October 2019
I love this time of year. The weather is still warm and it is always amazing to watch the leaves on the trees change color. It’s also a time when I re-engage with friends and acquaintances, as my family attends the Jewish High Holiday services. The services offer an opportunity for reflection, to think back on the prior year and evaluate what went well, what didn’t go so well, and what one might do differently during the next year. It’s a time to apologize to others if you hurt them in any way, as well as to ask for their insight into what might help you be a better person. It’s a healthy exercise, and I encourage everyone to try it. To the Jewish members of the SkillBites community, I wish you a happy New Year and may you be inscribed in the book of life.
Speaking of community, I have recently listened to and participated in a discussion of a podcast by Brene Brown on belonging. The podcast, in case you are interested, can be found on the website https://onbeing.org/.It was quite thought provoking. If you are reading this newsletter, then you are a member of the SkillBites community. Do you feel you belong here? If not, what can I do differently to help you feel like you do belong? I would really appreciate your input.
1. New Look
SkillBites has a new logo! Let me know what you think of it. The website is in the process of being updated as well. I hope to be able to share that by the end of the year.
2. The SkillBites Show
Each month, we bring you an expert to help you get your book done, leverage your book, grow your business or improve your life. The shows are recorded, so if you can’t listen to one live, you can listen to the recording by clicking here.
Our next SkillBites Show will be held on Wednesday, October 23 at 1 pm ET. Our guest will be Cece Smith, President and Owner of Toolbox Studios, an award winning marketing and design firm, as well as co-owner with her husband of SmithPrint, Inc. a family owned and operated commercial printing company, both in San Antonio. A forward thinking innovator and Cross Media Marketing specialist, Cece is able to provide her diverse clients with a unique and wide range of capabilities in all media settings including print, digital, online, direct marketing and analysis-based SEO as well as all social media programs. Cece will be sharing her wisdom on how to build a successful business with all the right marketing tools.
To listen to the live presentation, you can go to https://zoom.us/j/3021564627 or call in, using a line local to you:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abAXTgmoXv
Meeting ID: 302 156 4627
Last month, we heard from Joseph Mercado, the CEO of Master Mind University an online blog directory educating entrepreneurs through content that shares knowledge, experiences, and wisdom. Joseph enjoys linking entrepreneurs with each other and establishing valuable relationships through honesty and integrity. Joseph will share various methods for how non-fictions authors and entrepreneurs can use content marketing to reach their niche market and promote their products or services. If you missed this presentation, you can listen to it by clicking here, or you can read a summary of the show on the SkillBites blog at http://resources.skillbites.net/blog/.
Do you have expertise that you believe would benefit the SkillBites community of entrepreneurs and authors? If you would like to be the guest on the monthly SkillBites Show, contact me at judy@skillbites.net or 610-783-4519.
3. Tip of the Month: Launch strategy Part 2 (continued): Get book reviews
Last month, I discussed the importance of getting media reviews before launching your book. In addition to seeking media reviews, it’s a good idea to seek testimonials and endorsements from others. If you can get an endorsement from someone well known, such as a celebrity, that’s really powerful. Keep the following points in mind:
- It takes longer to obtain these, but well worth it if you can get one.
- You should have connection with the celebrities from whom you are seeking a testimonial. If you aren’t connected, find out if someone in your network is connected.
- Do your research – make sure the celebrities you are seeking a testimonial from offer testimonials in your subject area
- Ask them if they would like a paperback copy of your book or the eBook.
- Ask them if they would like you to send them a draft testimonial for them to work from.
Follow up at least a few times. If you don’t hear anything back, then move on and focus on others.
In addition to requesting endorsements from celebrities, seek testimonials from your colleagues, customers, prospects and other industry experts. Also try to get reviews from bloggers or those that have newsletters on your topic. There are bloggers who primarily post book reviews. You can find those on some directory sites, such as bookbloggerdirectory.wordpress.com or bookbloggersintl.blogspot.com, and look for bloggers in your genre. There are also bloggers and newsletters that are on your topic. Do a search for them on the directory sites and find out if they would be willing to review your book and post the review on their blog or in their newsletter.
When you are soliciting testimonials, it’s a good idea to give guidance on what you are looking for. You would like concise testimonials, of just a few sentences, that specifies the benefit or value that the person received from reading your book. Also ask whether they would be willing to include their name, title, company and city and state, because including those gives the testimonial authenticity.
- http://www.amazon.com/review-guidelines or email me at judy@skillbites.net and I’ll send you the earlier article.
Books that don’t have many reviews on Amazon don’t do very well. One of my authors, Dennis, learned the power of Amazon reviews when he was told that people couldn’t find his book on Amazon. Typing the title of the book into the search bar, he found that his book didn’t turn up until the 3rd page. No wonder no one could find it, because most people don’t look past the first page or two of search results. At the time, he had no Amazon reviews. I suggested he focus on getting at least 5 reviews, which would move him up in the search. Within a short period of time, he got 10 reviews. His book appeared on the first page of search results and his book was getting purchased more.
4. Ready to Get Your Book Published?
Earlier this year I completed the development of an online course called Publish It! This course provides guidance on the steps needed to go from manuscript to publication, as well as how to get your book on Amazon, and how to promote and leverage your book. I am seeking beta testers to review the course for me and let me know if there is anything in it that is confusing, or that I need to explain better, or that is missing that should be added. If interested in being a beta tester, email me at judy@skillbites.net, and I’ll fill you in on the details.
5. It’s About Time
Have you been thinking about writing a book? If that is a priority for you, I can help you get it done. I offer a workshop that helps people overcome the numerous obstacles they encounter in trying to get their book written. As one workshop participant exclaimed, “Wonderful program and enjoyed the group energy! Gets the momentum going!” If you’ve wanted to write a book but are struggling with finding the time, or aren’t sure what topic you should write on, or don’t know how to proceed, this would be a perfect program for you. The workshop is virtual, so you don’t need to go anywhere. If you miss one of the sessions, you can listen to the recording. The fee for the 4 one-hour sessions is just $247. To sign up for the upcoming workshop, contact me at judy@skillbites.net. Only a limited number of spots still available.
6. Earn Commissions For Referrals
Do you know anyone who has been wanting to write a book but has been stalling? Let them know that SkillBites offers a variety of services to make book writing and publishing easy, quick and convenient. When you sign up to be a SkillBites affiliate, you can get a commission for each person who signs up to purchase SkillBites services through your unique referral link.
Thanks for supporting SkillBites. If there is anything you think we ought to be doing better or anything we should be doing that we’re not, please let us know. We value your input.
Cordially,
