helpful? Do share. We would love to hear.
Natalie, a frustrated high school graduate, had been in and out of jobs for four years after graduating high school. She was referred for coaching because she was annoyed at the way employers treated her and she refused to accept it. The lack of income did not help as she needed to meet her needs.
This situation is common among young adults who are in the early stages of their career and ‘waiting’ for their ideal job (and yessss among others with years of experience too). The 15 Strategies listed can be adapted to secure employment, gain valuable experience and bring you closer to your ideal career.
Career Goals: 15 Steps To Success
1. Apply For Entry-Level Positions
Target entry-level positions in your field of interest.
Look for internships, apprenticeships, or part-time positions to gain hands-on experience.
2. Enhance Your Resume
Highlight relevant skills, coursework, and any extracurricular activities.
Tailor your resume for each application to match the specific job requirements.
3. Networking
Attend industry events, workshops, and networking mixers.
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and engage in conversations.
4. Online Job Platforms
Explore job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and company websites.
Set up job alerts to receive notifications for relevant positions.
5. Temporary Work or Freelancing
Consider taking temporary positions or freelancing opportunities to build your skills and network.
Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can be good for freelancing gigs.
6. Professional Development
Take online courses or certifications to enhance your skills.
Mention ongoing learning initiatives on your resume to showcase your commitment to personal and professional development.
7. Volunteer Work
Offer your time to non-profit organizations or community projects.
Volunteering can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your dedication.
8. Informational Interviews
Reach out to professionals in your field for informational interviews.
Gather insights, seek advice, and express your eagerness to learn from their experiences.
9. Create Online Portfolio
Build an online portfolio showcasing your projects, coursework, or any freelance work.
Include a link to your portfolio on your resume and LinkedIn profile
10. Skill Development
Identify skills in demand within your industry and work on acquiring them.
Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare offer a variety of courses.
11. Professional Social Media Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional.
Share relevant content and engage with professionals in your field.
12. Industry Research
Stay informed about trends and changes in your desired industry.
Use this knowledge to tailor your applications and interviews.
13. Career Counseling Services
Seek guidance from career counseling services offered by educational institutions or career centers.
They can provide insights into job opportunities and help you refine your career goals.
14. Participate in Job Fairs
Attend job fairs, both virtual and in-person, to connect with employers and explore potential opportunities.
15. Soft Skills Development
Work on developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
These skills are often highly valued by employers.
Remember, the job search process can take time, and being open to various opportunities can lead to unexpected but valuable experiences. Stay persistent, connect with a coach, maintain a positive attitude, and continuously refine your approach based on feedback and experiences.
We all walk around with our heads low. Reading, being distracted by the the gadget–the iPhone. Competitors copy. Employers stipulate policies for and against. Regulators step in because the unscrupulous also fell for it, devising schemes that trick the unsuspecting.
Isn’t it Crazy To Think You Can Start A Business? Yet again one that will succeed? Sure, you can. Let’s take Steve Jobs for instance. He started a business doing things he liked. Things he was passionate about. Plain and Simple. He started while he was down on his luck. Then voila! With work, consistency and the right attitude, it grew.
Big Idea
So, what’s your Big Idea? If you’re passionate about it, go for it! Stay focused. Be consistent and you will achieve success for sure.
The 12 warning signs you might need a coach a stellar Rachel Turner share. A list you would be mad to miss:
You feel stuck. You feel stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to move forward.
Lack of clarity. You’re unsure about your goals or next steps in life.
Recurring negative patterns. You notice repeating negative patterns in your behavior or relationships.
Balance issues. You’re struggling to balance work, life, and personal commitments.
Decision paralysis. Making decisions feels overwhelming or impossible.
Low confidence. You often doubt yourself and your abilities.
Communication challenges. You find it difficult to communicate effectively in personal or professional settings.
Leadership struggles. You’re in a leadership role but feel out of your depth.
Chronic stress. Managing stress has become increasingly challenging.
Transitioning phases. You’re going through a significant life or career transition.
Seeking growth. You’re eager for personal or professional growth but don’t know where to start.
Lack of accountability. You find it hard to hold yourself accountable.
Here’s what a coach can do:
✨ Provide clarity in your chaos. ✨ Offer unbiased feedback. ✨ Help you identify and break negative patterns. ✨ Guide you through life’s transitions. ✨ Boost your decision-making skills. ✨ Elevate your leadership abilities.
Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your goals is you.
Choosing any of these coaching programs will make a fantastic gift this holiday season and throughout the year. It’s the gift of personal Growth that lasts.
Give the gift of insight, inspiration, and growth this holiday season! Delve into the world of leadership, self-discovery, inspiration and professional development with these curated books. Perfect for friends, family, or colleagues seeking to elevate their leadership skills and embark on a transformative journey. Click the Gift Guide, choose a book that sparks growth and ignites the potential within your loved ones this festive season!
Each Book link takes you directly to Amazon where you can buy, beautifully gift wrap and place under your well-lit sparkling Christmas tree. Voila! They’re thrilled!
Hope this guide has inspired your gift giving. E-books are perfect for last minute book shoppers. Grab copies for the perfect New Year’s gift. Oh, don’t forget to get a copy of my just released book RedLight: When God Says No which completes the GreenLight trilogy.
Being in a job you dislike during the holidays can amp up feelings of discontent and stress. Here are some common emotions individuals like yourself might experience:
Increased Stress: The holiday season, which is supposed to be joyful, might instead feel overwhelming due to the added pressure of work dissatisfaction.
Isolation and Loneliness: Feeling disconnected or alienated from colleagues who seem to enjoy their work or take time off can exacerbate feelings of isolation.
Increased Disengagement: Lack of interest in work can escalate, making it challenging to focus or contribute positively.
Heightened Frustration: The contrast between the festive spirit around and the negative feelings about work can lead to increased frustration.
Impact on Mental Health: Prolonged dissatisfaction at work during the holidays might affect mental well-being, leading to anxiety or depression.
Strained Relationships: The stress and dissatisfaction from work can spill over into personal relationships, impacting interactions at home or with loved ones during the holidays.
Sense of Hopelessness: Feeling stuck in a job you dislike might increase the sense of being trapped or unable to change your situation.
These feelings can make it especially challenging to enjoy the holiday season and can have a significant impact on the overall well-being of individuals like yourself.
If you’re in a job you hate that’s causing you to experience any of the emotions above, don’t do it alone. As a leadership coach with decades of experience, let’s connect to discuss your next steps.
You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.
Abraham Lincoln
A colleague shared her exhaustion with what she termed as her habitual procrastination. She was tired of incomplete tasks in her life and asked for help.
Avoiding procrastination is essential for leaders and professionals to maintain productivity and achieve goals. Here are 9+ key points shared to help overcome this practice.
1.Self-Awareness
Recognize your procrastination habits and understand the underlying causes. Self-awareness is the first step to change.
2.Prioritization
Prioritizing tasks is essential. Leaders should focus on high-impact, high-priority activities first.
3.Set Clear Goals
Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Having clear objectives provides motivation and direction.
4.Time Management
Use effective time management techniques, such as time blocking, to help you allocate your time efficiently.
5. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
Practice breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes tasks less daunting and more achievable.
6.Delegation
Trust more. Delegate tasks to capable team members when possible. Delegation frees up time for strategic thinking and higher-priority activities.
7. Overcoming Perfectionism
Are you a perfectionist? Often this tendency fuels procrastination through delaying completing projects until they are perfect. Focus on progress, not perfection.
8. Accountability
Set up an accountability system, such as working with a mentor, coach, or a peer who can hold you responsible for deadlines and commitments.
9. Eliminate Distractions
Identify strategies to minimize distractions, whether it’s turning off notifications, setting specific work hours, or creating a clutter-free workspace.
10. Self-Motivation
Identify your intrinsic motivation. What drives them to succeed? Connecting with their personal “why” can provide the push you need.
11. Time for Self-Care
Practice taking regular breaks and prioritize self-care. A well-rested and healthy leader is less likely to procrastinate.
12. Mindfulness and Focus
Adopt mindfulness practices and techniques that can improve focus and attention, reducing the temptation to procrastinate.
13. Positive Self-Talk
Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Confidence can help combat procrastination.
14. Celebrate Achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can reinforce productivity.
15. Continuous Improvement
Focus on the concept of continuous improvement. As a Leader, it is important to regularly assess your time management and productivity strategies and adjust as needed.
16. Seek Professional Support
If procrastination is chronic and significantly hinders your leadership effectiveness, seek support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in procrastination or time management issues.
As a certified Master leadership coach, I provide support, guidance, and accountability to leaders to help them work to overcome procrastination. Implementing the strategies articulated here and developing healthy habits will lead to more effective and efficient leadership.
Want to succeed in the new year? Set goals! It’s a big deal because setting goals can help you get where you want to be. The 10 steps that follow make it super simple for you. Whether you’re a leader, professional or just someone who wants to grow, these steps will guide you through the strategies to set goals that really work. The aim is to help you stay motivated and focused on your path to success.
Define the Objective: What is the specific area or aspect of life where you want to set a goal? What is the purpose of this goal?
Step 2: SMART Goals
Specific: Make the goal specific, avoiding vague language. What exactly do you want to accomplish?
Measurable: Ensure the goal can be quantified in some way. How will you measure your progress and know when you’ve achieved it?
Achievable: Assess whether the goal is realistic and attainable. Is it within your reach, given your current resources and constraints?
Relevant: Does the goal align with your values, long-term objectives, and the bigger picture of your life. Is it meaningful?
Time-Bound: Set a clear timeframe or deadline for achieving the goal. When will you complete it?
Step 3: Break It Down
Break It Into Smaller Steps: Divide the larger goal into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones. What steps need to be taken to reach the goal?
Step 4: Prioritize
Prioritize Tasks: Determine the order of importance for each task. Which steps should be tackled first, and which can follow?
Step 5: Visualize Success
Create a Mental Image: Ask the individual to visualize themselves successfully achieving the goal. How will it feel? What will it look like?
Step 6: Identify Obstacles
Recognize Challenges: Reflect on potential obstacles, difficulties, or setbacks you may encounter on your journey to the goal. How can you prepare to overcome these challenges?
Step 7: Develop a Plan
Create an Action Plan: Outline the tasks, deadlines, and resources required to achieve the goal. What specific actions will you take?
Step 8: Monitor and Adjust
Regular Review: Emphasize the importance of monitoring progress regularly. How are you doing in relation to the goal? Are you on track?
Adjust and Adapt: Be flexible in adapting the plan as needed. If you encounter unexpected obstacles or need to change your approach, how will you do so?
Step 9: Accountability
Accountability Partners: Have an accountability partner, such as a coach, mentor, or friend, who can provide support and hold you responsible for your commitments.
Step 10: Celebrate Success
Acknowledge Achievements: When you reach your goal, celebrate the achievement. Do some self-reflection and recognition of your progress.
By following this step-by-step process, you can set and achieve goals that align with your values and aspirations.
Need an accountability partner to help you set your goals and stay on track? Let’s connect