11/23/10

Why Would They?

The question above can be finished in a myriad of ways. First, you need to know "they" are your readers/potential readers. Now let's consider what "they" might do:

1. Why would they buy your book?

2. Why would they recommend your book?

3. Why would they consider giving your book to someone else as a gift?

Notice the perspective with these questions- it's not why should they...? As authors with a message or point to make, sometimes we (and I include myself) totally see things as why people should buy etc. They should buy because it's a great book, or they should recommend it because "everybody" needs to read my advice. We've all been there in one form or another.

Don't get me wrong, you need to have confidence in your message and the drive to promote it. The issue is the "should" answers are often our reasons, and "they" may or may not think or feel the same way. So the key is to answer the questions above and then tell people how easy it is for them to buy, recommend and give, rather than trying to convince them that they should do so. Better still sometimes, write with the answers to those questions in mind to begin with.

Got the idea? How about sharing your answers or attempt at answers to today's questions. It doesn't have to be perfect, instead let's focus on learning and helping each other get from should to would.

Lastly, I wish you all a safe & most blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Good Writing & God Bless,
Cheryl Pickett

11/8/10

One At a Time

How many issues are you trying to overcome or work around in your business at the moment? How many things are you putting off? How many "fires" need to be put out before you can get moving in the right direction?

For many if not most of us, the answer is 'to many'. Some days it just seems like there's so much in the way of the good stuff doesn't it?

A post that I think addresses this situation nicely was shared by marketing expert Cathy Stucker. The gist is when you hit this situation handle it bit by bit. Choose one to do at a time, maybe one a week. That's it-just one. The point being that bite size pieces can whittle down the overwhelm into something more manageable. Keep going bit by bit and before you know it, things are completely different.

So what's it going to be for you? Write one paragraph and get unstuck. Tidy up your workspace so there's actually space to work in. Send in that query that you've been afraid to send.

If you'd like to share what your first or next task is going to be feel free. Either way, take a bite.