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The Joke I Can’t Tell Anymore… (AI? Obsolete?)
The joke I can't tell anymore...It's so old, most people won't get it. But it still cracks me up.- What's the definition of an optimist?- An accordion player with a pager.😆Which leads me to the subject of obsolescence and artificial intelligence.And why I'm not...
The Email AI Can Never Write
Let’s face it, some of the most gifted businesspeople and writers are terrible at networking. And it’s hurting their careers. The most influential people are also busy people. They’re not rude (usually) but simply don’t have time to read your life story in an email....
Return on Investment: Your Book
The FIRST question to settle if you're gonna write a book... What's your return on investment goal? Here are several kinds of ROI, some of which you may not have considered. Financial: Earn more in book sales than you spend (A publisher advance works well here)...
My 3B Approach
Why do I preach the 3B approach? (Book, Brand, and Business Plan) Because they're all connected, and most have experience with only one or two facets. If you're going to write and market a book, or want a publisher to acquire your book, you need a solid...
It’s the Obstacles
When coaching and consulting, or growing your brand and business, remember that a lack of "bright ideas" is usually not the issue. In my experience anyway, the key to growth is removing unnecessary obstacles. 80% getting rid of barriers you're unaware of 20% new...
Case Study: Idea To Published Author in 15 Months
Which is worse — not publishing a book, or having a garage full of unsold books? Some would say it’s worse to not “ship” your book, or better to have written and lost than never to have written at all. I disagree. Because there’s another option. Instead of being a...
The 9 Most Important Pages in Your Book
(And only one page is part of your manuscript!) Writers rightly obsess about a manuscript. Keep doing that. But here are overlooked elements that make a book successful. And by “successful” I mean outcomes that go beyond the purchase of a book to build your brand and...
A Theology of Business Referrals
Referrals are the best way to build a business. I’d even argue that without them, your business is doomed. The number of referrals you receive is an indicator of the health of your enterprise. And the type of referrals you receive indicates how you’re perceived by the...
Platform Schmatform! True Success Without the Stress
Are you stressed about growing your platform? (Your email list and the number of followers on social media) More like obsessed, right? Do you know the number of social media followers, accurate to within 3 people? How many times per week do you check? A...
Seven Things I Learned Writing with Gary Smalley
(This post was written in 2016 as a tribute.) I couldn’t believe my ears. “Would you be interested in helping Gary Smalley on his next book?” “Um, yeah!” was my reply. As soon as I hung up the phone, mild panic set in… Dr. Gary Smalley sold tens of millions of books...
Start Saying “No!” (Trombone Arms)
I grew up in a house jammed with music. Drums, anyway. My dad was a drummer, so a kit was part of the living room furniture and a part of my childhood. In fourth grade, it was finally time to join the school band. My classmates and I lined up to select our weapons of...
6 Ways Your Day Job Can Help You Launch Your Dream
(Note: This post originally appeared in Entrepreneur Magazine) You can start your dream business — at your current job! Here are six reasons why your current job is the best launch pad. 1. Moolah Right now, in your current job, you’re being paid, right? ...
Your Book is Not Your Boss
I was advising an author recently about his book launch and realized that he was pouring all his time and energy into making sure this book was a success. What’s the problem with that, Mike? Well, books come and go. In five years, this book will be a memory, and at...
Connect with Influencers in Three Sentences
Let’s face it, some of the most gifted writers are terrible at networking. And it’s hurting their careers. The most influential people are also busy people. They’re not rude (usually) but simply don’t have time to read your life story in an email. With brief,...
10 Mistakes Authors Make on their First Book
Books can make, break, or elevate a brand. A book is the ultimate business card and a creative way to expand your voice. Most of all, publishing a book is a powerful way to share your story and expertise in a way that can change someone’s life. I can’t imagine my...
Know This About Publishers and Agents
Nonfiction writers who want to be published by a legit house, and represented by a real-deal agent, should know this... With rare exceptions (where clear sales potential is identified) an agent (like me) can only take on projects where the author has a sizable email...
5 Reasons your Brand is More Important than your Book
You’re working on a book. But are you focused on the right elements? I’m not asking about grammar, voice, and flow. I’m referring to the most overlooked aspect of the business of writing: your personal brand. Believe it or not, your brand is more important than your...
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