Just like we’ve all experienced that heart-thumping moment of Oh! You’re the ONE! — We’ve also shared the emotional let-down of, Ooooh, I guess not.

So, tell us about it in this week’s writing prompt:

I knew it was over when…

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Just post your love-gone-south story in the Comments section after this blog. The winner receives a free copy of my ebook, Write it Rich! Tips for Reluctant Writers. (Got a prize you’d like to share? Please let me know.)

Last week’s winner: Tell us about your first L-O-V-E

Ah Amore! In honor of Valentine’s Day we asked our readers (and listeners of Living the Writing Life on internet radio w4wn.com) to share their tales of first true love — in 100 words or less!

And the Winner is…

Ezgi, and these are her words:

“I knew it was just a summer fling. We both did. I never even worried that he was going to be a captain and he would be away most of the time – it would be his wife’s problem. Fast-forward to 8 years later. The only thing I know for sure is that he’s the one I truly love. And hearing his voice on Valentine’s Day makes my day. I don’t even care that he’s away, everyday to us is Valentine’s Day. And as we prove each day, “closeness has nothing to do with distance.”

Congratulations Ezgi — you have just won the ebook, Write it Rich! Tips for Reluctant Writers.

Living the Writing Life airs every Monday morning, 8 am PT, 11 am ET on the All Women’s Radio Network.  Call in with your writing questions — or listen and learn as we interview authors about their craft and industry experts about the state of today’s word-craft.

~sr~

1.  Chatter: Social media is not going away. Now’s the time to figure out how to make it work for you. Don’t have a lot of “friends” or “connections” yet? Don’t worry. Finding special interest groups is one way to build your network. You’ll expand your connections more quickly and it won’t be too long before your friend list grows.

But here’s something you might not realize: The big 3 – Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter – are not necessarily the be-all, end-all. There are thousands of social media sites for you to choose from, which means there are thousands of people just waiting to hear about you.

One way to find them is to Google “social media sites.” Join the ones that suit your niche or personal interests. Post a great photo, a detailed profile. Then, and this is the important part, participate. Be consistent. Establish a presence, offer insights and useful information, and people will start looking for you.

Although most of our business can be done online, we still need our community to know about us. So let me talk about that for a moment.

2.  First, join networking groups that fit your industry and target market.Sure, joining the Chamber of Commerce is one way to meet people. But another, more effective way is to visit the groups that represent your target market. In other words, avoid cattle-call networking — where all are welcome — in favor of meetings that are for people who share precise interests. You’re not limiting yourself – in fact, you’re about to expand your reach! 

For example, if you’re a writer – like me – whose clients are in the health and fitness industry, attend trade shows, expos, and conferences where new products are being introduced.  You can also attend pre-race events, like the ones that come before a marathon. Do not hand out your business card.

Instead, collect brochures, and relationships. In these kinds of events, people want to talk about their services, their needs, their customers. They don’t want to talk to you – yet. So bide your time. Follow-up after the event. Form a relationship and then let them know how you can help them build their business.

3.  Now let’s talk about your face-to-face behavior at these events. I’ve been to countless networking meetings where it seems like every person you meet is just waiting for you to stop talking so they can start. I’ve had people insist they will call me to talk about listing my house – even when I tell them it’s not for sale! This behavior is a really bad way to form connections with people.

So here’s what I want you to try instead: Believe: You will meet exactly the right number of people at every networking event you attend. Then, slow down! Act like every person you meet is the one you came to talk to. You’ll be remembered as attentive and considerate, which leads to a network of people who either want to work with you…or know someone who does.

4.  Feast: Think of networking events as the biggest buffet in town. When you get a taste of something you like, go back for seconds. Frequent attendance builds relationships and makes you top-of-mind. Like social media, you have to be consistent and show up. Don’t decide something is “not for you” based on just one or two meetings.

5.  Thank: Hand-written thank you notes cement a new relationship, or acknowledge an ongoing one. These take time to write, so take the time to write one well. After an in-person networking event, mention the high point of your discussion, or follow-up with a lead you promised. People appreciate a hand-written note and will remember you for it.

6. Step sideways to go forward. This is especially true if you are just starting your business – or looking for a job.Use part-time work to jump-start networking (and pay some bills!) Choose something that relates to your passion – this will put you in contact with people you want to meet. Volunteering works well, too.

Why does this work? It’s like the Law of Attraction. If you find temporary work in a setting that resonates with you – you will soon meet like-minded people. That’s a natural affinity you’ll be able to capitalize on. By connecting with people you resonate with, it’s easy to tell them about your big mission – what you’re doing in your business, or what kind of job you’d like to have. Because these people are “like you” they might also compelled to help you.

That’s it – 6 Simple Steps to Networking Success. What works for you? Tell us about it.

~sr~

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It doesn’t matter if we’re 6 or 60, that heart-rush comes to us all. Sometimes it lasts…and sometimes it’s yesterday’s news before the paper is even printed.

That’s what this week’s writing prompt is: Give us 100 words about your first love – that boy or girl who carried your heart away.

Just post your love story in the Comments section of this blog, and you might win a prize — a copy of my book, Write it Rich! Tips for Reluctant Writers.

And don’t forget to tune in to Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life every Monday morning, 8 am PT, 11 am ET on the All Women’s Radio Network, 4w4n.com.

~sr~

One of the challenges most reluctant writers face is describing their business – what they do, how they help – to their target market.

They know – you know – that you can explain it live. So how come you can’t transfer talk into words?

If this sounds like you, you need a writing buddy. Here’s what I want you to do.

Get a stuffed animal. Make it as wacky as possible. Why? Because writing is hard enough without taking yourself too seriously. A goofy looking companion allows you to inject some much-needed silliness into your word play. 

Size doesn’t matter, but the eyes do. They should be big, over-sized orbs that you can stare into. Prop the stuffed animal on your desk, positioned so you can stare into those glossy peepers. (Yes, I know, my cat’s eyes are knitted wool, but what can I say? Marmalade has been on my desk for nearly 8 years now. She gets me.)

Now, begin.

Tell your writing buddy about your latest offering – how you can solve a client’s problem in a way that no one else can. Record and transcribe the conversation if that’s easier for you. Or you can look your writing buddy in the eye and, without peeking at the keyboard, write down all the reasons why someone should do business with you.

This is a brainstorming exercise. Neatness doesn’t count, but dialog does.

As you “talk” to your writing buddy, imagine you are having a two-way conversation. Allow him to ask you questions about your offer; talk through how your competitors might describe their services. Practice persuasion, what are the words that sound most powerful and convincing?

Yes, you’re going to laugh, and that’s ok. The lesson here is this: If you can say it, you can write it. But you need to be able to say it to “someone” who will listen and not judge.

Writing – effective communication – is about hearing our inner voice clearly. For some of us, we have to speak to be heard.

And if that means talking into an orange cat’s eyes, so be it.

~sr~

Or how you were adopted by a half-starved stray who marched into the house like she owned the place. (That’d be my story! And that’s “Butterscotch” in the picture.) Maybe you want to write about the first time you laid eyes on a lion at the zoo  — or maybe while you were on safari in the Serengeti.

Either way, inquiring minds want to know about your cat: So tell us, in 100 words, about your purrrfect companion.

You might even win a prize: A copy of my book, Write it Rich! Tips for Reluctant Writers. All you have to do is post your short-short to the comments section at the end of the blog post. It’s that easy.

 Sound easy? It is. And if you’re stuck on how to get started? Maybe you need a Writing Buddy.

~sr~

Susan Rich, the get-you-noticed-now marketing pro and journalist-blogger, talks daily on internet radio station w4wn.com. Join her 8 am PT / 11 am ET every weekday morning for your daily dose of the FEM factor: Fascinate. Educate. Motivate.

For the week of February 6, 2012:

Monday: Living the Writing Life – Author Tom Kane talks about his past life as a priest, and the challenges of promoting his self-published book. Before you go oh, yawn: The man is 86, and worth listening to. Followed by JP Jones, YES! There is life after publishing. Also: Writing prompt for prizes.

Tuesday: Rich & Gluten-Free – Ed Berrera is going to share tips for easing chronic pain and health coach Bonnie Kane will talk to us about food paralysis. I don’t know about you, but I’m having a hard time making wise food choices. 

Wednesday: Love & Lifestyle – Hypnotherapist John Arrowwood is going to tell us how to use the Law of Attraction to get the love of your life. So close to Valentine’s Day, this is a must-listen show!

Thursday: Your Marketing Plan – Call in for your mini marketing makeover – host Susan Rich offers free, get-you-noticed-NOW marketing strategies. This week’s guest: Author and business innovator Bev Flaxington shares her personal success strategies.

Friday: Potpourri + Retro Kitchen with co-host Annemarie Schuetz – Little House on the Prairie meets modern day living, plus her stupid silly news stories of the week. This week’s guest: Animal trainer Barb Heidenreich. I’ve always thought the Friday show was a real zoo — now I know it’s true.

All shows 8 am PT / 11 am ET on the All Women’s Radio Network.

Susan Rich Talks: Show Review

Ok, so that’s what’s coming up next week. But I also want to give a quick share on who was on Susan Rich Talks this week: What we talked about, and where you can connect with these fabulous authors and experts on your own.  But why read about it here? Please join me 8 am PT / 11 am ET every weekday morning for your daily dose of the FEM factor: Fascinate. Educate. Motivate.

 For the week of January 30:

Monday: Living the Writing Life – Shel Horowitz shared his tips and tricks for marketing your book: Frugally, and effectively. Also, weekly writing prompt: Write about you day at the beach, win a prize.

Tuesday: Rich & Gluten-Free – Jen Fugo talked to us about how going gluten-free can create a sugar addiction; author Michael Prager talked about his journey from Fat Boy to Thin Man.

Wednesday: Love & Lifestyle – Michael John Fierro shared the wisdom of using numerology in the classroom, plus, yes, we talked about whether the world will end in 2012. Dr. Taffy Wagner told us how to talk about money with our adult children. A delicate topic that can really be mastered!

Thursday: Your Marketing Plan – Susan Rich gave marketing advice to a business owner who is restructuring her health food store. Steve Gamlin talked about how the Law of Attraction can build your business.

Friday: Potpourri + Retro Kitchen with co-host Annemarie Schuetz. Annemarie shared her weekly Stupid, Silly, and Disturbing News Report (a failed murder plot that involved a husband and wife, an unwitting suspect, a tub filled with water, a yowling cat and a radio. All’s well that ends well, meaning those who should be alive, are – including the cat – and those who should be in jail, are.) This week’s guest was illusionist Brian Glow, who told us about his amazing food drive. If you’re looking for a great fundraising idea, check out the video on the Vanishing Vegetables website.

Why read the show review when you can listen live? Join us weekday mornings for the FEM Factor – fascinate, educate, motivate on Susan Rich Talks!

All shows 8 am PT/ 11 am ET on the All Women’s Radio Network, w4wn.com.

Did you miss a show? Ask me for an audio file.

Join Susan Rich Talks!

Would you like to be a guest on her shows?
How about a co-host — share the mic with Susan Rich and really get your name out there!

If you’d like some extra marketing love, please sponsor Susan Rich Talks! Find out why it’s good for your business, just contact Susan to find out.

 ~sr~

You do have one, right?
Mine is tucked away on a shelf in my closet, but after chatting with Steve Gamlin, I think it’s time I created a new one.

Steve uses his vision board as a daily reminder of all the dreams he wants to achieve. So his vision board is on his wall. It’s the wallpaper on his computer, the backdrop on his cellphone, and a folded up copy — Steve’s very own treasure map — is kept in his car. He refers to it before each client meeting, each talk he gives.

Every day he studies the board and points to a single item. “What,” he asks himself, “Can I do today to bring me closer to this goal?” And then he does it.
Step by step, Steve accomplishes each goal, and then he makes a new vision board, sometimes mid-year.

This, he explains, allows him (and you!) to manifest those deepest business and personal dreams into reality.

It’s all part of the Law of Attraction, but with the Gamlin twist: First we ask the universe for help in reaching our goals. Then we create an action plan that encourages personal accountability, plus incorporates a strategy for making it happen.

That’s one idea we talked about on Susan Rich Talks…Your Marketing Plan on the All Women’s Radio Network. I’ll say this right now: If you missed the show, ask me for a copy. It’s free, and well-worth the listen.

As they say in sales talk: That’s not all.

We talked about motivational firewood, Steve’s personal version of inspirational quotes with daily instructions to help you blast through the hard spots. He’s even written a few books on the subject. 

But so much of success in business, what really is part of Your Marketing Plan, is you, and your ability to connect with that little kid on Christmas morning (or whatever holiday suits you) — the one who left painstaking lists about what you wanted and why.

We all dreamed big when we were young, Steve explains. And then as adults, we willingly close the door on all those crazy big dreams because we don’t think they’re attainable. Using the Law of Attraction to build your business is about checking your attitude, the ways you drive yourself forward, and the ways you slam on the brakes.

Tune in to next week’s show

Susan Rich Talks…Your Marketing Plan airs Thursday mornings, 8 am PT / 11 am ET on w4wn.com, The All Women’s Radio Network.

Call in with your questions: 561.422.4365

~sr~

With more than 3 million titles published in 2010 (including self-published and mainstream), there’s a lot of competition. It’s hard to get noticed by the media, and just as challenging to engage new readers. But it can be done, and Shel Horowitz hung out with Susan Rich and Annemarie Schuetz on Living the Writing Life to share some of his advice.

1.  Spend 1-2 hours a day marketing your book. Of course you’re going to use Facebook and Twitter, plus guest blogging and sharing thoughtful insights on blogs that are part of your niche market. For book promotion, try to keep it to 1 “buy me” message for every 20 shares. You want to connect with, not over-sell, your market.

2.  Become an expert. Can you get the media to interview you? It’s worth a try. Answer reporter’s queries on Help a Reporter Out, Reporter Connection, Pitch Rate, and Radio Guest List. The credibility is worth the effort.

3. Make your story topical. The way to build media interest is to find hooks in your story that reach dozens of outlets. Is your heroine a hairstylist-sleuth?  See if you can’t sell your book in salons. Maybe run an ad in an industry publication. Try to land a review or endorsement by reaching out of the box and into the market where your readers really hang out. 

But no matter what you try…marketing is hard work. It’s a slog. It takes time, energy, focus, and commitment.

It’s not a day at the beach.

That would be this week’s writing prompt: Write about a day at the beach.

If you’re like Annemarie, never having seen the ocean’s edge, use this to inspire 100 words.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

 And if you’re like Susan, this is one of her favorite photos from a trip to Oregon’s ever-popular Cannon Beach.

Otherwise, tell us about your own beach day memory. Just submit it in the Comment box below. You might win a copy of Susan’s book, Write it Rich! Tips for Reluctant Writers.

Last week’s winner: Karen Larkin. Here are her words:

Our first family dog, Scooter found us at the SPCA. We had looked through all the cages, looking for her. We didn’t see any older labs, as was our preference. Dismayed; we started to leave and I said “I guess there are no labs here now.” Our oldest daughter said, ‘Mom, there IS a lab, she was back in the outside cage!” As we turned back toward the outside cage, we saw this beautiful black lab was attempting to crawl under the fence towards us; as if to say; “Wait for me, I am here!” She recognized us; her family.

Tune in to next week’s show

Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life airs Monday mornings, 8 am PT / 11 am ET on w4wn.com, The All Women’s Radio Network.

Call in with your questions: 561.422.4365

~sr~

Join internet radio show host Susan Rich, the get-you-noticed-now marketing pro 8 am PT / 11 am ET every weekday morning for your daily dose of the FEM factor: Fascinate. Educate. Motivate.

For the week of January 30:

 Monday: Living the Writing Life – Our guest is guerrilla marketing pro Shel Horowitz, and we’ll be talking about innovative ways to promote your book. Also: Writing prompt for prizes, question of the week.

Tuesday: Rich & Gluten-Free – Jen Fugo explains why our shift to gluten-free can create a sugar addiction and Michael Prager talks about his journey (and book): Fat Boy, Thin Man.

Wednesday: Love & Lifestyle – Numerologist Michael John Fiero tells us what 2012 really means and Karen Koenig shares insights into chronic dieting and how to heal our relationship to food.

Thursday: Your Marketing Plan – Steve Gamlin will talk about how to use the Law of Attraction to grab attention and drive sales – an inspirational approach to running your own business. Also: Call in for your mini marketing makeover – host Susan Rich offers free, get-you-noticed-NOW marketing strategies.

Friday: Potpourri + Retro Kitchen with co-host Annemarie Schuetz – Little House on the Prairie meets modern day living. This weeks guest is illusionist Brian Glow, and his magical food drive.

All shows 11 am ET on the All Women’s Radio Network.

 Join Susan Rich Talks!

Would you like to be a guest on her shows?
How about a co-host — share the mic with Susan Rich and really get your name out there!

If you’d like some extra marketing love, please sponsor Susan Rich Talks! Reasonable rates, great exposure. Ask for more info.

~sr~

Aren’t dogs amazing? That’s what we talked about this morning on Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life. Our guest today was Charmaine Hammond, author of On Toby’s Terms. And in honor of her remarkable best friend, we’ve got the perfect prompt for dog lovers (or haters) everywhere:

Write about a dog.

In the comment box below, share your super-short story about a dog: Yours, the neighbor’s, the lost dog poster you saw on your way to work this morning. Write about a dog in a shelter, or one you saw perform a super-cute trick.Write about a good dog, or a bad one. Talk about a dog bite, a dog fright. Just tell us your doggone story.

Win a prize

One winner gets a copy of my book: Write it Rich! Tips for Reluctant Writers.

Tune in to next week’s show

Susan Rich Talks…Living the Writing Life airs Monday mornings, 8 am PT / 11 am ET on w4wn.com, The All Women’s Radio Network.

Call in with your questions: 561.422.4365

~sr~