November 2023 Breakthrough Author Magazine

r o h t Au

Publisher’s Corner Juliet Clark is a six- time author, speaker and podcaster who has spent the last twenty years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses all over the world build expert audiences.

She started out as a mystery novelist and is best known or her books Gypsy, Granny Heist, and Dead by Dawn, and Pitchslapped. At age 46, she received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an avid hiker and golfer.

Writing is the painting of the voice.” ~Voltaire

2

Author

This month is all about your video!

Fran Asaro shares the why using playlists can organize and extend the time viewers stay on your channel consuming your content.

Nina Froriep, video expert, has a quiz for you.

Nina wants you to embrace your marketing personality and authentically use it to maximize connection with your audience. Read all the way to the end when Nina shares an event where you can learn how to easily edit video content.

Between Fran and Nina, all of your video-learning needs are met… and more.

Jacquie Jordan discusses the twelve speaking points that define who you are, why you do what you do, and what the world needs to know about you that makes you unique. When properly formulated, these will become a handy tool in your media appearances that will help contextualize for the audience who you are and what it is you do.

All of this and much more is included in this issue to build your author-and-influence platform in the best possible way.

Love and gratitude, Juliet

SOMATIC WRITING AND THE MIND/BODY CONNECTION

T

he most powerful way to put your reader ‘in the picture’ is to stimulate their senses through somatic writing. Somatic writing connects the reader’s mind to bodily felt sensations evoking deep emotions and memories.

The process of somatic writing is a fully embodied experience generated by being in a deeply contemplative state of allowing the words to flow directly from the body/mind. The body/mind is a complex and bidirectional relationship between a person’s mental, emotional, and cognitive processes (the “mind”) and their physiological and physical wellbeing (the “body”).

Many of the books I have published provide the reader the opportunity to delve deep into their emotions and explore their inner self. This can be particularly helpful for books that inspire the reader to

process trauma, stress, or complex feelings. As a writing tool, somatic writing has been very effective by practitioners of trauma-informed therapy to assist their clients in processing traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled way.

Beyond producing deeply felt writing, the process itself is a therapeutic tool for healing, selfreflection, and personal growth.

It may help the writer to gain insight into their emotional and psychological well-being.

Somatic writing can be practiced through journaling. One technique that is powerfully effective is automatic writing.

This approach of writing without thinking aims to bypass one’s conscious mind and ego to access deeper, subconscious thoughts, feelings, or ideas. It can be a way to access creativity or insights that might not emerge through traditional, controlled writing.

AUTHOR BIO Jared Rosen is the founder Of DreamSculpt.

As an innovator in digital media publishing, he has published over 50 media enhanced e-books for many best-selling authors and filmmakers and has published dozens of books in print. Jared is the author of three books including the groundbreaking book The Flip. As a thought leader he has presented in venues ranging from TED X Malibu, to McKinsey and Company, Sydney, Australia. In 2000, Jared co-created the Children’s Emotional Literacy Project endorsed by Mayor Richard Riordan and Norman Lear.

Author

3

A Guide for Savvy Content Creators

Y

ouTube, the mecca of online video content, offers a treasure trove of features to enhance your viewing and sharing experience.

Among these gems, playlists stand out as a versatile tool for both creators and viewers. In this article, we’ll delve into the advantages of YouTube playlists, how to use them effectively, and the art of sharing to maximize your reach.

Advantages of YouTube Playlists for Boosting Watch Time: 1. Organized Content and Extended Watch Time: Playlists let you group related videos together, making it easier for viewers to explore your content seamlessly. When viewers engage with your playlist, it encourages extended viewing sessions, boosting your overall watch time.

2. Enhanced Viewer Experience and Monetization Potential: Provide a curated viewing journey by arranging videos in a specific order, ensuring a more immersive experience. This, in turn, is crucial for those who are or dream of becoming YouTube Partners and monetizing their channel.

YouTube’s Partner Program requires a channel to accumulate 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months to be eligible for monetization. Playlists are a strategic tool to boost watch time, a critical milestone on your path to monetization.

4

Author

Sharing Playlists Like a Pro:

How to Create and Use Playlists: 1. Creating a Playlist: • Visit your YouTube Studio and click ‘Create’ in upper right hand corner • Click “Playlists.”

• Give your playlist a catchy title and description.

• Choose whether you want it to be private, unlisted, or public.

Unlisted status will make it available only to those with the link to the playlist while public status will display the playlist on your channel page.

• Access your playlist: Click ‘Content’ from left column and click ‘Playlist’ tab at the top.

• There you will see and edit all of your playlists • Click edit icon, then click videos in left column.

• Start adding videos by clicking ‘Add videos.’

2. Arranging Videos: • You can easily rearrange videos within your playlist and utilize the “Auto-add” feature to automatically include videos that meet specific criteria.

3. Assigning Multiple Playlists to a Video: • You can assign a single video to multiple playlists by editing the video settings.

• This increases the video’s visibility and reach.

1. Many creators may not fully explore the extensive benefits of utilizing playlists.

• Sharing the Playlist URL: When you share the playlist URL, viewers see all the videos in the playlist, which plays one after the other.

• This is perfect for those who want to explore your content in the structured way you’ve sorted it.

2. Sharing Individual Videos with Playlist Sidebar: • To share a single video from a playlist along with the playlist sidebar, find the video under the playlist tab of your channels homepage.

• Click on ‘view full playlist’ then click the video, and then copy the URL. (long link) • When shared, the chosen video plays, and the playlist videos appear on the right, continuing the viewing journey.

3. The Shorter Video URL: • When you share the plain video URL (the shorter link), be aware that suggested videos in the right column will be based on YouTube’s algorithm, not your curated playlist.

• This can lead to a loss of views on your other content, as viewers might get distracted.

In conclusion, YouTube playlists not only enhance the viewer experience but also play a crucial role in helping aspiring YouTube Partners reach the coveted 4,000 watch time hours required for monetization. By creating enticing playlists and sharing them effectively, you can keep your audience engaged, boost watch time, and inch closer to your YouTube revenue goals. So, why not dive in, create captivating playlists, and watch your YouTube channel flourish with a well-orchestrated symphony of videos?

Happy Creating, Optimizing, and Monetizing!

Fran Asaro is a YouTube mentor and strategist for mature creators sharing how to optimize and monetize their YouTube Channels.

As the founder of The Senior Tuber Community, Fran helps both the professional and hobbyist leave their gifts and legacy on YouTube.

Contact Fran Email: Fran@SeniorTuber.com Schedule a 30-minute Q&A call with Fran

Author

5

Your Baseline Content who I am; b) my standard of professional excellence; and c) what it is I do for a living.

This crazy anecdote allows me to give a contextualized experience about what it is I do, without the hard-core elevator pitch of “I am Jacquie. I am a CEO and two-time Emmy-nominated television producer who operates a media development and publishing company out of Silicon Beach, California.” Sure, that statement delivers the information, but not in as entertaining as fashion. This piece of information is always better when quickly delivered in an opening sound bite.

Excerpt from The Ultimate OnCamera Guidebook: Hosts*Experts*Influencers

by Jacquie Jordan (@TVGuestpert) & Shannon O'Dowd (@theshannonodowd)

of cards will become a handy tool in your media appearances that will help contextualize for the audience who you are and what it is you do.

O

Circulating on YouTube is a compilation video of Lady Gaga resequencing the speaking points as part of her deck of cards as to how she came to play the role opposite Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born. It’s a classic example of having a deck of standard generic content points available.

Your deck of cards is your twelve speaking points that define who you are, why you do what you do, and what the world needs to know about you that makes you unique.

When properly formulated, a deck

My being punk’d in Sacha Baron Cohen’s movie Bruno is one of my twelve speaking points in my deck of cards.

I’ll share that story with you in a moment. If I entertain you with that story as part of my deck of cards (which is quite entertaining, if I do say so myself) it clearly lets you know the following: a)

ne of the essential baseline tools that I believe all experts should include in their own professional content tool kit is what I call the deck of cards. It can be used as often as the expert needs, or when required as she shuffles through her speaking points for any on-camera appearance.

6

Author

For the purposes of a deck of cards, these speaking points must be so unique to you that no other expert could use them. A deck of cards can consist of the anecdotal stories that define your expertise. If I were being interviewed about my company or my job, one of the stories from my deck of cards would include a shortened version of the following memorable anecdote that occurred one December morning a few years ago.

Our company, Jacquie Jordan Inc./ TVGuestpert.com, had been booked to do a media consultation for a German TV personality who wanted to do a celebrity fashion show. We were told we’d be observing a focus group screening the pilot. I was asked if I would mind if they taped the consultation. I didn’t have a problem with that, as I’ve had several of our company’s services recorded.

When I arrived at the focus group in Sherman Oaks, I was quickly sequestered in a green room. I carefully read the release form (as all experts should!) and saw that it waived all my rights to any claims for future financial remuneration

beyond what our company was being paid for our services. There was so much language about not making monetary claims that I thought, “Wow! They’re really optimistic about the potential of this pilot selling and becoming a hit.” I was impressed with their bravado and confidence.

When I was given the go-ahead to enter the control booth that overlooks the focus group, I misstepped my cue and walked in on a man hugging a woman. No harm, no foul. They simply asked me to exit and reenter. When I did, I was introduced to an over-thetop character named Bruno … who promptly offered me champagne at 10 a.m.! I immediately noticed that the focus group was completely miscast for what I thought was a celebrity fashion TV pilot. Instead, it was a crowd of fifty-plus grayhaired, Midwestern-type men who could not have been easy to round up in Los Angeles.

In fulfilling what I thought was my job for the day, I began asking questions about the expectations for the show and the goals of its producers. Bruno started talking about all the Hollywood celebrity guests he wanted to have on the show. I told him he needed to be careful.

“It’s so hard to get A-list celebrities to appear on a show like this,” I warned him. “If you don’t cautiously navigate the appropriate channels (agents, publicists, lawyers, etc.), you’ll turn into Sacha Baron Cohen’s famous character Borat, chasing Pamela Anderson across the country for an interview.”

I had unwittingly made the reference while looking Sacha Baron Cohen square in the eye. Not only had I just made a reference to Sacha Baron Cohen’s first film Borat, but ten minutes into what I thought was a normal job, I realized that I was now in his next film, Bruno.

What’s a professional television producer/media consultant to do? It was like time had stopped. I looked around and thought, please don’t tell me they constructed this whole scene (and of course the producer in me is quickly adding up the budget for this moment) around the potential of my reactions to his character’s antics?

Should I stay or should I go?

That was the million-dollar question. However, in that moment, I didn’t think it was my million dollars that was at stake.

So, here I was, waking up in a movie and wondering, Do I bust it? or Do I keep going? Being the consummate professional that I am, I stayed for the entire two-hour filming of my punk’d appearance in the Bruno experience.

In the Alice in Wonderland way in which I was punk’d, I also ended up randomly at the very first test screening of Bruno, in a packed audience of eighteen thirty-five-year-old men wearing baseball caps. I sat nervously, wondering what the final product would be. I didn’t make the cut. I don’t think my reactions were shocking enough.

But the scene I was supposed to be in was in the movie.

For better or worse, I was replaced by two over-fifty-yearold heterosexual men, who figuratively and literally drank the champagne. The shorter version still makes for a natural speaking point for my deck of cards, as it’s an engaging story.

Jacquie is the founder and CEO of the 15-year-old cuttingedge, media and content development, promotions and booking platform, TVGuestpert that offers full-service promotion, marketing, business strategy and media services for her clients, partners and collaborators, TVGuestpert Publishing - a NY Times Best Selling publishing house, and The Guestpert Academy - an online program offering visibility, media training and TVGuestpert OnCamera Training. She is also a two-time Emmy nominated TV Producer, three-time author and the host of Front & Center with Jacquie Jordan, a broadcast podcast.

For example, “I know all my clients are capable and trained for any media interview. If I can be punk’d

by Sacha Baron Cohen and good enough in my job not to make his final cut, which was a prank, then my clients are capable of the same professionalism and ability to handle their content on air.”

Author

7

Understanding the Online Book Selling Ecosystem

T

he old days of going to the bookstore to purchase books are gone. Every author must become proficient at selling online. That means learning and being efficient with marketing books and services.

Efficiency requires that you take stock of the tools that are available to you as an author and build an integrated online strategy. Here are some areas you need to consider in order to have the reach needed to sell books.

Brand: This is where your authority shines. Do you have an established brand? If you are an author, this may include a series of books, or a book related to your expertise. Either way, the look and feel of every piece of marketing needs to be in alignment with your brand.

Relationships: You need relationships to reach your consumer base. Who are the influencers you know that can help you promote? Do you have access to media and press? Better yet, are you creating content that allows you to be your own influencer and media machine?

Juliet Clark is a six- time author, speaker and podcaster who has spent the last twenty years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses all over the world build expert audiences.

She started out as a mystery novelist and is best known for her books Gypsy, Granny Heist, and Dead by Dawn, and Pitchslapped. At age 46, she received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an avid hiker and golfer.

8

Author

Platforms: These are the places you reach consumers. Do you have an email list? Have you created lead magnets to build your list? Are your consumers on the social media platforms that you post to? Is your website built for digital marketing? Most authors do not have a website that is built for digital marketing and lead/reader connection.

When it comes to social media, are you proficient at the use of the platforms where you are connecting with consumers?

Infrastructure: You need to have the ability to grow your reader base. In the case of experts, you also need to have systems and data collection. Building your infrastructure is the most timeconsuming part of the process.

In order to be efficient, you need to understand the individual pieces of the system and how to fit them together for smooth marketing outcomes.

Campaign/Marketing Knowledge: Do you know how to run an effective online campaign? Will you reach people through a webinar, ads, a digital campaign, or a combination of all those elements? Do you know what assets are for each type of promotion and have a compelling reason for consumers to click?

Marketing requires both creative and technical skills.

Budget: Have you adequately budgeted for all of this?

Launching a book correctly requires a hefty budget. By taking your time and building an author platform over time, you also spread the cost of the launch out as well. If you are building a lead magnet to build an email list, this takes time.

Taking all of this into consideration at least a year before your book is released allows you to learn and grow as you build. Some of the items above require strategic planning, time management, and discipline to stay on course or adjust your goals as you build.

W

hen I had the privilege of sitting on a panel of experts in writing and publishing, I was inspired to write this article to share three important questions that you should ask before you hire an editor.

Question #1:

Question #2:

Question #3:

What kind of editor are you?

How long will this take?

Do you feel we are a good fit?

This is really important because there are many different levels of editing. If you are talking to someone like me, a developmental editor, but you only need/ want a copyedit, then I am not right for you (although I do have a wonderful, eagle-eyed copyeditor who can clean up all those pesky typos).

This is a good question for several reasons, including financial. For a copyedit, you can expect it to take approximately two-to-four weeks, depending on the length of your manuscript.

Excellent question. You do not want an editor who just wants a payday. You want an editor who likes your project and is willing to invest the time it takes into making it shine. For example: I once turned down a project because the author was trying to set himself up as a cult leader. Hard pass. I cannot, and will not, support that.

On the other hand, it is also critical to be very clear about what your needs actually are. If you have a raw idea or have completed only one draft of your manuscript, then a developer can help you bring that baby home. If you are a highly experienced writer, then chances are that a copyeditor is the right fit.

However, development is a different animal. My answer to that question is always, “As long as it takes.” The reason for this is that the author and I send the manuscript back and forth many times during development. If the author is on top of it, we can usually get it done within a couple months. If there are delays, then communication is imperative. For me, if someone lets me know that something unforeseen has occurred, I will suspend the contract until they are ready to proceed. So a good supplemental question here is, “Do you charge if we have to stop for some reason?”

On the other hand, an editor who lights up at your idea and starts helping you with suggestions right from the get-go will likely be a good fit. If they have demonstrated a clear interest in your project, asked good questions of you, and made you feel heard and supported, you are in good hands.

Bottom line – don’t be afraid to have a conversation with an editor before committing your time and money. A good relationship with your editor will make both your lives better, not to mention bringing your book sparkle.

Kristy Boyd Johnson is an award-winning children’s author, and has ghostwritten over 30 books for entrepreneurs over the years. She is a soughtafter developmental editor and transformational book coach. She recently launched Starseed Journey Retreats because she can’t imagine anything better than being a beautiful location with beautiful people who want to reconnect with their deepest selves through writing.

Author

9

Beat the Overwhelm of Marketing and Get More Book Sales Social media, email marketing, metrics, lead magnets, blogs, articles, landing pages…

T

he list alone is enough to cause an author to curl up in the fetal position as their mind races about how on Earth they are going to begin the monumental undertaking of marketing their book.

The truth is, marketing your book is just as important as writing it.

You know the saying, How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. This applies to marketing your book, too.

The first step to overcoming marketing overwhelm is to create a well-defined marketing plan. This plan should outline your target audience, marketing goals, and the strategies you’ll use to achieve them. Start by conducting market research to identify your ideal readers and their preferences.

Once you have a clear picture, you can tailor your marketing efforts to reach this specific audience.

Trying to be everything, everywhere all at once can lead to burnout and actually be ineffective for getting the word out about your book. Instead, identify the

most relevant marketing channels for your audience and focus your efforts there. For example, my client Lin has a children’s book series that is for millennial-aged moms. She strictly focuses on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok where she knows her audience hangs out most.

I call consistency the Granny Panties of Book Marketing because it’s not sexy at all, but necessary. Being consistent with your marketing is crucial to building your author brand and promoting your book effectively.

Consider creating a content calendar to schedule regular updates on your marketing channels. When your audience hears from you regularly and consistently, that is how you develop the know, like, and trust factor with them.

Interacting with your audience can also make a substantial difference in your book’s sales. Read and respond to comments on social media, engage in conversations, and host Q&A sessions or a virtual book launch. When you create a

personal connection with your audience, that can help you develop a loyal fanbase.

Collaborating with other authors in your genre to cross-promote each other’s books can be a fun way to leverage new audiences.

You can co-host giveaways, feature each other in newsletters, or even write guest blog posts. By tapping into each other’s reader base, you can expand your reach and boost book sales.

Overwhelm can happen when you don’t feel in control. A good way to take control of your marketing efforts is to track the performance of your marketing regularly with tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and email marketing metrics to gauge your progress. Marketing is an ever-evolving field, and staying flexible is crucial.

Having a marketing strategist as a guide can always make overwhelm a thing of the past. If you are ready to boost your book sales, brand awareness, and credibility, book a time to chat with me today here: vipbook.marketing/claritycall

Melanie Herschorn wants to make your book and brand sparkle online. As a content marketing strategist for coaches, consultants, and speakers worldwide, she’s on a mission to support and empower her clients to create clear messaging and content that shines a light on their individual experience, skillset, and books. With her unique combination of entrepreneurship, award-winning journalism and PR experience, Melanie guides her clients to attract and nurture leads and position themselves as industry experts. She also loves to provide book marketing tips on her show, AUTHORity Marketing LIVE!

10

Author

Ink to Gold The Art of Capital Raising and Sponsorship for Authors

I

n the ever-evolving world of literature, authors often find themselves at a crossroads where pursuing their creative dreams meets the reality of financial constraints. Publishing has opened new avenues; capital raising and sponsorship which have emerged as powerful allies for authors seeking to bring their works to life and promote them effectively.

Traditionally, authors have been driven by the desire to see their stories in print or e-book form, but the modern author is an entrepreneur, too. Many are seeking to master the art of fundraising and sponsorship to expand their brand and build their readership.

Cash is, of course, a crucial component of this endeavor. Crowdfunding platforms, like Patreon, Kickstarter and Indiegogo, have democratized the funding process, allowing authors to directly engage with their readers and secure the financial backing necessary to see their projects through.

However, in the realm of capital raising, innovation knows no bounds.

Authors can also tap into the vast reservoir of human capital.

Collaboration with editors, cover designers, and marketing experts can often be negotiated through partnerships or exchange of skills.

Authors can offer their unique

storytelling abilities in return for professional services, creating a win-win scenario that minimizes financial outlays.

Beyond financial support, authors can benefit greatly from sponsorships that extend beyond the monetary realm. Sponsors can provide access to valuable resources such as promotional events, media coverage, or industry connections. For instance, a sponsor may offer to host a book launch event in their wellestablished bookstore, introducing the author to a wider audience.

Authors can reciprocate by becoming ambassadors for their sponsors’ brands, weaving subtle product placements or endorsements into their narratives, thereby offering a unique marketing opportunity.

Furthermore, the power of niche communities should not be underestimated. Authors can seek sponsorship from organizations or groups that align with their book’s themes or messages. These sponsors may not only provide financial support but also grant

access to a dedicated and engaged audience eager to embrace the author’s work.

In the digital age, social media influencers and content creators are also viable partners. An author can collaborate with a YouTuber or podcaster to promote their work, sharing insights into the creative process or even co-creating content related to the book.

As you can see, the path to becoming a successful author is no longer solely defined by literary prowess. The modern author must also be a savvy entrepreneur adept at capital raising and sponsorship. These avenues offer more than just financial support; they provide access to networks, resources, and a broader audience.

Whether through creative exchange, strategic partnerships, or traditional crowdfunding, authors today have the tools to turn their ink to gold, books to bestsellers and stories to legacies.

To learn more about raising capital and to download a free capital raising checklist go to www.

BusinessAccelerationNetwork. com/capital

Shannon Short Bio Shannon Procise has successfully attained over $3.2M in FREE publicity and is notorious for being the owner of the “Million Dollar Rolodex” and teaching others how to do the same. She has trained and coached thousands of individuals in marketing, event production, business development, and personal growth. Shannon is the creator of a magnetic community - the Business Acceleration Network, where she guides businesses to build a successful enterprise while having fun and making lots of money.

Author

11

Discovering

Your Video Marketing

Personality™️ Have you ever watched a video recording of yourself and thought ‘That doesn’t feel like me’?

T

here’s something about having a camera pointed at you that makes us freeze up. Video content is inarguably the most effective form of digital marketing content, but it’s at its best when the person recording is able to embody their full self, their ‘Video Personality™️’ if you will.

As writers seeking to cultivate an organic audience through video content, understanding your Video Personality™️ is important.

NOTE: If you’re dying to learn your Video Personality™️, skip to the bottom of this article to find a link to our Video Personality Quiz!

The Four Personalities are …

12

Author

The Motivator: Energizing and Inspiring When most people imagine a typical ‘influencer’ they generally picture a Motivator. Motivators are the embodiment of contagious enthusiasm, recording impromptu videos while strolling outside, compelled to share an epiphany in the moment. They’re spontaneous and genuine, rallying their audience around shared visions.

Live streams, guest appearances, and inspired videos are their forte, fostering rapid growth when the audience connects with their energy.

The Storyteller: Captivating and Moving The Storyteller thrives on crafting relatable narratives, rich in morals and lessons, that cultivate dedicated fanbases over time. Their challenge lies in succinctly conveying ideas while leveraging emotional connections. While they can get away with longer videos, they see tremendous success when they’re able to create short, emotionally engaging video “hooks” that lead viewers further down their marketing funnels.

Whether you’re a Motivator, Storyteller, Educator, or Entertainer, embracing your unique persona fosters connection and growth.

The Educator: Enlightening and Informing Educators are innate content creators driven by a passion to, you guessed it, educate. Their layered approach to content quickly establishes them as thought leaders in their field. Crafting attentiongrabbing snippets and confidently sharing expertise leads to substantial growth. Their primary challenges tend to be creating personal connections and avoiding “fluff” content.

The Entertainer: Amusing and Stimulating Entertainers thrive on creativity and playfulness and often find themselves writing more intricate scripts and doing more editing than the other personalities. Captivating audiences comes naturally, but translating engagement into sales can be tricky. If Entertainers are able to successfully bridge the gap between audience engagement and sales conversion, they’re able to quickly drive impressive growth.

Whether you’re a Motivator, Storyteller, Educator, or Entertainer, embracing your unique persona fosters connection and growth.

Tailoring your video content to match your personality not only makes your videos more effective, but will also make creating video content easier, and much more fun.

Hi! We’re Robin Friend Stift and Nina Froriep of Clock Wise Productions, a New York City based video marketing company.

We teach authors, speakers, business coaches, and consultants to create easy and impactful video content for LinkedIn so they can enlighten, change, and disrupt the status quo of their industry. And we’re super excited that Juliet asked us to be your video marketing experts for 2023.

Over the next 12 months, we plan on giving you a quick overview of all aspects of video marketing to get your creative juices flowing and to get your most burning video marketing questions answered. AND, to that end we would love to hear from you! Send us a DM on LinkedIn or email Nina: nina@clockwiseproductions.com or DM her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ in/nina-froriep/.

Nina Froriep helps mission-driven entrepreneurs to grow their business with consistent and easyto-implement video marketing through one-onone coaching or peer-learning. I’m a filmmaker, producer and director with 30 years experience and a small business owner of 23 years. I’ve seen it all from the early days on independent features, to big national TV commercials, corporate megashows and many documentary films.

Discover your video personality by going to: https://clockwiseproductions.com/quiz/.

Please reach out if you have any questions about your Video Personality™️ or need help creating video content.

To see what “living” your Video Personality™️ looks like, follow me on LinkedIn: https://www. linkedin.com/in/nina-froriep/.

Author

13

Virtual Assistant Tasks that Provide the Biggest ROI

by Rhino Julie Johnston, Founder of Rhino Squad Virtual Assistants

14

Author

When I start working with a client I always ask them two key question: 1. What tasks are you or your executive team doing that are taking time away from driving your business forward?

2. What tasks are taking you away from your zone of genius?

We make a list together, brainstorming anything and everything.

Then I say “Guess what? Your virtual assistant loves doing these tasks!” I always felt guilty for pushing tasks I didn’t enjoy off on my team, until I realized that the right hire LOVES the tasks I don’t love!

Next, we narrow the list down to the daily task that is taking the most time and is super simple.

We develop the SOP for this task and hand it off to their Virtual Assistant.

Once the Virtual Assistant has the hang of the new task (usually right away), we move onto the next task. And the next, and the next.

Here is a list of delegated tasks that result in the largest ROI for our clients: Data Entry and Processing • Mundane but necessary tasks like transferring information between systems, organizing customer records, or compiling sales data are prime for VAs. They require attention to detail but little high-level judgment. By handing off time-consuming data tasks, you free up hours to analyze and derive insights.

Scheduling and Calendar Management • Juggling your calendar across meetings, calls, and appointments can eat up hours each week.

Empower your VA to take first pass at scheduling requests, managing your calendar, and booking travel to optimize your time. You maintain control over priorities while benefiting from their administrative effort.

Customer Service Follow-Ups • Your VA can handle common customer service tasks like sending order confirmations, checking on delivery status, and following up on inquiries.

Customers get quick resolution to simple requests while freeing you up for higher value engagements. Just be sure your VA has access to the tools and information needed to succeed.

Research and Market Analysis • Leverage your VA to compile competitive intelligence, analyze industry trends, conduct customer surveys, or size up new market opportunities.

They can package the findings concisely for you to strategize using the intel. It beats going in blind or struggling to carve out research time yourself.

Social Media and Marketing • Posting on social channels, creating content calendars, managing campaigns, or performing keyword research are all examples of marketing activities suited for delegation with strong ROI. Your VA handles the heavy lifting while you focus on high-level messaging and strategy.

Recurring Operational Tasks • Standard processes like generating reports, reconciling payments, processing invoices, or conducting inventory counts can become VA responsibilities. Codify the tasks, train your VA, then step back and review the outputs on a schedule.

Look at your current workload and identify repetitive tasks or those requiring mainly persistence versus high-level judgment. Those are prime for high ROI outsourcing.

Once you and your executive team have a little free time, then we can get into the REALLY fun stuff....like having your Virtual Assistant book you speaking gigs! Oh, the things we can do with a unicorn VA....

Hi 👋 If we haven’t met yet, I’m Rhino Julie and I help entrepreneurs and business leaders find their unicorn virtual assistants in the Philippines to help offload tasks, ease stress, and help them focus on their zone of genius. Let me know if you want to chat (Or go to www.rhinojulie.com to book)

Author

15

SEO Isn’t Scary, Try These Easy Tips

3. Quality Content Creation: Produce high-quality, engaging content on your author page. This can include blog posts, book excerpts, author interviews, and more. Ensure that your content is relevant to your target audience and incorporates your chosen keywords naturally.

S

earch Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial tool for authors looking to build up their online presence and brand. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively utilize SEO for your author page:

1. Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases that potential readers might use to search for authors or books in your genre. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find popular and relevant terms.

2. Optimize Page Titles and Meta Descriptions: Ensure that your page title and meta description include your name and relevant keywords. This information appears in search results and influences when users click through to your page.

16

Author

4. Internal Linking: Link to other relevant pages or content within your website. This not only helps with navigation but also improves the overall SEO of your site.

5. Optimize Images: Use descriptive file names and alt tags for images on your author page. This helps search engines understand the content of your images, which can contribute to better rankings.

6. Mobile Optimization: Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly. With an increasing number of users accessing websites via mobile devices, Google gives preference to mobilefriendly sites in its rankings.

7. Author Bio and About Page: Write a comprehensive and engaging author bio that includes relevant keywords. Your About page should provide a clear overview of your background, achievements, and writing style.

8. Utilize Social Media: Link your author page to your social media profiles and vice versa. Active social media presence and engagement can positively impact your SEO by driving traffic and creating social signals.

9. Guest Blogging and Author Features: Contribute guest posts to reputable blogs or websites within your niche. This not only exposes you to a wider audience but also provides valuable backlinks to your author page.

10. Consistent Branding: Maintain a consistent brand image across all your online platforms, including your author website, social media profiles, and book listings. This includes using the same profile picture, color scheme, and messaging.

11. Monitor and Analyze Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics to track the performance of your author page. Monitor metrics like organic traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rate. This information can help you refine your SEO strategies over time.

12. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments on your author page and engage with your audience on social media. Active engagement not only builds a community around your brand but also signals to search engines that your content is valuable.

By implementing these SEO strategies, you can effectively build up your author page and brand online. Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, so regularly monitor your performance and adjust your tactics to stay visible and relevant in the digital world. You’re competing with a lot of noise out there and SEO is a great way to give yourself an upper hand!

AUTHOR BIO International Content Expert Sara Burke is the Founder of HLCC, a content creation firm dedicated to boosting small businesses around the world. Sara has authored three books, and ghostwritten over 100 books, ebooks and workbooks. Sara recently launched The New American Dream, a podcast dedicated to helping business owners understand how our changing business ecosystem can support their success.

Author

17

How Using Your Own Podcast to Promote Your Book is More Powerful Than You Think 1. Create Engaging Content: A podcast allows authors to delve deeper into the themes, characters, and background of their book. This creates a more immersive experience for the audience and can generate genuine interest in the book.

That’s not to say your entire show needs to be all about your book, but podcasting offers a unique platform for you to dive deeper. This allows your listeners and potential readers to really connect with you and your content in a more meaningful way.

H

osting your own podcast as an author can be a powerful tool to connect with your audience and promote your book in unique and engaging ways. Here are some strategies and benefits I often share with Podetize clients who are authors and ready to launch their own show.

18

Author

2. Build a Personal Connection: Hearing an author’s voice and insights can create a stronger personal connection with the audience. This can lead to a more loyal fan base who are more likely to support your voice. When you’re ready to launch your show, make sure you are being authentic and not overediting or sterilizing your show. Let listeners really get to know your voice. If you haven’t caught on yet, developing connections is kind of the secret sauce and there’s no better way to do that than through podcasting.

3. Teasers and Previews: Utilize your podcast to share snippets or teasers from your book.

This can pique the interest of potential readers and leave them wanting more. It’s also important to note that listeners who believe they are getting exclusive content or sneak peeks, are more likely to 1-come back as a regular listener, and 2- tell their friends and family. It’s not that their bragging, it’s just human nature. We all want to be part of the club or someone who knows about something maybe someone else doesn’t.

4. Author Interviews: Invite other authors or experts in your genre to be guests on your podcast. This can not only broaden your audience but also create opportunities for cross-promotion. Networking in podcasting is incredibly successful for so many of our Podetize users. Hosts often find that the more they rely on cross promotion, even placing their ads on shows with similar audiences, the more downloads and plays they see month over month.

5. Q&A and Feedback: Engage with your audience by encouraging them to send in questions or comments about your book. This not only fosters a sense of community but also provides valuable feedback for future projects. People want to be heard and they want to feel like their opinion matters. If you provide that space for them, they will likely become a loyal follower and reader. This is really a win-win for you as an author also because you can use that feedback to strengthen your skills and content.

6. Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Share the journey of writing and publishing your book. Discuss the challenges, inspirations, and the process itself. This can be fascinating for aspiring writers and offer a unique perspective to readers. Your listeners want to know how you got where you are and the more they can relate to your journey, the more they will want to engage with you. Again with the connection building!

7. Exclusive Content: Provide your podcast listeners with exclusive content related to your book. This could be additional chapters, short stories, or even in-depth interviews and discussions about specific elements of the book. When paid platforms like Patreon launched, I saw so many hosts on our platform using the paywall

approach to give subscribers content nobody else had access to. This works because of the exclusivity thing but before you dive into setting up multiple platforms, use your show! Let your listeners know that you’re sharing exclusive content, promote it as such, and you should see more engagement.

8. Promote Book Events: If you’re planning book launches, signings, or readings, use your podcast to spread the word.

This can significantly boost attendance and create a buzz around your events. If you build up a following with your listeners, they will likely be excited to meet you in person and this is a great opportunity to sell more books!

9. Repurpose Content: Turn podcast episodes into blog posts or YouTube videos. This not only extends your reach but also caters to different audiences.

We do this with all of our Podetize clients. Each episode becomes endless content which makes it so much easier for you, as an author, to minimize your time coming up with new ways to promote yourself or your book.. Don’t be afraid to repurpose and share!

10. Leverage Reviews and Testimonials: Share positive reviews or feedback about your book on your podcast. This social proof can be compelling for potential readers. Listeners love this real, honest approach.

By using your podcast to promote your book, you’re not only expanding your reach and author platform but also creating a dynamic, multidimensional experience for your audience. This personal touch can make a significant impact on the success of your book and your overall brand as an author. And as far as I can tell, after years and years in the world of podcasting, this is the best, most efficient way to really put yourself out there. It’s inexpensive to start, the barriers are minimal, and the benefits are endless.

Tracy Hazzard is a seasoned media expert with over 2600 interviews from articles in Authority Magazine, BuzzFeed, and her Inc. Magazine column; and from her multiple top-ranked videocasts and podcasts like The Binge Factor and Feed Your Brand – one of CIO’s Top 26 Entrepreneur Podcasts. Tracy brings diverse views from what works and what doesn’t work in marketing, branding and media from thought leaders and industry icons redefining success around the globe. Tracy’s unique gift to the podcasting, marketing, and branding world is being able to identify that unique binge-able factor – the thing that makes people come back again and again, listen actively, share as raving fans, and buy everything you have to sell.

11. Engage with Influencers and Book Bloggers: Invite influencers or popular book bloggers as guests on your podcast. This can expose your book to a wider audience and potentially lead to reviews or features on their platforms.

When you do this, and you make it easy for that guest to share the episode, you are now in front of their audience as well. Exposure is paramount for authors.

Author

19