Heinlein Publishing Services

Courage...Love...and Overcoming the Obstacle called 'Fear'...

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:54:00 PDT

What are some of the things that are on "Your List"?... say for instance, like writing a book? What is holding you back? What about other things? Are you courageous or fearful about getting it done?... How do we become more "courageous"?...

About Courage

“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar” –Raymond Lindquist

"Courage, also known as bravery, fortitude, will, and intrepidity, is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. "Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while "moral courage" is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement." Courage - Wikipedia

"It takes courage to do what you want. Other people have a lot of plans for you. Nobody wants you to do what you want to do." -Joseph Campbell

...is there such a thing as Fearless? ...well, not exactly...

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” – Ambrose Redmoon

“Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne

...how do you "beat Fear" in order to be "courageous"?...

...the opposite of Love is Hate...but the main obstacle to Love is Fear...

...in order to "beat Fear", we must Love fully...Spirit, Self, Others...

Love causes us to "lean into" adversity...
to face Fear and to move forward...
because we care more about what we Love
than that which we are afraid of...

"Because of a great love, one is courageous." - Lao Tzu

Love is the source of Courage...
Love is the strength behind Courage...
Love is the "antidote" to Fear...

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." -John the Apostle

What do we Fear...what are we afraid of?

"...the opposite of faith is not doubt, it is fear - fear of abandoning illusions..."
-Parker Palmer, Author, Educator, Activist Wikipedia

Fear of Change is a big one...

"Most people don't like change because they don't like being changed.
When change comes into view, fear and resistance to change follow
– often despite its obvious benefits." Resistance to Change

...and some familiar other fears...


Snakes Top List of Americans' Fears, Gallup Poll So, how do we overcome Fear?... how do we go about making the "Fear Monster" flee?...

Chompoblog: illustration friday: MONSTER

First of all...we must consciously acknowledge that...
most of the things that we are afraid of...don't often happen...

...or we aren't really in danger of harm from them...

...and most importantly...

Be Happy... "Don't worry, Be Happy!"

We need to focus on the Good...

Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry, Be Happy

''Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?'' ~Jesus

...choose to focus on things that are beautiful, things that give us joy, that make us smile, and that make us feel grateful to be alive. -Overcome Fear

"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable--
if anything is excellent
or praiseworthy--
think about such things."
~Paul of Tarsus

The clock is ticking...
Life is happening now...
Let's make it happen!
Let's live Life at full throttle
...with no reservations!~

What are some fears that you have?

...ones that you have overcome?...

...how did you do it?

and, what some of the fears that you are still working on?

Imagination and Dreams... Create a Big Vision!~Vision Changes the World!

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:55:00 PDT

"People with big dreams and active imaginations propel the world forward
and make major contributions to the lives of millions." -Rod Moore

Spending some time in "Dreamland" this week-Orlando FL... it is one of the places where a well-known dreamer named Walt Disney has really "left a mark...". -and, it is a rather "remarkable mark" indeed... that is what one person with great passion and a "big dream" can accomplish...

"Vision" with a positive purpose
is attractive and inspiring...
it emboldens other dreamers...
and, creates many smiles, joys...
and much happiness along the way!

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. ... If you can dream it, you can do it." The way to get started is to quit talking...begin doing." ~Walt Disney"

Walt Disney

"Disney is particularly noted for being a film producer and a popular showman, as well as an innovator in animation and theme park design. He and his staff created a number of the world's most famous fictional characters including Mickey Mouse, a character for which Disney himself was the original voice. He has won 26 Academy Awards out of 59 nominations, including a record four in one year, giving him more awards and nominations than any other individual. He also won seven Emmy Awards." Walt Disney - Wikipedia

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." -Solomon

Don't ever become a pessimist. A pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun - and neither can stop the march of events." -Robert A. Heinlein

So...
WHAT IS YOUR PASSION?
YOUR BURNING DESIRE?
-the BIGGEST DREAM
THAT YOU CAN IMAGINE?...
NOW IMAGINE DOING IT...
and "just do it!!!"

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:15:00 PDT

-more great book marketing tips from blogging partnerBookWhirl.com-Don Harold

20 Economical Book Marketing Techniques

*The succeeding article is about Marketing Self Published Books, Profitable Book Marketing, Book Marketing Strategies, and many other useful tips about online book marketing.

Summary: Learn how to get your book publicity campaign moving despite the current economic recession by trying these practically economical methods of book marketing.

Whether you are an upstart author or a self published author, an efficient book marketing plan in these times of economic recession need not be expensive if you just know your target market, find the most economical means to inform this market of your works, and establish a lasting, trustworthy relationship with your new-found markets.

Study carefully your expected demographic market’s spending behavior and changing lifestyle habits, given these trying times, and then find effective ways and methods that they may be convinced and persuaded in buying your book. Also, compare the effectiveness of your book marketing plan with the competition of the same genre, and consider relevant marketing factors such as the pricing of the book, the common qualities of the bestselling authors, the present market demand for the genre, and the strengths and weaknesses of the competition.

Try choosing or combining any of these effective book marketing techniques so that you will not only save on your book marketing investment but will become an efficient “author-preneur” as well:

1. Conduct book signing campaigns at local/statewide bookstores, book fairs, and literary conventions, which lets you market for free or for a very minimal registration fee.

2. Strategically schedule the announcement of your new book or continuing publicity with a relevant national news event, a new blockbuster movie, or a trade fair.

3. Write articles on topics of current interest and correlate it with the beneficial features and advice found in your book, then submit at free PR websites.

4. Participate in various online authors’ or genre-specific blog sites. This is one tried-and-tested avenue for the so-called “viral marketing” to flourish because in manifesting your thoughts and perspectives to thousands of online bloggers, you make them appreciate your knowledge and expertise on a particular subject matter of interest, which is related to the book you are writing. In this manner, you are actually and indirectly promoting your book with your interesting ideas shared online.

5. Publish actual portions or excerpts of your book together with a concise feature article that can be distributed in high visitor web portals and article data bases on the Internet.

6. Deal with a reliable print-on-demand publisher that offers complete and extensive distribution services.

7. Consider more promising, diversified literary text formatting options for your works like having a full text version of your book stored in .pdf format, having an e-book version of your writing, and having downloadable versions of your book to Internet-capable handheld computer owners.

8. Participate often in writers’ conventions, writing guild conferences and symposia and the like. You could gain crucial, practical inputs from seasoned authors who will give you effective marketing advice that may not be found elsewhere.

9. Have yourself available as a public forum/special events speaker in the field or area of your expertise. You may not actually sell books, but may issue author cards for the program participants who may be your future book buyers.

10. Consider listing your book on online classified ads websites.

11. Send e-mails to your friends and reader fans of scanned excerpts of your book with a matching explanatory note.

12. Place an ad in social networking sites that allow the marketing of your books/latest work for free or for a discounted fee.

13. Be a proactive author like giving complimentary copies of your book to celebrities and well-known resource persons, sending opinion articles for newspapers, and getting actively involved in community projects and charitable events.

14. Contact genre experts, independent book critics, and well known book review companies for favorable endorsement comments.

15. Send PR’s to newspapers in your city or state for the purpose of being featured and getting book reviews.

16. Find local or state area radio stations and television stations that actually feature programs about writers, literature, or books then try to find out if you can send a PR of your book or better still, get a radio or television interview

17. Make your own creative video presentation of your book and upload it to video-sharing websites.

18. Be your own book broadcaster. Make a podcast-able audio presentation of your book. This marketing option is ideal for authors of language and speech books, business and economics books, and even of the fiction genre.

19. Find author marketing websites that offer free ad listings of your book. This is the Internet version of the conventional bulletin board display.

20. Find book marketing services providers that offer bundled marketing programs at a discounted rate. Compare prices according to your book marketing needs, the kind of services that you prefer, the quality of the services offered, and the limits of your marketing budget.

Author Resource Box
Connect with BookWhirl.com on MySpace. Learn more about the dynamics of marketing self-published books, Author Marketing Services, and Book Marketing Services.

"Surveying your book landscape, am I book worthy?" (Guest Blogger Kevin Cullis-Part 2)

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:03:00 PDT

Installment #2 from friend and Guest Blogger Kevin Cullis, Author, 'Chief Business Geek'. Enjoy!~

Part 2: Surveying your book landscape, am I book worthy?

About the Author
Kevin Cullis is self-described 'business geek' and a former Air Force officer and is an entrepreneur. He has his Masters Degree in Administration as well as 12 years of face-to-face experience selling both Macs and PCs to businesses. He loves helping entrepreneurs and small business owners integrate, utilize, and optimize the use of their Mac in their marketing, sales, and business management processes. The combined perspectives of both business and the computer process gives Kevin unique insight in regard to saving and making money using a Mac. How To Start A Business: Mac Version: 10 Essential Business Steps for Startups using a Mac is his first book.

Time went by and my book idea had gelled enough to take a look at it objectively. Just because I have an idea, doesn’t mean that it will sell well. I’d hate to finish my book and not be able to make money from it. I needed to do some market research and see what other books were out there that I’d be competing against and to determine how to differentiate myself.

When I came up with the idea to do something, like starting a business or writing a book, like most people my first action was to rush “Full speed ahead!” without thinking about it. “Go with your guts,” as some would say. With my book idea fresh in my mind and as I began writing daily, I began to wonder if and how I could make money with it, maybe even seeing if I can become the next John Grisham, Mark Twain, J. K. Rowling, Thomas Paine, or even Ralph Waldo Emerson in my genre. (We can dream, can’t we?)

The why to do it is most difficult part of any endeavor. Solving my why I’m writing a book makes the how to write and produce it come into clearer focus. If my passion drives me to do something, let reason hold my steering wheel.

After a number of months of writing I began talking with a number of authors and entrepreneurs and found there are always questions to ask with any new idea.

The first step is the need to explore my idea enough to see if my business or book idea itself is worth the effort.

Can it be done?
Testing my idea on others gives me the confidence that my idea has merit. No sense in trying to make a new recipe of tuna lasagna, ewww, if everyone turns their nose up at my idea. Same with a book. I needed to discover if my book idea is different enough that it will sell and decide whether I’m shooting for going for a literary or commercial book result. But when dealing with skeptics and cynics, and that means family and friends, Mark Twain said it correctly, “The man with a new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds.”

Can it be sold?
Once I have proven my idea is worth pursuing, I needed to see if there are ways of selling it. Larger publishers probably won’t touch my book unless the subject is hot, like programming for the iPad. Forget about vanity publishers, they’ll just take your money and leave you to market your own books with unopened boxes sitting in the basement. So then there is Print On Demand (POD) and other small publishers where I can get my book physically published. A print run of one or more as demand grows makes this the best approach.

As a first time author, the reality is I’ll be doing most of the book’s marketing. Am I ready to do this?

Will I have my book done before the holiday season or major book trade shows? Can I sell myself, and my book, to others? If I can’t sell at least between 2,000-7,000 copies in my genre market, then I need to rethink my reason why for writing it. There are two writing worlds: writing, and then there is the business of writing. As an author, I have a choice: write for the love of writing, or the love of writing and to sell my writing. I can write just for the sake of writing and “mercy” book sales to family and friends. But if I want to earn a living at writing, I need to learn the worlds of writing and business of writing. Most beginning authors fail to see this business side of writing.

So what does the business of books look like?

(coming in next installment-
Part 3: Surveying your book landscape, the book planting business.)

© Copyright by Kevin Cullis

"Get Increased Book Sales with a Combined Marketing Package" (blog partner: BOOKWHIRL.com-Don Harold)

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:21:00 PDT

Another terrific installment from Blog Partner BookWhirl.com, Don Harold. Enjoy!~

*The succeeding article is about Marketing Self Published Books, Optimized Marketing Promotion, Book Marketing Strategies, and many other useful tips about online book marketing.

Get Increased Book Sales with a Combined Marketing Package

Summary:
Increase your book sales as an upstart or self-published author by strategically diversifying your marketing campaign in order to reach a broader demographic.

Marketing your book as an upstart or self-published author can generate sufficient sales returns if you know how to strategically plan and diversify your campaign to reach a greater number of demographic readers.

To begin with, a book publicity campaign can become effective if it satisfies the following factors:

(1) the marketing campaign has a clearly defined business plan as well as a feasible promotion strategy;
(2) the marketing campaign has prepared an extensive “what-if’s” marketing decision making process tree to be always prepared and flexible for any contingencies; and
(3) the marketing campaign must be practiced and reinforced and reviewed consistently for its effectiveness and success rate.

You can maximize on your campaign more efficiently by employing various marketing tools to improve your chances of connecting with a wider demographic base. These combinable marketing options include owning a customized author’s website; submitting a summary article of your book to free PR sites online; posting a hyperlinked ad of your book in websites with high visitor rates; and hiring the services of an email provider that lets you rent an email list to send articles and advertisements of your works.

For example, having an official website is a good start for your marketing campaign, because a customized site serves as your very own online bookstore, an important foundation base or support system from which other marketing tools and methods can be interrelated and dynamically linked. These Internet resources include online directory listings and online bookstores which have hyperlinks that reconnect or lead back to your official website, and vice versa.

Another usual recourse for authors after writing a new book is to send mails or emails to friends and acquaintances, aside from sending free press release articles to a print media company or an online organization for multiple reader browsing and even a possible critical journalist review, precisely resorted to because of its inexpensive feature as well as its capability to generate the so-called “word-of-mouth” or “viral vibes” of the new book’s interesting contents.

All in all, you can market effectively by combining these marketing options to connect with more readers with more beneficial results. This is called an optimized marketing strategy: simultaneously utilizing several cost-efficient marketing tools and programs available to reach an expanded demographic market, and ultimately leading to increased customer acquisition.

Just consider, from the marketing examples previously discussed, if, say, you combine any three of these—or more! What could that possibly spell for your book publicity efforts?

Your book has a potential to earn big profits especially if you market it well. Your book is unique, and its particular demographic are found everywhere and can be reached by various means—by email, by snail mail, by sending fax messages, by calling through the telephone, by preparing press kits, by posting online ad placements, and by conducting book signings, to mention just a few marketing methods. These methods can be as diverse as they can get; however, if you tend to take this matter for granted or just gloss it over as something unimportant or insignificant to your book promotion efforts, then you are severely limiting your given potential to earn greater profits from your newly released work.

Thus, getting the means and tools necessary to reach this target demographic need not be that expensive, complicated, and time consuming. For one, you can start simply by looking for book marketing services providers. A book marketing services provider specializes in planning for affordable and effective book marketing campaigns, and can conveniently help you with your marketing needs.

There are plenty of bargain offers from book publishing companies and over the Internet that will suit your marketing needs, and are reasonably-priced enough considering your limited resources. You can set your own selection criteria; just go and proceed with your own careful canvassing to see how well the various offers satisfy your specific marketing requirements and expectations.

Even if you are running on a tight budget or have limited means for the book marketing campaign, you can still get value returns for your precious investment by selecting wisely and keeping an open mind about the optimal prospects of your book marketing campaign.

Considering these, here are a few tried-and-tested techniques in optimizing your marketing campaign: Think “out of the box”, meaning you should be proactive, maverick and shrewd on your book publicity efforts, and never “resting on your laurels” for just a few marketing options relied upon initially. Moreover, find book marketing services providers that offer “package deals” or bundled programs, especially those with the greatest amount of features at a cost-efficient price.

In sum, you can reach more prospective readers and hopefully more book sales, if you carefully consider the highlighted features among the different offers, and finally choose which package combination is just right for you, according to your service preferences.

Author Resource Box
Engage your book to 17,500 various media outlets and stand out from the rest of the world through BookWhirl.com's Newswire Service. Learn more about the dynamics of marketing self-published books, Author Marketing Services, and Book Marketing Services.

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Guest Blogger Kevin Cullis: “Feeling an itch, I scratched it with a book.”

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:57:00 PDT

Social Media - "Meeting New Friends - Business to Business in Action": I met Kevin Cullis on Facebook. He had boldly responded to one of my postings with some great comments. We had a lively online interchange. I was very impressed both by his initiative and by his rather unique story, about the writing and publishing of his first book, so I asked if we could schedule a meeting at one of my favorite haunts, The Tattered Cover Bookstore - LoDo. -enjoyed learning more about his story, which includes "embodying a real and determined entrepreneural spirit" while having a sincere desire to help others. That's a winning combination! -enjoyed our conversation and his inspiring story so much, that I asked Kevin if he would be willing to share it with the world...here it is. Thanks Kevin! ...and readers enjoy!~

“Feeling an itch, I scratched it with a book.”
Part 1: The Idea by Kevin Cullis, Author
How To Start A Business: Mac Version

I’ve never written a book before and how hard could it be, especially since I have software to do it. What do I write about? How long? How do I organize it? These questions need to be answered. The idea and excitement of any idea is a spark of inspiration, so you don’t want it to be snuffed out. Seven years ago, I had a spark.I have over a decade of experience selling Windows, Mac, and Linux computers to businesses, including a three year stint with Apple.

After about six months to a year, like most new jobs people start, you begin to set into a certain routine. If you don’t find a creative outlet to learn or do something more it can become boring. In the computer business, you see the same business and computer problems and related questions crop up. And having researched and solved them, it’s now a matter of letting the customer in on the solutions. In nearly all of my computer selling experiences, by far the most common conversation started with the customer saying, “I’m computer illiterate…” and ended with the person telling me what they wanted to do with a computer. I listened carefully to their pent up computer frustrations and once they had stopped, I reiterated their concerns back to them and began talking about how we were going to "get it done."

Since most young computer sales people begin talking technospeak to customers, my actual listening to their concerns startled them like "fainting goats"! Not until their limbs and face finally loosen up after a few minutes did they came back to life and we begin to have a normal conversation.

Being the business geek that I am (loving both computers and solving business problems), I needed an outlet for my pent up creativity in my increasingly routine job. What outlet was there? More to the point, how can I make more money with my experience? What could I do?

Bam! I’ll write a book!

First step, I need to just write.
Too excited to stop thinking about it, I rushed home and started up my computer and begin writing down my thoughts as they came. The excitement of channeling my new found idea of what I know into learning and doing something new propelled me toward a new life’s direction. -not much organization to begin with, just getting my thoughts out of my head as they came: no criticism, no editing, and no stopping. Most of all, I don’t want the excitement and words to stop. Later on, as I found out, my first writing coach was a retired Emergency Room doctor and he told me I needed to “puke it out” my first draft. The reason: My style and writing experience would change and improve and completing my book’s first draft and then reviewing my first chapter draft would surely show what I had accomplished.

After few months, I then began to take a look at what I had written. “This is beginning to be fun,” I said to myself, “I just might have something here.” At this moment in my life my book dream is bigger than my writing doubts and fears. I write what I know, computers and business, and continue to write at any opportunity to expand and organize my ideas and words. I’m loving it! I know I’ll never be as good as John Steinbeck, it’s just not in me, but just the thought that I have an opportunity to explore both my idea and my potential was thrilling enough. I have the opportunity to express my way of thinking,

I’m not going to waste it!

more from Kevin Cullis: http://www.macgetit.com

Blog Partner: "How Opt-In Email Advertisements Can Trigger Bigger & Better Book Sales!" (Don Harold, Bookwhirl.com)

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:11:00 PDT

One of the key components of any successful book project is marketing. In fact, is as important as writing a "good book." There are many "good books" published every year with only a very small fraction that actually achieve "success." The difference is "planning for success" and executing that plan. I am grateful for the many "partners" that I am able to learn from and for those valued partners sharing their wisdom so generously - the benefit of "gray haired longevity" in the industry - and as a result of being an ongoing "student of the biz." -especially appreciative of the expertise and the excellent practical advice that follows - from "blog partner" Don Harold, BookWhirl. Enjoy! - Jay Heinlein, Publishing Professional

How Opt-In Email Advertisements Can Trigger Bigger & Better Book Sales*

Summary: How an “Opt-In” email advertisement program helps book marketers in reaching the right demographic and significantly improve the effectiveness of any book-selling campaign. *The succeeding article is about marketing self published books, Internet Marketing Promotion, Book Marketing Services, and many other useful tips about online book marketing.

With hundreds of thousands of books getting published everyday, the competition level of the book-selling industry is currently at an all-time high. Consider this: In 2008, over 200,000 books were published last year in the United States alone, 80 percent of which are self-published and, not surprisingly, a large chunk of these books are for sale. What’s more, the number is expected to experience a significant rise this year.

With this kind of competition, an upstart author with limited financial resources (and can’t afford a book publicist) and limited time (and can’t go on a nationwide book-marketing tour) would do well by marketing a self-published work through the Internet. But just how does a published author wage a low-cost, yet efficient book marketing campaign in the Internet?

One of the sure-fire ways to do just that is through the opt-in email advertisement campaign, a unique book marketing method that reaches a massive, yet viable, target audience through electronic mail (email) advertisements.

An email advertisement campaign, essentially, is a massive email broadcast of “book ads” sent to hundreds of thousands—and even millions—of “profiled” email subscribers. An “email book ad” consists of a visually appealing and enticing graphic advertisement of a book, replete with the book description, the book details, and if any, the positive reviews of the book. These “book ads” also come with a unique Web address or URL (uniform resource locator) links that direct the “clicker” to the book author’s official Website or online bookstore, or even both, where the consumer can read more about the book and learn how to purchase it.

As previously stated, these ads are specifically designed to hit e-mail subscribers who have “opted” to receive commercial marketing messages, according to their specific areas of interest. For instance, an email book marketing ad for a book about, say, French cinema will be delivered to a customized mailing list of e-mail subscribers who have indicated their interest for “movies”, “books,” or “literature” in their email profiles.

Opt-in email book marketing advertisements reach a vast, specific target market, making it a favorite marketing tool for authors for its precise demographic targeting, massive reach, and reasonable cost. But perhaps the best thing about this program is its traceability: email marketing service providers routinely furnish clients with detailed reports of the email advertisement’s “open” and “click” rates. An “open” rate is the statistical data of the number of ads that are “opened” by a target email subscriber, while the “click” rate is a statistical tracker of the number of times the ad is “clicked” by a target email subscriber.

As such, opt-in email marketing ads not only boost the marketing punch of a book but it also serves as a terrific reference guide for future marketing campaigns, making it a highly effective, multi-dimensional book marketing tool in today’s competitive book-selling landscape.

Author Resource Box
Read the latest self-publishing news, articles, and tidbits through the newest blog site of BookWhirl. Learn more about the dynamics of marketing self-published books, Author Marketing Services, Book Marketing Services.

Communicating..."Something Old...Something(s) New"... #books #socialmedia #marketing #ebooks #communication #communicationsmedia

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:04:00 PDT

Something old...Something new...
These words are the beginning to a very familiar wedding custom phrase...
"Something old" symbolizes continuity with... family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the... new life ahead. (Ask Yahoo)

The phrase is certainly appropriate as an analogy to describe the rapidly changing technical world that we suddenly find ourselves in..as related to our culture and society...and, especially as related to the world of publishing...

What we are witnessing is the literal "marrying"- a union between a long, proud, predictable, and established heritage to a very "new" and different present and future..."publishing" and the "delivery of published content" is changed...

It is however, still all about "communicating content..." ...communicating...

Something old...
"Publishing is the process of production and dissemination of literature of information...
Traditionally, the term refers to the distribution of printed works such as books ...
Publishing includes: the stages of the development, acquisition, copyediting, graphic design, production - printing...marketing and distribution..." Publishing (Wikipedia)

Something New....

With the advent of digital information systems and the Internet, the scope of publishing has expanded to include electronic resources, such as the electronic versions of books and periodicals, as well as micropublishing, websites, blogs, video games and the like. Publishing,(Wikipedia)

"E-books [and their distribution via mobile devices] are only the latest application of age-old principles to new 'content-containers'. Every such transmutation yields a surge in content creation and dissemination. The incunabula - the first printed books - made knowledge accessible (sometimes in the vernacular) to scholars and laymen alike and liberated books from the tyranny of monastic scriptoria and 'libraries'." The Future of the Book Business, (Publishing Central)

Greatest Inventions -"Communications Media"

Something(s) old... and "kinda old" ...

Telephone"...an "apparatus for transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically", after experimenting with many primitive sound transmitters and receivers...." Invention of telephone, (Wikipedia)
Television"...telecommunications medium for transmitting and receiving moving images..." Television, (Wikipedia)

Home Computer"...widely predicted that computers would soon revolutionize many aspects of home and family life..." Home computer, (Wikipedia)

" '1984' is an American television commercial which introduced the Apple Macintosh personal computer for the first time.
"1984 advertisement,(Wikipedia)

Something(s) new...
A mobile devicecellphone device, handheld device, handheld computer, "Palmtop" or simply handheld) is a pocket-sized computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard. In the case of the personal digital assistant (PDA) the input and output are combined into a touch-screen interface. Smartphones and PDAs are popular amongst those who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practical. Mobile device,(Wikipedia)

Something Old...
We might say that communication consists of transmitting information from one person to another. In fact, many scholars of communication take this as a working definition, and use Lasswell's maxim, "who says what to whom in what channel with what effect," as a means of circumscribing the field of communication theory. Communication theory, (Wikipedia)

Communication... is still the fundamental way that "us humans" and our world interact...

Now that we can "do it better"...
we need to be "doing it better"... communicating, relating, sharing, information and knowledge...
humans being... making a better world...

...it seems very possible doesn't it?

Random Blog Post... in pursuit of purposeful living #socialmedia #marketing #business #life

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:33:00 PDT

Over the last couple of weeks, I have answered over 800 emails, and have "processed" about 3,000... that was in-between some traveling, important meetings, and lot's of phone calls... and, while keeping up with what the "thought leaders" are saying, and, what's new in publishing, marketing, new widgets, etc.

...and, within all of that,

I got to spend wonderful, quality, fun,
"make-you-smile-a-lot-time"
with someone very special...
among special people...
and, I am very,very thankful!

... but, like many...

I stop to muse... randomly...
it's healthy to do that.

Why am I doing all that I'm doing...? Am I doing it just because...?

...is "my because"...'cause I want to be "productive,"
and "accomplished," and "pursue success"...?

And, really... What does that mean?....

We all ultimately want to live lives that are "full"... but, in trying to get "there"... with all of the necessary activities and tasks ...that are "required" to get there... and, while we actively "going for it", it is even more important to pause...

to ponder...to take moments to breathe in and out... and to question...

What is the purpose? Will what I am doing get me to where I want to go?
where is that? ...am I also living it strong...and, living it now?

What am I doing - that will allow me to both "be here"
- that is...being present and living fully the important moments...?
and, how am I pursuing "going there"?... are those pursuits compatible?

What am I doing on purpose?

"Purpose is what gives life a meaning." -Charles Henry Parkhurst

"When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous." -Wayne Dyer

"What mankind wants is not talent; it is purpose. -Robert Bulwer-Lytton

"Then I took a good look at everything I'd done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing." -Solomon

Is what I'm doing "on purpose"... accomplishing the important purpose...?

am I making a good life...while making a living?
...how is that balancing out?

love this story... really helps to put things into perspective...

The Businessman and the Fisherman...

The Good Life by Mark Albion

So, it seems that it's all about the simple life... well lived...

What are some things that you do to simplify your world...
in the midst of a world that is not simple at all?

some stats re Social Media for Business... still not convinced? #business #socialmedia #marketing #pr #publicity

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:56:00 PDT

Over the last couple of years, I have become a "Social Media Enthusiast". -and, I've been on a rather steep learning curve... both by compelling interest and by the necessity to keep current on "all things marketing"... Fortunately, there are many who have been paving the way for the rest of us...they have been participating as "early adopters" and, also, fortunately for the rest of us, are very generous with what they have learned and are learning...many of those "pioneers" and "thought leaders" are among my "Fav Blogs" listing on this site...
And, now, surprisingly, much of what is regarded as "common knowledge" among social media enthusiasts, and especially among the few real "social media expert-guru" title holders is actually a revelation to the newest of newcomers... and, those still "kicking the tires"...
So, here are some "fundamentals" and rather remarkable current stats...

Bottom line...
Social Media is not a novelty...
if we are serious about doing business in the 2.0 world...
participation is not an option...

When used properly, social media can be a great tool to help your business reach untapped, potential customers and stay connected to current ones. Not long ago, social media seemed so new and different that it was treated as an appendage of
sorts—a kind of marketing that should be tried only by “experts.”
While that view still exists to some degree today, it’s become clear to many that social media is no longer marketing’s new thing.

It’s now simply part of the way we do marketing today.

I believe that the proper way to view social media from a small-business owner’s point of view is as more of an evolution than a revolution. Traditional marketing tactics such as advertising, referrals, and public relations are still very important, but social media tactics have now become a part of everyday marketing’s fabric and need to be considered at the strategic level of your marketing decision-making process. So, rather than asking yourself if you should or should not use Facebook or Twitter, the question is: “How can Facebook and Twitter help you achieve your marketing objectives?” It’s the same as asking how direct mail or having two more salespeople might fit into the plans.

-"Let’s Talk Social Media for Small Business," John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing

"Big 3" Social Media Stats

LinkedIn Stats: Why You MUST Master LinkedIn

LinkedIn is Where the Influences ARE!

Here are some of the Statistical Highlights on LinkedIn that you really need to know for your business.

Average Age: 41

Household Income: $109,703

Male: 64%

Household Income $100k+ 53.5%

Own Smartphone/PDA: 34%

College Grad/Post Grad: 80.1%

Business Decision Maker: 49%

EVP/SVP/VP: 6.5%

24% Have a Portfolio Value of $250k+

Job Titles:

C-Level Executives 7.8%

EVP/SVP 6.5%

Senior Management 16%

Middle Management 18%

50% Are Business Decision Makers in Their Companies

Facebook Statistics

People on Facebook

More than 400 million active users

50% of our active users log on to Facebook in any given day

Average user has 130 friends

People spend over 500 billion minutes per month on Facebook

Activity on Facebook

There are over 160 million objects that people interact with (pages, groups and events)

Average user is connected to 60 pages, groups and events

Average user creates 70 pieces of content each month

More than 25 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) shared each month.

Global Reach

More than 70 translations available on the site

About 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States

Over 300,000 users helped translate the site through the translations application

Platform

More than one million developers and entrepreneurs from more than 180 countries

Every month, more than 70% of Facebook users engage with Platform applications

More than 550,000 active applications currently on Facebook Platform

More than 250,000 websites have integrated with Facebook Platform

More than 100 million Facebook users engage with Facebook on external websites every month

Two-thirds of comScore’s U.S. Top 100 websites and half of comScore’s Global Top 100 websites have integrated with Facebook

Mobile

There are more than 100 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices.

People that use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice more active on Facebook than non-mobile users.

There are more than 200 mobile operators in 60 countries working to deploy and promote Facebook mobile products.

Twitter Stats

Twitter Finally Reveals All Its Secret Stats.

At Chirp, the official Twitter developer conference, Twitter shared some revealing stats about its site, users, and growth that had previously been kept under wraps.

Here's a summary of the facts and figures Twitter shared:

Twitter now has 105,779,710 registered users.

New users are signing up at the rate of 300,000 per day.

180 million unique visitors come to the site every month.

75% of Twitter traffic comes from outside Twitter.com (i.e. via third party applications.)

Twitter gets a total of 3 billion requests a day via its API.

Twitter users are, in total, tweeting an average of 55 million tweets a day.

Twitter's search engine receives around 600 million search queries per day.

Of Twitter's active users, 37 percent use their phone to tweet.

Over half of all tweets (60 percent) come from third party applications.

Twitter itself has grown: in the past year alone, it has grown from 25 to 175 employees.

http://www.businessinsider.com/twitter-stats-2010-4 http://www.businessinsider.com/twitter-stats-2010-4

Bloggers "preflight checklist": 7 Questions to ask, before clicking "publish!" #blogging #blog #books #marketing #socialmedia

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:15:00 PDT

I consult and participate as part of a publishing professionals consortium...

below is a recent question on "Ask the Experts"... I felt that part of the conversation was worth sharing here on my blog as well.
Q: "I've recently started a blog in hopes of building my personal brand. I'm already starting to worry about getting off-track. Can you suggest some questions I should ask myself before I click the publish button?"

A - Jay Heinlein:
Great question! Technology now allows anyone the ability to be an "instant publisher" via blogging and other online social media vehicles. That can certainly be both a "blessing and a curse." It is a terrific idea and very productive exercise to have a "checklist" to help keep your blog posts focused before "publishing your thoughts to the world". Your idea reminds me of the image of a pilot going through the pre-flight checklist before heading for the runaway. It is certainly a critical exercise for the pilot.
As the author of a book, you are blogging as part of your overall "platform building" process. This is the most important part of the your role in the marketing process.

Blogging is a wonderful way for you...

to help to build awareness,

extend your brand,

allow your readers to experience you,

and to "build your tribe" ...

“If you are an author, your tribe members are your readers—or, at least, that’s potentially true. The only question is whether or not you will become the tribe’s leader and equip them to communicate with you and with one another.” – 7 Ways to Build Your Author Brand Online, Michael Hyatt

So here are some suggested questions to start the ball rolling:

Does this post...(?)
speak to my identified audience- the audience that I want to reach?

properly and accurately represent me as "a brand" - does it leave the impression that I wish to communicate with my audience?

share compelling, helpful and useful information, relevant information, and topics/subjects?

help me to develop real, meaningful relationships with my audience? Am I genuinely interested in them? Is this a "give-give" post?

encourage networking -provide an opportunity for my readers-intended audience to interact and connect with me, each other, and with other like-minded individuals?

give the readers a valuable "take away" as they have experienced my writing.

What is it that they will take away?

Now, after contemplating those questions...
I would suggest "making them yours" -that is tailor the heart of the questions to your own voice, and add 2-3 more questions of your own...

...some helpful posts for further research and consideration:

13 Things I’ve Learned about Successful Blogging [My 5000th Post on ProBlogger]

8 Blog Tips from Tim Ferriss (via MichaelHyatt.com)

Thanks again for your excellent question. Please drop back by and tell us how it's going!
Jay

And, I would also say that broadly to my social media & "book friends", please share your "learnings..." there is still much for all us to learn together...

need to "Get Busy"...but, what is the "Right Busy"?

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:22:00 PDT

We are so busy... doing so many things... but, what is the "right busy"?

This is a good start...

My favorite movie... The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 film about a banker who is accused of double murder in the 1940s and begins a life sentence at the fictional Shawshank prison, where he's befriended by an older inmate named Red. During his long stretch in prison, Dufresne comes to be admired by the other inmates for his upstanding moral code and his quietly indomitable spirit. - Wikiquote

"Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying."- Shawshank Redemption

"[in a letter] Dear Red, If you're reading this, you've gotten out. And if you've come this far, maybe you're willing to come a little further. You remember the name of the town, don't you? I could use a good man to help me get my project on wheels. I'll keep an eye out for you and the chessboard ready. Remember, Red. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. I will be hoping that this letter finds you, and finds you well. Your friend, Andy." - Wikiquote

There are so many good scenes and lines in the movie, that it is hard to single some out, but the message is clear... there are many things that happen in life...that try to rob us... that are unfair...that don't go as planned...

but, while we have breath, we can LIVE!~ We must LIVE!~

“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the LIFE in your years.” -Abraham Lincoln

Why does it take us so long to figure that one out?...

Well, mainly because we're "busy"...

So, some suggestions on the "right busy"...

Busy living..

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." -James Dean

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our Attitudes.” -Chuck Swindoll

Busy loving...

Every person in the world has a heart.
Every heart has a place within that wants only to love and be loved.
Let us connect with that place of love in our own heart and in the hearts of all around us. Let us take a moment now to open
to the heart connection we share with all people...
-Moment of Love

Busy doing...

Be productive...
Being Busy vs. Being Productive

"There is a difference between being busy and being productive. People can busy themselves in many ways; spending time organizing, preparing, talking on the phone , talking with people, dealing with other people's problems, etc. However, random busyness can often lead to a feeling of distress if you are busying yourself with things that aren't really important." -Sue Morem

Busy being healthy...

"The key message is 'Eat Healthy. Be Active. Get Fit for Life.' Being fit for life is about making changes and making healthy lifestyle choices." -Healthier US Veterans

Busy giving...

“If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”
-Mother Theresa

“If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.”
-Tenzin Gyatso

“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.”
-Albert Camus

Get Busy LIVING!~

“Time is limited, so I better wake up every morning fresh and know that I have just one chance to live this particular day right, and to string my days together into a life of action, and purpose.” — Lance Armstrong

"A Path to Publishing" by Ed Cyzewski (Guest Blogger) #books #selfpublishing #publishing #writer #author #diy #dbw

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Wed, 05 May 2010 11:20:00 PDT

Have you ever wondered what to do about that book idea you’ve been hiding? Are you unsure about the steps you’ll need to take to publish your work? When I published my first book those kinds of questions came up in personal conversations and showed up in my inbox. After writing yet another long e-mail with instructions and stories, I decided to write A Path to Publishing so I could help those interested in book publishing find a path of their own.

A Path to Publishing provides aspiring authors with an accessible overview of the process that takes an idea and transforms it into a book.

What I Learned by Publishing a Nonfiction Book
by Ed Cyzewski
Are you interested in publishing a book, but unsure about your next step? Ed Cyzewski has been there, and he wrote this book for you.

After publishing his first nonfiction book Ed Cyzewski's inbox was flooded with publishing questions from friends, family, and complete strangers. As his replies grew longer and the questions continued, he wrote A Path to Publishing in order to share his lessons about the publishing process with new writers.

A Path to Publishing is a big-picture, step-by-step guide for nonfiction publishing hopefuls. Beginning with mental preparation for writing and building a platform, Cyzewski helps readers develop their ideas, write regularly, pitch a proposal, and market their work. Through accounts of his experiences, a series of case studies, and action steps, each chapter moves readers toward the final goal of becoming published writers.

About Ed Cyzewski
...freelance writer and speaker in eastern Connecticut. -represented by Caleb Seeling and author of A Path to Publishing: What I Learned by Publishing a Nonfiction Book. (sample chapter)
Edcyz.com is my blog with writing tips and more information about my books and magazine articles. Inamirrordimly.com is my personal blog for theology and just about anything else.
If I can help you with writing, blogging, social m

Publish Post
edia marketing, or publishing, contact me at edcyzewski@gmail.com.

When Does it Make Sense to go from "Self-publishing" to "Traditional Publishing? " #books #authors #writers #dbw #publishing

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:51:00 PDT

I love social media, relationship building, peer sharing, and the resulting ongoing informative discussions. Here are some highlights from a recent discussion - on Linkedin - among publishing professionals.

RM: (Creative and niche market writer and expert),
"When an author reaches 'pretty good' sales, when does it make sense to go from self-publishing to traditional publishing? "Is there a set breaking point? If so, what is it? Is it all niche and platform or is there a really good generalist publishing house out there?"

SS: (President/CEO - PR Group),
"It really depends on the author and the end goal. Some authors want to reach more readers and grow their platform and reach to continue to build a career. Others want to simple sell books and use that as a means to an end. So their writing is more of a product as apposed to an art. There is no breaking point. However with that said, if you are selling enough books self publishing a large traditional publisher might take notice if the sales are significant enough. Most large house right now are more interested in platform reach with online presence being the #1 factor."

J A Heinlein: (Publishing&Marketing Professional),
"Many independently published authors assume that they always have this option...
What it really depends on, is if you actually are made a 'real offer'.

- either by pursuit of an offer." - or by recognition of your efforts.
I have clients that have done both and made the transition profitably.
One of the clients was not even looking for it - that is the rare and exceptional but, very welcome "unsolicited offer".

To expand on what S said a bit:
If you are experiencing "pretty good"- sales,
- then you as the author are in a position of strength
- have gained some "traction" in the marketplace
- because you are doing some to many things right to reach your target audience.

All of those are positives to the increasingly cautious "traditional" publishers who are wanting to hedge their bets. But, bottom line, the "choice" still isn't an option until you either get an offer,or pursue " an offer" and actually get one...
If an offer is made, one has to weigh what is actually "on the table" - being offered:
1. advance compensation: fair royalty percentage (incl the split w/ agent - if agent is involved)
2. budgeted amount committed to marketing
3. and, whether that marketing will be ongoing or just for a season
(or worse - marketing consists of "just being listed in the catalog")
4."buy back" rights on your book: including cost of purchase- for immediate needs for speaking and personal needs (your discount/purchase price should be in the 65%-75% range)
5. and, if at some point, that you can have the rights reassigned to you if the publisher doesn't perform.

ES (Vice-President, Corporate Sales),
"Great insights S and JA - I would add that working with a publisher will save you tremendous headaches. Sure, as an author you could figure out how to distribute and market a book...you could also figure out how to build your own car, but isn't it easier to let a company do it for you? Long/short = it's never too soon to look for a publisher, IMHO."

J A Heinlein: (Publishing&Marketing Professional,
" 'to ES, re Long/short = it's never too soon to look for a publisher, IMHO.' "
"...very true... with some clarification...
What [quality] independent publishing now allows is the opportunity for a new or emerging author - or even an established author - to create their own success and a platform while they are "looking" and experiencing the brutal process of many rejections.
It is very important to put into real perspective the relatively small amount of aspiring authors who do become published. And, also the reality that the average income for a "published author" is in the low $40's. And, "Real" has gotten harsher with the current climate.
During some really "good years" for publishing, I was a special market sales VP at a Top Ten publisher (number 1 in their category), and I served on the Acquisitions Committee.
We reviewed approximately 3k well vetted proposals per year - and, that as filtered through agents and the acquisitions vetting process.

We only published approximately 130 titles per year.

There is also an "assumption"
that everyone in the "traditional publishing"
model gets equal treatment.
The reality is "that is just not so..." and even "less so" now - in the current struggling economic environment...

The bulk of marketing dollars mainly go to the "A" list authors.It has always been that way.

And now there are even less dollars being allocated for advances and marketing for new authors.

Additionally, current traditional distribution channels are struggling
i.e the ongoing woes of Border's and the unfortunate demise of many wonderful indies.

Perhaps, the best outcome in our "new publishing 2.0" world - as related to the new independent publishing models, will be the emerging of many more smaller and more agile "new publishers" that can accommodate and appropriately develop aspiring new authors."

"Clippings" - from this Weeks Fav Blogs #books #publishing #socialmedia #marketing #12for12k

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:22:00 PDT

~This Week: Newz Clippings~

12for12k.org: Latest from the #12for12k Blog
12for12k Supports the Boundless Charity Organization for April 2010 "As 12for12k continues into 2010 and beyond, one of our key goals is to empower local communities to help charities in their neighbourhoods. As part of this approach, 12for12k will be officially supporting the organization Boundless during April."

Danny Brown: Six Steps to Running a Successful Blogger Outreach by Monica O'Brien "Here’s the six step process I use for blogger outreach that gives me astronomically higher success than the outreaches that most PR firms will run for you."

Publishers Weekly: Self-Published Titles Topped 764,000 in 2009 as Traditional Output Dipped
Among the traditional titles, fiction remained the largest segment, although output fell 15%, to 45,181 titles, marking the second consecutive year that fiction production declined. The nonfiction segments were mixed with growth coming in educational and practical areas such as technology (up 11%), science, and personal finance (both up 9%). Categories that depend more on discretional spending fell with the production of cookery and language titles falling the most at 16% each. The travel and sports and recreation segments had declines of 5% and 4%, respectively. Other major categories where output rose included children's, up 6%, to 32,348, biography, up 8% to 12,313, and religion, up 6% to 19,310.

Chris Brogan: What Is the Focus and Purpose of Your Blog? "Is the purpose of your blog easy to define? What are you aiming towards accomplishing with it? How are you testing whether or not you’re reaching your desired effect?"

ProBlogger: Here’s What You Should Do to Improve Your Blog Today Big Picture – What Problem is your BLOG solving? "I find it helpful to have a ‘big’ and overarching problem in mind as I start and then develop a blog. It helps keep me on track and is great for attracting new readers if you communicate it well."

FORA.tv: Innovation in an Era of Upheaval: The E-Reader Wars

Social Media Examiner: Study Highlights Growing Social Media Addiction
A recent independent study by Retrevo Gadgetology revealed some interesting stats about our love for social media sites

56%: Social media users check Facebook at least once a day.

12%: Social media users check Facebook every couple of hours.

40%: Respondents who said they didn’t mind being interrupted for a message.

32%: Respondents who said using the sites was not off limits while eating a meal.

7%: Respondents who said they’d check out a message during an intimate moment.

Social Media B2B: The Number One Reason for B2B Companies to Use Social Media "One of the best ways to connect with people like us in this modern world is online. Not only do we have a network of people we know and trust online with sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter but we have a whole search network in those sites to find other people like us. Vendors, partners, suppliers and agencies must be part of those networks too, but not just as companies, but as the sum of the people who make up those companies."

i09-we come from the future: Comic Book Classics,Re-imagined as Dime Store Paperbacks - This is awesome... "Nothing says retro-cool quite like an expertly rendered homage to classic paperback cover design. And it's even cooler if the covers are for characters like Daredevil, the Fantastic Four, and The Incredible Hulk."

The Shatzkin Files: What does a consultant do at the London Book Fair? "...while I’m thinking through my planning for what promises to be a very busy time next week at the London Book Fair, it seemed to me that writing about it would both help me think and spell out a bit about how a book business consultant adds some value and earns a living..."

5 Steps to Practicing "Marketing 101" the "New Way" - Why You Need to... & How To Get Started #marketing #socialmedia #PR #dbw

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 07:57:00 PDT

The most basic definition of promotion & marketing:

Marketing 101 is creating opportunities
for your product, solution, or service
to be “in front of” - to be seen and experienced
by those most likely to benefit.

You must be able “to be found”!

Are you easy to find?
How does your business get found?
Are you "located properly?"
Are you positioning your business -
your product, solution, service
to be found?

Some time back, I was involved in helping with the marketing for a start-up business, an online directory for service business’s and professional services… The founder has great vision, an endearing personality, creative ideas, and the smarts to make it all happen. The entire concept, for the business, was about “getting found online”… but, oddly, despite the founder’s great vision, he didn’t see the benefit of “using their own vehicle” concept to drive potential clients to their site (puzzling don't you think?). He felt that the “best idea” - for finding new potential service business online directory clients - was to go through the phone book and to call the "biggest ads"… those being the ones that were already spending a hefty monthly sum to be in the Yellow Pages. The logic was sound…but, the reality is "not even on the same planet" with being a good way to market the new business…marketing an online based business with a very "old style" method. That was baffling to me? What kind of message does that communicate to the potential client?

How long might that take to make those phone calls? –schedule a full week of appointments to make presentations? –close the “sale” from those appointments in 2 or 3 personal presentations?
What about the $costs$ for breakfast-coffee, lunch, dinner? –for 2 or 3 meetings per potential client? –$gas$ for driving to the one-on-ones? How much does it $cost$ to be away from your own business – managing and producing?
Do you have that much time? Can you afford it?
What about the potential client’s time? – if their ongoing business is providing services to others? How much do your sales presentations to them – $cost$ them in time away from their businesses?
What would that $cost$ in real time resources if you were to do it all yourself? – Or, how much would that $cost$ in... real dollars? - if you were to hire someone (i.e. a telemarketing company) to make the calls?
What about the $cost$ of hiring a high-powered publicist or ad agency to book expensive “traditional marketing vehicles” - $’s for print ads? -$’s for radio time? - $’s for TV time?
Do you have $3500 - $8000 a month to do that? +/plus the $cost$ of the ads?

My experience has been…that many clients – that hire me (as "a professional-expert") to do marketing and promotions for their books & businesses – initially have a mind-set that expects that I do some variance on a version of the above scenario… “The Old Way"...???!!!!

Why? Simply, because that is "what they know - have known..."

Do you still believe… that the above kind of sales approach would be making the best use of your time and limited financial resources?

sidebar: Do we "stuff" the "old way"? Cast it aside?...Certainly no!...there will always be a place for "traditional publicity & marketing"... i.e. the millions spent on "Super Bowl ads" etc... But, can you play in that arena now - afford to? .... if your business is like most these days, you need a way to "build up to that" incrementally - to get the most "bang for your bux" right now...in order to build on success - to get to the next level. Actually, "traditional marketing" and the "new way" goes hand-in-hand and complement each other...

This is a tough economy we’re in. Today’s tough economy has created an “exponential multiplier” of competitiveness among businesses.

How long would it take to reach your marketing/sales objectives by doing it that way - "the old way"?

Is that harnessing the power of the internet? The answer to all of the above…is a resounding NO!!!

What is the option–solution?

Strategically use the power of the internet!

Online social media marketing:

Blogs

Social Networking-Affinity Group Interaction: i.e. Ning, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, more...

"Participate on Industry Specific" Sites: i.e. books- Filedby.com

YouTube-online video

Online Broadcast Radio

Website

eMail Marketing

eBlasts

eNewsletters

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) & SEM (Search Engine Marketing)

Post on Local Online/"Community News" Directories

Participate on Directory Business Networking Sites:
i.e. IncrediPro.com, MerchantCircle.com, FastPitch.com

How to get started?

Get Prepared - Educate Yourself :
About Online Marketing Opportunities- Social Media

Learn from the Example of Others
(hint: check out my "Fav Blogs", and read some of my older posts...)

Do What “They Do" ...follow them
(that is emulate...those that are "already successful" and are actively "doing it"...)

"Get in the Game!" – Participate - Learn "While You Do"

Spend Your Time “Doing Your Passion!”

Please let me know, how you’re doing?…and, how I can help you?

Spring-When the New Year REALLY Begins...New Life & 1st Quarter 2010 Progress: Objectives & Goals #socialmedia #marketing #books #dbw

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:01:00 PDT

I find it interesting...

that the globally recognized “Gregorian Calendar” year begins in January - which is generally, the “dead of winter”... for most of the Western world.

...the “dead of winter” when the ground is frozen and the landscape is generally barren or covered in snow...

In contrast, the "Old Roman Calendar" year likely started the first of March… closer to Spring's dawn… which seems to be a much more fitting time to "begin" the year...

In fact, the Romans apparently pretty much just ignored the remaining 61 days, which fell in the middle of winter.

“The [Roman] calendar year lasted 304 days and there were about 61 days of winter which were not assigned to any month. ” Roman calendar - Wikipedia

Interesting…don't you think?

And, what does that mean in regard to/have to do with goal setting, evaluating progress toward objectives and the first quarter check-up?

…it means that the “real” beginning... the "New" year is just getting started!

Spring is about newness of life,
rebirth, Spring Holidays

and bright, beautiful flowers!~

If you feel that you have “fallen behind” on your "New Year resolutions"
(usually made in Dec/Jan)… it’s NOT TOO LATE... to get things restarted!

SOOO, DON'T QUIT!
DON'T PUT IT OFF ...until "next year"...
time to get crackin’~… Start Fresh! AGAIN!~ : )

"Fall seven times, stand up eight." ~Japanese Proverb

When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."~Author Unknown

"It's never too late to start life all over again and make the change"~Never too Late- PersonalGrowth.com

"IT'S NEVER TOO LATE - Lyrics" ~John Kay & Nick St. Nicholas

"Don't Quit When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When... " ~BoardofWisdom.com

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” ~Lance Armstrong

Please revisit:
Goals & Objectives for 2010 ~ My "3 Words" - Heinlein Group
And here are some simple guidelines to help keep you on track or
to get you started [again : ) ]:
"How To Set Goals" (http://www.dkeener.com/keenstuff/goals.html)
1. What you want to BE
2. What you want to DO
3. What you want to HAVE
4. What you want to GIVE
5. What you don't want to BE, DO, HAVE, and GIVE

While you are brainstorming in these categories, you'll want to make sure you think about subcategories of interest to you. Ones that people often use are:

Personal

Artistic-creative,

Fitness-Health/Wellness

Learning-Intellectual,

Fun-Recreation

Family: Personal Relationship(s)

Spiritual-Faith Practice

Community- Friends

Professional-Career

Financial

So continue... GO... BE... DO... BECOME...

It's Spring Time!~ the Year is New!...

Please do tell me about how things are going...

Week's Best of Fav Blogs #social media #publishing #marketing #cause

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:09:00 PDT

“Wouldn't it be cool,
if our faith were a little more raw,
a little more real,
more spontaneous, unscripted,
more like an adventure?
…yielding the paintbrush.
…saying,
'Okay, I'll be your canvas...'
Paint away. Any color. Any subject. Trowel, paint gun, or brush.
Have at me!

Well-here goes... ‘Surprise Me, God!’“
–Terry Esau, author, Surprise Me(@TatteredCoverBookstore)

Seth's Blog: Fear of philanthropy (avert your eyes)
"It boils down to a simple question, "how much is enough [giving]?"
12for12k: Supports the Boundless Charity Organization for March 2010
"Established in 1984, Boundless is dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized youth, adults and children at risk through a unique combination of counselling, social rehabilitation, alternative education and outdoor adventure."
Mark Horvath: Meet Elaine- Why We Need Low Income Housing - haRdLy NOrMal
"She is a very sweet, older woman who has lived on the streets homeless for 20 years. At the shelter, she would come up to us and ask that we help her friends. She never asked for herself, but for those she felt were hurting worse than she was."
Danny Brown: - Are You Strategic? by Mark W. Schaefer
"Listen to your customers more effectively and respond more rapidly than your competitors. The social web provides a great way to connect more deeply with customers… So even when times are tough, keep listening, keep responding, keep innovating!"
Spence Smith: Are You Pursing Your Worth With Great Diligence?
"[Are you?] pursuing my worth with great diligence and living my life in a full and redeeming way… [What does it mean to do that?…]"
Personanondata: Free Your eBooks: See Sales Increase?: Publishing Strategy
"A growing number of authors and publishers freely distribute their books electronically to increase the visibility of their work. …[recent study] data indicates that when free e-books are offered for a relatively long period of time, without requiring registration, print sales will increase."
Chris Brogan: Social Media Projects You Could Start Today
“If you’ve got the powers that be convinced that social media’s the set of tools you need, or if you’re the one making the decisions and you feel hooked, but don’t really know where to start, I’ve got a few ideas for you…”
Life Without Pants: How Much Do You Care About the Truth?
“Do we even care about the truth these days? Or are we so focused on immediacy and the popularity of the information source that we’re easily blinded from what’s really REAL”?
Jane Friedman, Writer's Digest: There Are No Rules - BestTweetsforWriters
Ebook market exploding @markcoker, I quite liked this breakdown of current eBook formats (by @Paisano) @gregpincus, The Seven Book Marketing Mistakes That Authors Make@BookBuzzr
Nathan Bransford - Literary Agent: You Tell Me, What Is the Most Influential Book of All Time?
"Leaving out the major religious texts: What would you say was the most influential book of all time? On all of humanity? What book do you think had the biggest impact on the world?"

What Makes a Great Book Cover? #books #bookmarketing #design

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:55:00 PDT

Wikipedia

The very common English idiom
"don't judge a book by its cover"
is a metaphorical phrase which means "don't determine the worth of something based on its appearance". Wikipedia

Well, as it turns out... " ...books really are judged by their covers..."
...that is regarding how book readers actually choose books... it is indeed based upon "what the cover looks like" and how "cover appeal" causes interest and influences purchase.

The cover design is a critical ingredient for a book's success, as related to marketing and ongoing saleability.

When you are in a book store,

what makes you stop & choose to pick up one of the books on the display tables?

or off of a shelf?

or choose to learn more when scanning book-selling sites on-line?

This is the part of publishing that I truly love and hope that never changes... enjoying a beautifully-designed book (inside & out)
that I can hold in my hands (my personal preference)
or can now be enjoyed online or via the new array of mobile readers.

Some Guidelines for Cover Design

The book cover design & artwork tells the potential buyer/reader what to expect from the contents.
Visual effects reflect both artistic expression and serve to create a perception of reflected value of what the contents will bring to the reader.
Different cover special effects catch the readers eyes: matte finish, spot varnish finish on images, embossing where appropriate, etc.
A consumer is more likely to purchase a book if they perceive the value of the content outweighs the price of purchase.
The title should always communicate "what is the promise to the reader?" what can the reader expect" - to gain personally from what is inside of the book?
An important aspect of the cover is the font used for the title and author.

fonts must easy to read - eye friendly- clear and crisp
and images used need to be attractive and specific to the message inside

The cover must not be cluttered with too many images or text.
Back cover copy description (and, inside jacket flaps for hardcover books) needs to effectively share content sampling and the endorsement of trusted authors or experts - must be "promise" focused.

Link to several helpful tips and guidelines
Book Layout & Design Tips and Techniques : Publishing & Designing Books Covers & Interiors
How to Design a Book Cover - eHow.com
How to Design Book Covers and Book Jacket - Illustrations and Artwork

Some great examples

(what great book covers
look like)

The Book Cover Archive: 50 Most Captivating Covers of All Time

20 Super Duper Book Covers

Designing a great book inside & out

C.S. Richardson on Book Design, Clip 1

C.S. Richardson on Book Design, Clip 2

C.S. Richardson on Book Design, Clip 3

"What's the News?!" Posts from my Fav Blogs this Week - #Books #Social Media #PR #Tech #Publishing #Marketing

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:32:00 PDT

What's the News?!

Danny Brown: Taking Time Out for Health Reasons: ~joining with many voices in expressing great love, concern and sending healing thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery!~Cheers to Danny Brown – someone whom we all respect and admire… someone whom we would all aspire to “grow up to be like..”

Nathan Bransford - Literary Agent: This Week in Publishing
"The big news this week in publishing has, as usual, to do with Amazon and Apple and that whole iPad thing."
Seth Godin’s Blog: When a freelancer changes the game
"Sometimes, though, you spend more and get something great. You seek out and find a linchpin who combines inspiration and professionalism and initiative and pushes back on your quest for average"
Michael Hyatt: The Future of Publishing "Yesterday, I stumbled across an incredibly simple but brilliant video about the end of publishing. ...produced by the marketing staff at Dorling Kindersley"
Chris Brogan: Redrawing: "I built my brand on being accessible. You know me because you know that I care about you, that I care about your projects. This is true. But there’s a huge flaw in how this all works out, in the basic math level, and this came really clear to me over the last 10 days.
Mediabistro.com: PR, Perfected: Infuse Your PR Strategy with Social Media - Content: "Add a layer of customer interaction to your PR efforts to expand your client's reach and impact. "..the key to developing a presence for your brand on these platforms [social networks: Facebook, Twitter] is not to merely reach massive numbers of people, but to engage them. By using social media strategically, relationships are built and nurtured, culture expands."
Mark Horvath-Advocate for the Homeless: InvisiblePeople.tv, haRdLy NOrMal
"Pepsi Refresh SxSW Challenge - awarded $50,000 to continue the fight against homelessness."
Tools of Change for Publishing-Oreilly: "NYT Web Piece on Mobile Outperforming Web Demonstrates Own Conclusion - Tools of Change for Publishing."
Social Steve's Blog: "Connections and Relationships – No Different for Social Media."
WildFire Marketing: Book Marketing Q&A: "How much should an author spend on their marketing?"
The Big Bad Book Blog: "Digital Disintegration: Preservation in the Age of Technology."
Blog Tech Guy: "What Can Bloggers Learn From Amazon?"
Publisher's Weekly Latest News:
1. BEA Unveils New York Book Week: "BookExpo America is testing out a new event for the upcoming BEA in May called New York Book Week, which puts a spotlight on a variety of literary activity in the city during the trade show."
2. Amazon releases Kindle app beta for Mac | Deep Tech - CNET News

Setback... Ruminations...Solutions & Sailing On!~ #AskIndies #bookbuzz #dbw

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:16:00 PST

In recent days, I have been very enthusiastically and busily
"building my book store" - that is an online "aStore for Amazon Associates" - one of the ways to utilize the Amazon Associates - Affiliates program.
The a-Store program's ease of use, the opportunity to feature clients' new books and favorite new titles, etc ...all make the program very attractive and user friendly..

and, so far, it has been "so good"...
WELCOME TO MY BOOKSTORE! - Book Publishing/Writing

...that is until all Colorado affiliates got this message on Mon...

Setback

...well, imagine showing up in the morning
to open your local community
"mom & pop" store...that you are very proud of...
and hoping will provide a
potential long-term income and security...
and, finding the front door padlocked...

Amazon Associates - Alerts, " Account Closed..."

Feld Thoughts blog:
"Amazon Fires Its Affiliates in Colorado (Including Me) Because of Colorado HB 10-1193"
"I’ve been an Amazon Associate (Amazon’s affiliate program) for many years. Today I got the following notice in my Amazon Associates account."

"I’m not at all surprised by this action on Amazon’s part. I expect the Internet Affiliate business in Colorado will completely die within the next thirty days (every company that has an affiliate business will turn off all of their Colorado-based affiliates.)"

"Amazon terminated Colorado affiliates for two reasons:
1. To attempt to pressure Colorado to repeal the bill entirely...
2. To send a message to all other states considering similar legislative measures." -Peter Vogel, Adotas: "Amazon Leaves Colorado Affiliates Out in the Cold"

and, the headlines kept coming...

O'Reilly Radar: "Amazon Fires Its Colorado Associates"

DenverPost.com - SPOT: "Amazon fires Colorado affiliates in protest"

Plug Your Book - Weber Books: "Amazon drops Colorado affiliates"

LISNews- Libraries: "Amazon Fires Its Colorado Associates"

Huffington Post: "Amazon Reacts To Colorado Internet Sales Tax Measure By Firing Its Colorado Associates"

Conservative News: "Colorado Internet Retailer Tax Backfires" - HUMAN EVENTS

Ruminations

and, my thoughts...upon learning the news... very "Christian" of course...well, honestly, not exactly... let's just say that my first mental vibes weren't exactly inspired or thoughtfully philosophical... it is likely that I could have put my head in the freezer and defrosted it faster than a high-powered blow dryer...
...so after, lighting candles, reciting prayers... and making peace with God & the universe again... I began reflecting on last week's blog... what I had written about "Resistance as a Positive Force..." and, how overcoming resistance and adversity...actually helps to propel one forward...
"...hmmmm... well, isn't this is an interesting example of "resistance"...?"

then there's this, "It's the constant and determined effort that breaks down all resistance and sweeps away all obstacles." -Claude M. Bristol

Solutions

Here's a great solution...
and, it was there all the time...
How about... supporting your favorite national and local independent bookstores?!...by joining their affiliate programs(s)...and, help yourself in the process too...?! BRILLIANT!!!

Be a Part of the Story | IndieBound

The mission of the IndieBound Community is to help people across the United States share and find independently-owned businesses.

By connecting indie-conscious people with local businesses, we're working to strengthen the health of Main Street ecosystems across the United States. Learn more about the community's philosophy here.Here's how to get started:

1. Join IndieBound: Indie Community
2. Become an affiliate: IndieBound Affiliate
3. Find a local store: Indie Store Finder

Denver/Colorado Springs Area | Indie Stores

Welcome to the the Tattered Cover Book Store!

"I am the bookstore of your dreams."
@TatteredCover, Twitter

4. Join the local store Affiliate Program: Become an Affiliate
5. Learn all about your local Indie Bookstore

...and enjoy & promote them!

Coming to you Live @ your Local Indie Bookstore!
~Events, Happenings & Other Cool Book Stuff!~

Tattered Cover Book Store | Locations & Hours

Tattered Cover Coffee & Tea Shops | Tattered Cover Book Store

March Events | Tattered Cover Book Store

March Happenings.pdf

Authors On Tour - Live! Weekly Podcasts of Authors and Their Books, Live From The Tattered Cover Book Store.

Book Services | Tattered Cover Book Store

Tattered Cover Film Series | Tattered Cover Book Store

Active Minds Lecture Series | Tattered Cover Book Store

Rocky Mountain Land-Home Region Series | Tattered Cover Book Store

Used Books at the Tattered Cover | Tattered Cover Book Store

Other Personal Indie Bookstore Fav's

The Elliott Bay Book Company | Seattle's legendary independent bookstore

Elliott Bay Book Co. will move to Capitol Hill

P owell's Books - Partner Program

Davis-Kidd

New York's Best Indie Bookstores, Gridskipper

Other Recommended Affiliate Programs:

Biblio.com Book Affiliate Program - Used Books, New Books, Out-of-Print Books

AbeBooks: Affiliate Program

Book Affiliates Top List - Find the Best Book Affiliate Programs

Christianbook.com Affiliates

"Brand Name" Affiliates

Affiliate Program - Barnes & Noble

Affiliate Program - Borders - Books, Music and Movies

Truth About Amazon.com » A Easy Home Business » Borders Bookstore Affiliate Program

Amazon Option - Sell Your Products on Amazon.com

Sailing On

"So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor,
catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

Resistance as a Positive Force... #change #socialmedia #publishing #dbw

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:50:00 PST

Flying

Birds

The fundamentals of bird flight are similar to those of aircraft. Lift force is produced by the action of air flow on the wing, which is an airfoil. The lift force occurs because the air has a lower pressure just above the wing and higher pressure below. Bird flight - Wikipedia

Airplanes
Basically the shape of the wing causes low pressure on the top side, and a higher pressure on the lower side, generating lift. When you have enough lift to overcome the weight, you get airborne. And, you need thrust to overcome the drag (air resistance). Physics of Flight
Swimming

Aquatic Animals
Anything that moves in water experiences a force called water resistance. It acts against the direction of movement, just like the force of friction on land. Streamlined body shapes help to reduce the effects of water resistance. Adaptations For Movement

Swimmers
Resistance can be a swimmer's greatest ally or greatest downfall. Resistance in Swimming

Weight Training
Lifting Weights
Resistance training involves the application of resistance to muscle contraction. Weight training - Wikipedia

Q: What do these things all have in common?
A: Resistance… all of the above involve encountering and overcoming resistance to be propelled up, or forward, and to progress...

What about resistance to change?
...change in our world,in our communities,
in the marketplace,
in our careers and work?
How do we respond?

Most people respond to change
with resistance...
and, usually that resistance
is based upon fear...
but, it is not change
that we should resist...
Change is inevitable.
Rather it is fear
that we should resist.
And that is the kind of resistance
that builds strength, propels,
and lifts to new heights..

"Courage is resistance to fear, master of fear - not absence of fear." -Mark Twain

Many inspirational speakers and writers refer to Eagles...
and how they face "resistance."
Eagles can detect a storm that is approaching long before it breaks.
An Eagle will actually fly to some high spot
and wait for the winds to come.
When the storm hits, it sets its wings
so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm.
While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above.
It does not escape the storm.
It simply uses the storm to lift it higher.
It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
That is showing how to use "resistance" in an extraordinary way!

What are some changes
that you are currently "resisting"?

or what are some changes
that you are attempting to implement,
and encountering resistance as a result?
How are you responding to the resistance?
How have you been propelled forward by resistance?

Some helpful resources regarding change & resistance:

Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard
Why is it so hard to make lasting changes in our companies, in our communities, and in our own lives? The rational mind wants to change something at work; the emotional mind loves the comfort of the existing routine.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Top Ten Reasons for Change Resistance
8 Reasons People Resist Change
Improvement, by definition, requires altering behaviors. And since most people show a reluctance to change, it follows that improvement efforts can be an uphill battle.
RESISTANCE TO CHANGE and Change Management - Understanding and Overcoming Human and Organizational Barriers
Most people don't like change because they don't like being changed. When change comes into view, fear and resistance to change follow – often despite its obvious benefits.

"Earning the Right to Ask a Favor" - Bookselling in a New Media Marketplace #socialmediamarketing

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:39:00 PST

In a recent post, re Social Media Marketing

I used the term "earning the right to ask a favor" as related to the "new selling process" ... because there is an expected exchange of value in the new media - in regard to social media interaction & communication.

Trust relationships are enabled much faster and information given or shared demands greater accountability because of easier verification - and because the conversations occur "in public".

The "give and give" nature of the "social media conversation" makes the "asking" a mutually beneficial transaction.

I have continued to ponder those words and the ongoing conversations that are focused on Social Media Marketing...

My comments today in one of those conversations...
re Social Media as a "new tool" - and, as related to comparison with traditional media and usage that engages and produces a tangible, measureable result...

IT simply IS right now...and, we are all trying to figure it out.. and, make the best use of IT as we go... using best practices from "traditional approaches", integration with "traditional promotional media vehicles" - where it applies, innovating where it doesn't, and all learning as we go... while there are definitely no hard fast rules, on HOW TO best utilize Social Media tools for marketing success, we are certainly learning many NOT TO's/DONT' DO'S in the process...

"For the long term, the value for marketing on social networking sites may be simply the ability to reach niche groups via advertising."

How to Use Social Networking Sites for Marketing and PR - NYTimes.com

What is the new marketplace?

Social Media Networks -Online Interaction
Blog Publishing
Niche Grouping - Niche Marketing
Direct Online Selling

What NOT TO DO - in the new marketplace

"Bullhorn Marketing"

Unfortunately, this happens way too often...
Some jump right into the "free online platforms" and begin to "shout out" information... assuming that everyone is just going to be so excited & interested in their product, book, money making group, etc. - simply because they put it out there...

that is in fact the fastest way to get tuned out... and, is what most of us feel is so invasive about "traditional marketing"
that is...marketing "shouting at us"
from billboards, on the radio, magazines,
newspapers, direct mail,
and into our living rooms via the TV...
...none of us as a general rule, like to get "shouted at"...

So, how DOES one "earn the right to ask a favor..."
in the new media environment...?

1. ask questions,
2. engage in conversations,
3. get to know people... their interests, concerns, & needs, etc.
4. be genuinely interested
5. don't just “tell at people...”
6. develop real, meaningful relationships
7. "give & give" rather "give & take"
8. provide helpful solutions as a natural by-product of meaningful social relationships...

What is currently working for you?
What things do you prefer
- about traditional promotional vehicles?
What are some new opportunities
- with emerging media
- that were not previously available?
How are you integrating
- new social media technologies
- into a broader
promotional & marketing
planning process?

What I Like Most About the Olympics...! ~ 2010 Winter Games - Vancouver, BC Canada

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:19:00 PST

What do I Like Most About the Olympics... Winter Olympics 2010?

All of it!

I enjoy watching everything - all of the those amazing "heroes of sport"!

... fierce Hockey contests, elegant & graceful Figure Skating, gravity defying Ski Jumping, rugged Cross-Country Racers, Sledders, Downhill Racers and the flamboyant "Gen Y half-pipers!" ...even that curious "bar-game-like" competition they call Curling... : )

Why do we watch?

...I think that for all of us, the Olympics provides the vicarious opportunity to live "it"! ...the moments, glories, modeled sportsmanship, cooperation between countries, tragedies... it is real life played out in competitive games... and, we see ourselves... we are inspired to be more... to do more... to live a life that has "golden results" and impact.

The athletes all have unique stories, personal dramas... and, in witnessing the spectacle, we experience magic right before our eyes!

Words to live by...

"When we set out to achieve a goal we will experience progression in the journey. ... 'win or lose', it's not as important to me as it is
being in the game and being a part of it. Life is a lot that way.
We are in it, but are we a part of the game? How well do we lead our lives?"
--Laura Bennett, Triathlete, Bejing Summer Olympics 2008

"Follow your heart."

--Dorothy Hamill, former Olympic figure skating champion

"You miss 100 percent of all the shots you never take."
--Wayne Gretzky, former Olympic hockey player

"I think the way to become the best is just to have fun"
--Shaun White, Olympic snowboarding champion

"Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all lessons in life."
--Kristi Yamaguchi, former Olympic figure skating champion

"Everything that I've ever been able to accomplish in skating and in life has come out of adversity and perseverance."
--Scott Hamilton, former Olympic figure skating champion

"Never put an age limit on your dreams"
--Dara Torres, Olympic swimming champion

"Nobody needs to prove to anybody what they're worthy of,
just the person that they look at in the mirror.
That's the only person you need to answer to."
--Picabo Street, former Olympic alpine skiing champion

"Ingenuity plus courage plus work equals miracles."
--Bob Richards, former Olympic pole vaulting champion

"There is no mat space for malcontents or dissenters."
--Dan Gable, former Olympic wrestling champion

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
--Steve Roland Prefontaine, former Olympic running champion

"All sports for all people."
--Pierre de Coubertin, Founder, International Olympic Committee
25 Olympians Share Uplifting Words of Wisdom
- Quotes to Celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics XXI- Beliefnet.com

IHOP is Flipping Flapjacks to Make Miracles! ~ What is Cause Marketing? #cause #causemarketing

jay@heinleinpubservices.com (J A Heinlein) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:39:00 PST

Image via Wikipedi

Flip for Free Pancakes! -Join IHOP to celebrate National Pancake Day

on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.,

we'll give you one free short stack (three) of our famous buttermilk pancakes.*
All we ask is that you consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network, or other local charities.

What do FREE pancakes have to do with making dreams come true?- the Children's Miracle Network and other charities?
...Macy's with Feeding America?, Marriot with March of Dimes?, Wally "Famous Amos' " cookies with literacy? - Literacy Volunteers of America?

It involves

corporate social responsibility,
fundraising,
nonprofit innovation.

It's called "Cause Marketing".

Cause marketing or cause-related marketing refers to a type of marketing non-profit organization for mutual benefit. The term is sometimes used more broadly and generally to refer to any type of marketing effort for social and other charitable causes, including in-house marketing efforts by non-profit organizations.
The creation of the term "cause-related marketing" is attributed to American Express, and it was coined to describe efforts to support locally based charitable causes in a way that also promoted business. The term was then used to describe the marketing campaign led by American Express in 1983 for the Statue of Liberty involving the cooperative efforts of a "for profit" business and a Restoration project.
Cause-related marketing is a powerful marketing tool that business and nonprofit organizations are increasingly leveraging. According to the Cone Millennial Cause Study in 2006[10], 89% of Americans (aged 13 to 25) would switch from one brand to another brand of a comparable product (and price) if the latter brand was associated with "good cause". The same study also indicated that a significant percentage surveyed would prefer to work for a company that was considered socially responsible.

Cause marketing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Building a "Tribe" by Supporting a Cause

Social media marketing and social marketing are often confused for each other. Social marketing has long been a synonym for cause marketing. In thinking about how these two terms often get confused I realized: they are the SAME thing. We have fought to separate the two and make them out to be completely different. One that uses “technology” and another that “helps” people.Today I argue that all good social media marketing is social (cause) marketing. Cause marketing has always been about organizing a group of people in support of something: quitting smoking, fighting cancer, saving the environment, healthy eating etc.

Examples Of Social Media Tribes | Digital Capitalism

How should authors/publishers integrate "Cause Marketing" with "Platform Building"?

Platform development has always been about building from the author's sphere of influence and affinity relationships. By properly identifying with/and supporting a recognizable cause, an author's "attract-ability" is immediately enhanced. This is "book promotion" that allows the purchaser to participate in contributing to a greater good. Creative innovation will bring together a strategic positioning with a directly related charity or a cause that is "top of mind" with the intended audience.

...cause-related marketing promotions can increase your sales as much as 74%...
Nothing builds trust with your brand or service like a connection with worthy causes. You show you stand for more than profits, and the message resonates with your target audience.

Cause Marketing | Emerge Digital

What are some ways that your company has incorporated
"cause marketing" into your overall promotional strategies?

Does your book or publishing project relate uniquely to a special cause?

Is there a cause that you particularly support?

What are some suggestions that you might have
to make "cause marketing" truly "win-win"
for both promoter and for the supported cause?

Links for 2009-06-09 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Escape the Relationship Trap
http://www.marilynfrazer.com

"Whether you're married, single, young or old, looking for love or in a relationship, these women share their insights and advice on how to have a better relationship."

Links for 2009-04-21 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PDT

new planet

Links for 2009-02-12 [del.icio.us]

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

B2B and Social Media

Heinlein Publishing Services

Courage...Love...and Overcoming the Obstacle called 'Fear'...

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...well, imagine showing up in the morning
to open your local community
"mom & pop" store...that you are very proud of...
and hoping will provide a
potential long-term income and security...
and, finding the front door padlocked...