A Year in Reflection…
It’s already a few weeks into the New Year, but I still can’t get over how great 2016 was!
Yes, there were challenges– when are there not? Yet, I continuously remind myself why I chase my passions every day in my business and personal life. In large part, it’s thanks to you– my reader!
In celebration of 2016 and all its many blessings, I’m looking back at some of my favorite posts from the year.
Here they are…
Self-Motivation Tips for Stay-At-Home Workers
It’s easy for stay-at-home workers to feel isolated and disconnected, which can lower their motivation to get things done. To combat this problem, try networking with other like-minded stay-at-home workers.
Particularly if you freelance and aren’t interacting with colleagues regularly, feelings of isolation can increase. Having a strong network will give you a newfound sense of drive and determination to push yourself.
How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Begin by prioritizing your tasks based on their level of importance. Is a project deadline fast approaching? If so, you should place it at the top of your list, making it your number one priority.
Prioritizing your tasks will allow you to stay on track and focus your attention on the most important tasks at hand.
As you eliminate the tasks at the top of your list, you can cross them off and move on to the next.
Tips For Overcoming Writer’s Block
Stream-of-consciousness writing exercises are a terrific way to jumpstart the creative process. Think of it as stretching before going for a long run — even the brain needs to limber up from time to time.
Open a new, blank document in whichever writing program you prefer. Clear your mind. Now write. Do not control the words that come to your mind, but simply allow them to flow onto the page.
They do not have to make any sense whatsoever. This exercise is about clearing away the clutter so that the gems of your work can rise to the surface.
How to Prepare for Your Book Launch
If you are not already social media savvy, it’s time to take the plunge! This will be the way you’ll market your book on a daily basis. And the best part is, it’s free!
Set up a Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest account, and start connecting with people around the world. Invite your friends and family to follow you and spread the word about your book.
The more time you give yourself to become comfortable with these platforms, the better.
Think Writing a Book Won’t Benefit Your Business? Think Again!
How to Be a More Effective Business Writer
The essence of business writing is to inform and educate. You likely base the inspiration for the content you use to inform and educate on prior experience or stories gained in your industry or field.
Make it a goal to speak in simpler terms when possible. The ability to effectively communicate your message in a simple, yet knowledgeable manner, will allow you to connect with a greater audience.
It also allows you to establish credibility with a higher readership. And, isn’t that exactly what every writer wants?
The Writer’s Block Myth and How to Get “Unblocked”
When you view the task as a non-negotiable “must do,” it becomes less about the process and more about the product.
If you can separate your emotions and focus on the end game, you’ll be less likely to succumb to feelings of self-doubt or uncertainty.
With at least double the authors come double the value! While you may work in the same industry or line of work as your co-author, you both have different experiences and content to contribute.
Say you’ve been working in Real Estate for 15 years, and your co-author has also been working in Real Estate for 15 years. Now, your book has the support of 30 years of industry experience, without any extra work on your end!
Not only will you have more knowledge and information to share, but you’ll also have another perspective to offer readers.
No two paths are the same, and your co-author is likely to have experienced an event or been in a situation completely foreign to you.
Which Type of Procrastinator Are You And How Do You Overcome It?
The “avoider” has a fear of both failure and success. They care deeply about the opinions of others, which ultimately leads to inaction. The “avoider” fears judgment of their abilities, rather than of their efforts.
For “avoiders” the biggest lesson to learn is not to be a people pleaser! You will never satisfy everyone, but it shouldn’t stop you from taking action.
It’s unrealistic to disregard the opinions of others completely, but try to take criticism or adversity constructively rather than personally.
Practical Writing Tips Every Author Needs In Their Arsenal
The act of putting yourself in the shoes of your audience is called “perspective-taking.” In other words, get to their level!
Once you’ve identified your audience, ask yourself what type of language you should use.
Gaining a clear idea of your writing purpose will naturally formulate how you write and the words you choose.
Surprisingly enough, writing in plain English is much more challenging than technical writing! The ideal balance is somewhere between spoken and technical word choice.
What Comes After Writing Your Book?
Once you’re a published author, you’ll begin to attract lucrative speaking engagements. People will want to hear from YOU– the expert.
Creating a workshop, seminar or training around the topic of your book is an engaging and interactive opportunity to connect, person-to-person, with your audience.
As industry experts, authors are also often invited to speak at companies or businesses, as a keynote speaker or end of year address.
The subtle opportunities to make eye contact, shake hands and have a conversation with your audience will build trust and loyalty on a more authentic level.
Whether you’re an avid reader or not, we’ve all had the experience of wanting to pass on that one really great book.
Nowadays, eBooks can be easily shared and sent, yet handing over your own physical copy adds a distinct personal touch to the other’s experience.
The Case for eBooks: eBooks are Portable
A big consideration is your target audience, and eBooks are much easier to transport. If your book is business-related or specific to your industry, your reader may be a working professional who often travels.
In that case, an eBook may be the most convenient option.
What a year! Thank you, each and every one of you, for being a part of it.
2017 is already off to a strong start, and I’m more confident than ever, this is the year YOU get your book OUT of your head and ON paper!