Do You Want the Life of An Author?

Working with authors, and being an author and business owner for a few decades, I have long ago decided that this is the best lifestyle I can imagine.

Sure, I'd like more money, who wouldn't? But when it comes down to the question of what really counts, I'm doing fine, certainly not starving or struggling, and have freedom to do what I want to do.

Well, most of the time...

Today, I had a conference call planned with a publishing company looking for wider distribution, more book sales and new titles turned into instant best sellers. They have some good books, and want to reach more readers and grow the company.

This is the kind of call that I really enjoy.

We got the five people invovled on the phone (yes, it's a virtual company, another of my favorite things) and we got into it. Going great, beyond expectations. Killer call.

Trying to multitask, I flipped the switch on the washing machine and walked around my house while conducting the call. After a while, I decide that I'd check some notes on my laptop downstairs and that's when I saw it.

The washing machine flood!

Thinking like an entrepreneur, I continued the call and figured that someone would have to clean up the mess later. We talked for about another 45 minutes and ended the call.

I went back downstairs and that's when it hit me.

1. The washer was still trying taking on water, and overflowing
   
2. There was about an inch of water all through the house
3. I was the only person in the house. I had to take action

Not a big deal. I quickly did the cost benefit analysis of what would happen if I left the house and let it dry out itself, called the maid to come clean up, or trick a family member into it being their fault.

I opted for switching my "exercise time" to the next hour, ran out and bought a mop and bucket (did I have one already? I don't know) and grabbed a frozen yogurt at Costco (now there's true multi tasking).

While I cleaned up what turned out to be clean, fresh water, I had a few minutes to contemplate how blessed I am

• I have the freedom to handle any situation
• I had multiple options I could choose from
• I was able to do it on my time (and eat the yogurt)
• The water was clean (so many don't have potable water)
• I needed the excercise.

I was just about to add that "I got a blog post out of it" while I finished the job. That's when I slipped, fell and questioned the whole affair.

In the end, I survived the fall, did get the blog post, and hope it brings you a smile while you remember how great it is to have the life you do.

Now, I'm off to call the appliance guy. I've tried that DIY path.. and don't need another lesson today.

What Would Happen if Oprah Called You?

Still the quickest way to great fame for you and your book.

Imagine having millions paying close attention ad you share your message...

and the book sales would be incredible!

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I've got you a free pass to the "How to Get National Publicity" seminar.

Grab your seat now.. then comment hear about what you learn.

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Book Marketing Secrets in St. Louis

I did see the Arch (who could miss is), but I did not have time to go sightseeing

I've been in St. Louis for the last 5 days, attending a summit with some of the best information marketers on the planet.

Meetings lasted from early morning until as late as 2 AM. I met with authors who have sold millions of books, and marketing phenoms that are using some never before revealed strategies to rake in tens of millions in revenues.

I'm almost ready to share these advanced strategies with you in a step-by-step reader attraction program that will guarantee yours success as an author.

I have asked my staff to set up a private preview teleseminar.. where I will share 3 of the very best tactics for book marketing success. Make sure you are on my authors mailing list (there is a free course just for signing up) at http://BookMarketingStrategy.com

Then watch for a email with a link. I'm reserving extra phone lines.. but I imagine we will have to cut off registration quickly when we announce the event in a few days.

Use My Network To Promote Your Book

I have thousands of connections I can share with authors.
Using LinkedIn.com, you can join me and connect our networks. People you know may want to learn more about becoming a best selling author. People I know can open doors to get you want you need.

And all of them read!

If you are a LinkedIn user, just click on the logo to see my book marketing profile on LinkedIn.com.

In you have not yet joined LinkedIn.. you will shown an easy sign up form.

It's FREE!. So do it today.

My Meeting With The Famous Author

I spent this afternoon with Robert Cialdini (yes, the Influence guy).

Cialdini was speaking at the Fortune Small Business Conference and I went with my friend Donna Fox to record an interview with him.

I'll post a link to that interview when it's done.

He told us about some new information and I asked if I could share it. So you'll be among the first to hear..

On the subject of Likability, Cialdini told us that all of the sales training that says that you need to get people to like you is wrong. You know, the "find out what their hobbies are.. what you have in common so you can bond" stuff.

He explained that this will often come off as a fake. And here is the reason why.

To really bond with a person, you should focus on liking them. Really, sincerely liking the people you meet and want to influence. Once you find a real reason to like them, it's much easier for them to like you.

People buy from those they know, like and trust. The best way to be likable is to like people

How To Find Partners to Promote Your Book

I just received a question from Solly at AskWarren.com about finding people to help an author promote their book. I'd like to share my answer with you.

The first this to remember about partnerships is The Law of Reciprocity. Approach every relationship as an opportunity to add value, solve a problem or fulfill the desire of the other person and you'll find that it's much easier to get what you want.

The Law of Reciprocity says that if you give something to a person, they will automatically programed to want to return the favor.

Let's apply this to promotional partnerships.

I can almost guarantee that the people you are looking for are not listing "help a new author sell books" on their list of goals for the year. Rather, the potential partner is looking for more content for their blog, radio show, newsletter or magazine, or and interesting guest to attract more viewers. If the potential partner is a mailing list owner, they will be looking for the above, plus new subscribers.

So before you ask for help. Learn what the partner wants.. get if for them.. be a resource.

In our Accelerated Book Marketing coaching group, we follow this process by showing authors how to establish a solid presence on the web, with tracking to know instantly when there is an opportunity. We have a whole section on attracting publicity by getting listed as a resource that potential partners will be looking for, even before we launch a campaign to become a best seller.

Here's one tip from our section on Cross Promotion strategies that may help.

BE A GREAT CUSTOMER

When I'm working with a successful celebrity client, I ask them how they feel when someone approaches them in public. I want to know just what gets them motivated to help new authors (they almost always WANT to help but have limited time and resources).

Most authors tell me that someone approaching them that has read their books, subscribed to their newsletters or purchase a product will get a warm reception. A heartfelt testimonial is even better.

Imagine walking up to the most famous author in your books category saying "I read your book. You helped me...." and then the most important phrase.. "What can I do to help you spread your message further?"

Now, you may not be able to meet in person. Fortunately, the Internet will allow you to do this online.

1. Make a list of the authors you would like to partner with
2. Subscribe to their newsletter.
3. Watch for announcements of new books.
4. Order the book.
5. See who they partner with.. repeat the process with each.

As you start looking for partners in the network of authors that help promote other authors, you will discover dozens that are actively using cross promotions. Make sure you subscribe to their mailing lists, look at their free offers (that's how they market) and look for clues about their passions and desires.

You really can get anything you want by helping other people get what they want.

The fastest way to network this way is through our ZeroCostPromotions.com network. You can join free and most promotions a free too. Make sure you are on the list to get advanced notice of the biggest new cross promotion book launches at http://zerocostpromotions.com/

Help Spread the Word about Milana's New Book

Get FREE leads and subscribers and publicity for your book and business. Join us for the launch of Coaching Millions

Meet a Business Startup Expert

I'm working on a new promotion for a Brian J. Hazelgren, a business author who's unknown online. (yes, there are still many doing well without the net)

You won't find an online list, or sales page.. but you will want to check out his books. The latest (Brian's 7th) is called "Tactical Entrepreneur: The Entrepreneurs Game Plan"

How You Can Profit

Join us in a Best Seller cross promoiton on May 29th. Just click on the this link.

FREE Leads and Subscribers for List Owners

The One We Never Beat.. New Potter Book

After a few great best seller launching last month, it going to get tougher for a while. Harry Potter has a new book release

Ben Mack Think Two Products Ahead is still doing well. Thousands have signed up at the promo web site.

But will will the latest Potter book sell well at a list price of $34.90

WSJ.com has a poll going.. when I checked the "way too much" option was winning by a landslide.

A poll is a terrible way to judge the pricing decision. Since the marketers here are pretty bright.. I would imagine they think the list price of books could be higher.

We'll see over the next few months if they are right.