Podcasts about self publish

Stephanie O'Brien formed her company, Coach Client Connection, 13 years ago to help coaches and experts connect with the people who need their services. She grew up in Manitoba Canada. She says that as a child she had great difficulties in developing relationships with her fellow children. As she said during our conversation, she tended to be too clingy among other things.   She began writing at an early age and wrote her first full-length novel at the age of twelve. She has written 14 books, four of which she self-published. As she matured, she began connecting with writers online and found that she could create relationships with them. She then learned how to make others around her feel interesting and thus also began learning how to establish real relationships with others.   As she tells us, she also began meeting with coaches and others to improve herself and her self-esteem.   We talk quite a bit during this episode about coaching and how Stephanie has created a program to help coaches better interact with clients and others. She even gives us a free gift to help us learn how to choose and interact with coaches.     About the Guest:   Stephanie O'Brien, founder of Coach Client Connection, has been helping coaches and experts to connect with the people who need them since 2013.   Throughout her childhood, she struggled to make connections with others. As the kid who was always sending invitations to the other kids, and seldom being invited herself, she knows what it's like to feel invisible and unwanted.   She immersed herself in her writing, and completed her first full-length novel at the age of 12. She went on to write 14 novels, four of which she self-published as ebooks (she calls the rest “teenage practice”).   As she began to connect with other writers online, she gradually honed the art of building relationships by making the people around her feel interesting, wanted, and understood. She also sought healing through coaching and therapy, and experienced firsthand the transformations coaching can bring. This gave her a passion for helping coaches to share those transformations with more people, so those people can enjoy the same freedom, joy, and recovery from old wounds that she did.   Since then, Stephanie has spent over 10 years helping coaches to get noticed, connect with the people who need them, and turn their expertise into coaching programs that their clients can easily understand, implement, and turn into real results.   When serving clients, she draws on her decades of practice in writing fiction and nonfiction, her ability to see both the big picture and the little details, and her experience as a client of both great coaches and coaches who left her discouraged and disappointed. She also uses the relationship principles she discovered to help set coaches at ease, draw out more of their expertise than they even knew they had, and make the process of creating their programs easy and fun. Ways to connect with Stephanie:   https://www.coachclientconnection.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stephanieobriencoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-obrien-program-design/ https://www.facebook.com/StephanieOBrienCoaching   Free Gift: https://www.coachclientconnection.com/How-to-Pick-a-Coaching-Topic-that-SELLS/   About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Well, hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset. We're going to try to be unstoppable today as much as much as we can. Our guest is Stephanie O'Brien. O'Brien, good Swedish name Stephanie. I couldn't resist. It's a it's pleasure to have you here, and it's a pleasure to have all of you listening. Stephanie has been involved in coaching and connecting coaches and clients for 13 years now, my gosh, a long time, and we're going to learn all about that. And I know that Stephanie's got a lot of words of wisdom to talk about. So without further ado, as it were, let's get into all of this. So Stephanie, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're really glad you're here.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 02:03 Thank you so much. I really appreciate you having me here. I'm looking forward to this,   Michael Hingson ** 02:07 and as I told Stephanie earlier, the rule of the podcast is you got to have fun. So, you know, we do our best. But anyway, let's start out with kind of the early Stephanie, growing up and all that. And you know, just to learn a little bit about you if we can   Stephanie O'Brien ** 02:22 sure, a big part of the reason why later came to have a focus on helping coaches connect with people was because for me, connecting people was connecting with people was really difficult. When I was young, I'd be the kid who on Saturday morning, I'd get on the phone at a call each of my friends one by one, only to be told that they didn't want to hang out. And I was seldom the one who got a call in return. So I had a really hard time connecting with people. Admittedly, I could be a bit clingy and boring, so I have to recognize my own faults and where I had to grow from there, but at the time, I didn't really know how to fix that. So yeah, I had a hard time connecting with people. Eventually, I started connecting with people through writing. I was a pretty prolific novelist. I finished my first novel when I was 12 years old. Terrible novel. Mom told me, Steph, don't delete it. And I tell her, no, no, it's so bad I'll never want to see it again. Mother knew best. I shouldn't have deleted it. But I went on to write 14 novels, four of which were good enough by adult needs standards, to Self Publish. And while I was doing all this writing, I started connecting with other writers, talking with them about their stories. I got very good at building relationships and asking the right questions to keep the conversation going, but I just kind of learned how to connect with people through trial and error. Though I've been still worked with some mentors to get better at it still. So now I use that experience, the writing experience, the ability to phrase things in a way that's easy to understand and connect with that experience. With building relationships, I help coaches to connect with more of their ideal clients now.   Michael Hingson ** 03:49 So have you always been in Manitoba? Yeah,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 03:53 I've always lived in Manitoba. Sometimes vacations are traveled outside if it always lived here, oh   Michael Hingson ** 03:58 yeah, lot of snow in the winter, oh   Stephanie O'Brien ** 04:01 yeah, it's been less severe lately, like it's in the last few years, we've had more 30 degree days in summer, fewer 40 degree below days in winter. But it still can get pretty cold.   Michael Hingson ** 04:14 Isn't that crazy? Well, but, and of course, some people say there's no such thing as climate change. So what do you do?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 04:20 You put out the pictures of me trick or treating as a kid versus me at Halloween this year, like I went from trick or treating in blizzards to walking on grass in November one. There's a difference.   Michael Hingson ** 04:33 Well, so you you went to school? Did you go to university? Or any of that? I   Stephanie O'Brien ** 04:38 was actually homeschooled, and I went to Athabasca University online, but I didn't take a full formal university education. Instead, I learned. I took courses from various coaches and business owners to learn how to run an online business. Wow, Peter, if you're gonna do a secondary education, you may as well learn from someone who's doing what you want to do, and to teach you how to do it   Michael Hingson ** 04:57 well. And as long as that, we're. For you that that's a good thing to do.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 05:01 Yeah, you've got to choose your education based on what you're trying to learn and what you're trying to accomplish. I don't like the cookie cutter model, or you got to get a college education because, yeah, learn what's relevant.   Michael Hingson ** 05:13 Well, I think there's value in college and or university, absolutely. And I went, I went to to the university, and I think for me, probably it was the best thing to do, because back in well, in 68 to 76 when I was at the University of California at Irvine, there weren't a lot of alternatives other than college for getting access to material, accessible stuff wasn't there. In fact, majoring in physics, my books had to be transcribed into Braille and and that that was a challenge, because professors didn't always want to provide information about what books they were going to use until as late in the process as they could, just in case a new book came out. And that that didn't work for me, and so one of the things that I learned was how to work with professors, and when necessary, use higher authorities than professors at the university to get them to provide what needed to be done. So that was that was useful, but the material wasn't accessible without me making a major effort. So probably college was would have been, anyway, for me, the way to do it. But obviously what you did worked for you. And so, you know, I figure it's important to   Stephanie O'Brien ** 06:29 just go to figure out what you want to do with your life, figure out what information or courses you need on that, and then, you know, pick the source that is most appropriate to provide it. It's there's no one size fits all,   Michael Hingson ** 06:41 no, and I agree. What do you do with people who say I don't know what I want to do with my life?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 06:48 Those generally don't tend to be our target audience, but I can help them in a few ways. I can give them a few questions that they can answer. You know, they can look at what is something that they really love to talk about can't get enough of talking about so they could study this forever. Is it something that they could you know, an area where they can help get results for people. Let's say they are really into relationships. They're fascinated by human relationships. Can they help people to communicate better? Can they help people to find better, healthier partners? Can they help them to avoid common conflicts with other people? Or, you know, what's a problem that they've solved for themselves, that they've healed in their own life. You know, maybe they had a really rough cancer journey and found out, you know, what went wrong, what went right, what could have gone right more to make it easier for them. Now, I know one person who she got through breast cancer and now teaches other people how to navigate that journey a lot more smoothly than what she experienced. Yeah. So, yeah, I encourage people to, you know, look at their lives. Look at what you do for free, if you had the option, if money wasn't an object, what fascinate? See what you're passionate about, and just see, is there a way you can use that to make other people's lives better?   Michael Hingson ** 07:54 Well? And that makes a lot of sense. And we, we all should do a whole lot more introspection and analyze what we do and and even ask ourselves why we do it, because we we tend to just move ahead and do stuff and we don't think about it. And the other part of what happens as a result of that is that we try to control everything that we do, we don't think about what we're doing, and we're a lot more afraid than we should be, and then we need to be, if we would only take the time to really be introspective and learn what is it that really is going on? Why do I feel this way? And as you're pointing out, what can I do about it? But if we really take the time to analyze. Then we figure out somewhere along the line, you don't need to worry about what you can't control, just focus on the things that you can and your life is a whole lot better anyway. Oh yeah,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 08:54 yeah, at Holyoke, give me the strength to control, our strength to change what I can the grace to accept what I can't, and the wisdom to know the difference, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 09:02 well, and the reality is that one of the things that I talk about a lot is the mind's a muscle, and you need to develop it whoever you are, and the best way to do that is to think about what you do. I've learned that I'm not my own worst critic, I'm my own best teacher, and that's the way it should be. But I have to be open to learning and letting me and my inner voice teach. But if I do that, then I'm oftentimes, as I think back on it, very amazed at what I suddenly discovered that I didn't know before because I wouldn't take the time to think about it and study it.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 09:40 Yeah, we can get so busy, so caught up in our day to day lives, so ingrained in our routine. Sometimes it can be challenging to rattle ourselves out of that, and sometimes we need another set of eyes, or someone asking the right questions,   Michael Hingson ** 09:53 yeah, and then, and we need to take that time so. So for you. You, you studied, you worked with people. And so you what? Well, what kind of jobs did you have early in your your job world? Or did you always coach?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 10:12 Um, my first jobs, that was actually a waitress for a restaurant my mom owned, along with a couple other people. They were going to run the restaurant along with us. They were going to be the main ones owning the restaurant, and then they just kind of ditched us and left us with a restaurant we didn't know what to do with. So I was a waitress there for a bit before we sold the building and moved on. Then we tried owning rental properties for a bit, and honestly, no, never again. We were not cut out for that. It   Michael Hingson ** 10:34 was terrible, scary thing. Yeah,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 10:37 yeah, it's done. I can still lose like I'm fine with being responsible for me. I don't need theory to be responsible for me and all the tenants who call me during supper to mediate between their fights. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 10:50 this only so many hours in a day, and people need to take responsibility for themselves. So I hear you. So what did you do after that? That   Stephanie O'Brien ** 10:57 was after that that we started getting into coaching. You I'd been writing novels for pretty much as long as I could write, and I was going with mom. She was becoming a coach. She was studying under Mary Morrissey, so I went with her to learn how to use my fiction writing skills for business. And I started studying under Brendan Norman and then Ted McGrath. And yeah, they it was actually Brenda Norman who introduced me to the world of writing for marketing, and, you know, knowing how to focus on the results that people care about instead of the process that they don't really care about, how to phrase things in terms of the actual experiences that they long for, instead of just giving dry, vague descriptions issues kind of my gateway To the world of marketing.   Michael Hingson ** 11:37 So you you really, essentially came by the whole concept of coaching pretty naturally, by by just the the evolution of of what you did, which is pretty cool. How about your books, though, are, are any of them still available for people to get?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 11:56 Yeah, got four novels on my website. It's Stephanie O'Brien books.com where I host my novels, my short stories, my comics, my art, basically all my creative stuff that isn't coaching. And I've also got one non fiction book, one month program builder up on my website. I have written another one tell people with their marketing message, but that one needs to be updated. I'm planning to update and republish it eventually, but it just hasn't been   Michael Hingson ** 12:20 a top priority. So have you published all of your own books? Or have you worked at all with traditional   Stephanie O'Brien ** 12:26 publishers? It's all been self published. A lot of the traditional publishing route just seems like too much of a pain for them, still expecting me to do Mark most of the marketing. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 12:35 that's one of the things that has happened, is that publishers tend to not do nearly the marketing that they used to, which is, which is fine for those who really do know how to market, but there is also value in publishers doing a lot more to help than I think probably a lot of them do, but it's the way the world is going that we've we are so steeped in social media and everything now, people think that's the only way to market and it's not.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 13:06 Yeah. Anytime someone says their way is the only way, I immediately get suspicious, like they instantly lose credibility. There are so many different ways to market yourself and grow a business. The important thing is finding a way that works for you. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 13:21 And ultimately, one of the tests of whether it works for you is whether you see results or not. But, but true, it is still there is not just one way to market or sell for that matter,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 13:32 yeah, and if you're not having fun doing it, you know, it's kind of like your podcast, if you're not having fun doing it, especially because, yeah, I found that if I try and commit to a marketing method that I just really hate doing, I will struggle every day to get it done. I'll wind up procrastinating, I won't do it as consistently as I should, and I won't get results. So yeah, when you're choosing your marketing method, you gotta pick something that even if you're not totally ecstatic about it, you at least enjoy it enough that you can do it consistently   Michael Hingson ** 14:00 well, and you may discover later that you really do enjoy it, and that's that's part of it. We don't always necessarily know everything in our own minds the way we ought to. But if we, if we keep looking and we keep trying things and we find something, well, this is working. I'm not a great fan of it, but 10 years from now, you may discover that you learned a lot and you really love it.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 14:23 Yeah, you can always just experiment with it. You'll give it a 90 day shot it, don't. You don't want to just poke at it and then go, Oh, it didn't work instantly. But, you know, give it a be a good old college try. Give it a 90 day genuine try. And if you're really hating it, if it's not getting results, be willing to let it go. If it's getting results, if you're enjoying it, keep on going, working on refining it   Michael Hingson ** 14:42 well. And if you're getting results and you don't enjoy it, then it's probably worth exploring. Why don't you enjoy it? Yeah, that might be very telling also.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 14:53 And if it's something that can be outsourced, then you might want to look at outsourcing. Actually, it depends on the nature of what it is you.   Michael Hingson ** 15:00 Yeah, there is that. But if it's working that that, in of itself, is something right off the bat. Yeah, you   Stephanie O'Brien ** 15:06 don't want to ditch what's working unless you got something better to replace this.   Michael Hingson ** 15:10 That's that is always true. Well, so anyway, so you started studying, and eventually, when did you start your your business, and start coaching, seriously.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 15:24 Um, see, I kind of, I was kind of half probably coaching, partly writing for people, as early as 2013 that's where I got my start. And then just kind of gradually got more and more into coaching, as opposed to writing for people. So of course, even the other process of writing for people still involves a certain amount of coaching, because you have to help them understand, Okay, here's why I'm doing it this way. Here's what we need to communicate. Here's what you need to communicate as a follow up afterward. So there's a certain amount of coaching involved in that too, but it's been the last few years that I've shifted my focus more fully to helping people create their coaching programs, as opposed to, you know, writing marketing materials for the programs they already have. Now,   Michael Hingson ** 16:00 you've written a number of fiction books, right? Tell me about that that I'm still trying to figure out how to write a fiction book   Stephanie O'Brien ** 16:10 for me. Most of the time. It starts with me having a few ideas for scenes or relationships, etc, and then spending the rest of the time trying to justify their existence. Like here are a few really great scenes, and now I need to figure out all the other plot points that lead to this moment the books I've published so far. One of them is called cat girl roommate. It takes the concept of a cat girl, except that instead of being the stereotypical sexy cat girl, she's a cat girl who actually acts like a cat and thinks like a cat. I've owned cats pretty much as long as I can remember, so I just took a whole bunch of their ridiculous shenanigans, and put them into this one cat girl, like, how she'll, you know, the her roommate who's taking care of her, he'll make the same meal for both of them. But she doesn't want her. She wants his. It's the exact same thing, but she's sure that his is better. Such a cat thing to do another it's called a heroic lies. It's, um, kind of a dark twist on the superhero genre, where you've got this villain who keeps on kidnapping people, keeps on trying to fight the hero, except that there seems to be nothing in it for him. It kind of explores that whole Why is the villain putting so much into the fighting the hero instead of making his own life better with his own genius, and kind of puts dark twists on it? Oh, shoot. That's why.   Michael Hingson ** 17:20 Cute. Well, and speaking of cats, see who I have on the back of my desk chair here. Yeah,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 17:28 I noticed him moving around. But enough, I got one sitting in a chair right over there.   Michael Hingson ** 17:32 Well, stitch usually isn't in with me, but our house is being cleaned, and so her bed is is under attack, as far as she's concerned. So, so she came in here, which she usually does, and she'll just stay up on the chair. She's fine,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 17:48 yeah? My cat tape laundry day sometimes I finished, you know, laundering the sheets and making the bed. Okay, Brandy, your bed is ready.   Michael Hingson ** 17:56 Yeah? Well, stitch, stitch copes pretty well. And then there's my guide dog, Alamo, who's down on the floor. You can't see him, but he's he's down there and quite content. But stitch seems to be pretty well. She moves around a little bit, but she's planted herself on the back of the chair. And I didn't even think about it when I bought this desk chair to get something wide enough so that she could be on it, but it's worked out really well.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 18:23 And yeah, she seems very cozy and   Michael Hingson ** 18:25 content she is. And for those who don't know, stitch is my, my main coon rescue cat. We've had her now for 10 years, over 10 years. So since the bed is is being made and washed and all that. Then she's in here and she's fine. She'll get bored eventually,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 18:47 Hey, as long as she isn't wandering around screaming, as mine sometimes does.   Michael Hingson ** 18:50 Yeah, yeah, that's the big issue. Well, so you you got into this whole business of of coaching, and how did you start or working with her? How did you decide to start working with other coaches and coaching them in terms of dealing with clients and so on. While   Stephanie O'Brien ** 19:11 I was accompanying my mom to all these the training events, I just started falling in love with coaches and coaching. I saw all these amazing people who are trying to be their best selves, live their best lives, break free from their old patterns and beliefs and ways of being, instead of just being ruled by them their whole lives, and trying to help others to do the same. I just fell in love with it, of the idea of the ripple effect I could make by helping these people. I also became a client of some coaches, and I found it was really it really changed my life in a lot of ways, like helping me to overcome the emotional difficulties from that childhood I described, where people didn't want to be around me, where I couldn't make friends seeing the change it made in myself. I wanted to help more people to experience those transformations, and I wanted to help the amazing coaches who were making such a change to have more success and joy in their own lives, too. Yeah. But you know, as I was interacting with them, I found that I think they were in some ways, kind of too educated for their own good, because they say stuff like, I help you shift your paradigms. And I think I might have mentioned that earlier, but yeah, they they didn't realize that these things that had so much meaning for them wouldn't have the same meaning for someone who didn't have their training. So, you know, they here shift your paradigms, and they can instantly mentally connect it with a result, whereas the lay person here is that they can kind of speculate about the result that they don't immediately look up and say, Yes, that's the exact change I need in my life. But I was kind of the universal translator from Star Trek, helping them translate their coach speak jargon into layperson's terms and into the terms of here's what the people actually want.   Michael Hingson ** 20:42 If you were to define it, what would you say is the definition of a coach? What is a coach?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 20:50 I'd say it's somebody who that works. Doesn't just put a training program for someone to go through on their own pace. It actually works directly with the person. You're helping that person find the answers that they need, helping them to work through their own minds, their own circumstances, their own desires, and helps them ask the right questions is someone who helped them to figure out their own life or some specific aspect of their own life. They don't just give education. They also receive what the client has to say, and help the clients to work through it and understand it.   Michael Hingson ** 21:21 Yeah, I once heard a definition the difference between a coach and a therapist, mainly is that a therapist helps you find the answers, but the therapist knows the answers and can give you the answers, but a coach guide you, because you're the one who really has to discover the answers and figure out what it is that you need to deal with. So the coach will guide you and help you discover, but you have to be the one to do with the coach doesn't necessarily know nor provide the answers.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 21:56 Yeah, and when I'm working with coaches, that's definitely the case where you know they're the subject matter expert on whatever they're trying to teach on. I'm just the person who knows which questions to ask to draw out their expertise and help them to share it in a more effective way and to come up with it. Or you could draw it out of hiding in a more efficient way, instead of spending weeks trying to figure out what to say. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 22:19 So in general, what I you've talked about a little bit, but what are some of the challenges that you first saw in dealing with coaches when you first started?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 22:29 Well, there was the one I mentioned, where they didn't really know how to explain their services in a way that resonated with people. You know, they talked about the process they took them through, or the amount of content they were going to give them, or the amount of time they were going to spend with the person. Thing is, you're asking for a bunch of a person's time. That's not a selling point. That's a chore. You're you're going to spend five hours of your weekend on this. That's an anti selling point by helping if they one of those challenges then was, you know, not knowing what it is that their clients really want and addressing that. Another is time. Is a huge issue, I think, in the business world in general. So a lot of people struggle to find the time to create their coaching programs, or what time they have they don't use it officially, because they don't have a system for quickly and easily drawing out all that content and organizing it. Another is money. A lot of coaches are having trouble finding the right clients, connecting with them, conveying the value of their products and services to them, so that they actually go get those clients and get the money. So those I find, are three of the big challenges that coaches run into.   Michael Hingson ** 23:31 Yeah, I can say, having observed a lot about it, that a lot of people seriously undervalue or don't recognize the value that they bring, and so as a result, when they're creating courses or coaching or whatever, they undersell and don't charge what they're necessarily really worth. And there are reasons to avoid that and really charge what you're worth, but you also have to learn how to do that and learn how to figure that out. But people do tend to sell themselves short way too often.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 24:13 Yeah, when you're really immersed in your own expertise, can be so easy to start feeling like what you know is common knowledge, when in reality, it's stuff that a lot of people don't know. And even if they know some of the surface stuff, they don't know the same kind of depth as they don't know it in the same kind of depth as you do. Now, I've actually got exercises I take my clients through so they can kind of remind themselves of the depth of their own expertise and how much they know that their clients don't know. I'd be happy to share that if you want. Sure. Yeah. And for those of you who are listening, I hope you've got something to write this down and record this so I'm going to walk you through this exercise. Not only does it help you to really boost your confidence in your own expertise, it'll also help you come up with a ton of content for your coaching programs, your training programs, your content marketing, podcasts, newsletters, social media, posts. So, so yeah, definitely be ready to take notes on this. So your first step is to figure out what are the things that you can help people with. You know, just write it down in broad categories. Maybe you could say, I help them with marketing, with JVs, with getting referrals. So you put those broad categories, kind of break them down by the results. What are the results that you can help people get then pick one of those results. I like to use the example of a relationship coach who helps a single men to meet and marry the woman of their dreams. So the result is that this person has a loving marriage with the woman of his dreams, but right now he's single and lonely and doesn't know how to approach women. So then for step two, what you do is you'd write down the steps that you take your clients through, preferably in chronological order. I know not everyone can do chronological order, because some processes just don't happen in a specific timeline or a specific sequence, but if you can do it in chronological order, it's best to do so. So the steps that you'd write down say you're this coach you could write down, helping him to figure out what kind of woman he wants to meet, helping him to figure out where these types of women might hang out, how to approach her, how to have a conversation, how to get a first date, how to see if, how to conduct himself on that first date, and see if she's the kind of person he wants to keep dating. How to get a second date, if he wants and so forth. So once you've written down all these steps in chronological order, pick one of those steps and break it down further, this is where you really start to see the depth of the expertise that you have. So step one was figure out what kind of woman you want to meet. So you could ask questions like, what kinds of experiences do you want to have with your partner, and what kind of person would want to have those experiences with you? What kind of experiences do you not want to have, and what kind of person would give you those bad experiences? What kind of positive experiences have you had in the past that you want more of you if you need help to figure out what you want? Does Do you want a partner who wants to be a homemaker or a career woman or a business owner? Do you want a partner who wants to have kids with you, or who I'd rather stay childless? Does give them really specific questions that they can ask themselves to better understand you know what they wanted to better understand how they can go about this. And if you want to give them instructions for how to do something, make those instructions so specific that if an alien never even heard of your subject of expertise before were to read the instructions, the alien would know exactly how to do it. You don't feel like those software developers who go, okay, just click on this tab, this tab and this tab, okay, but how do I get to that tab in the first place? Don't assume that your clients know how to do the first few steps. Some of them will some of them won't. You don't want to leave that second category behind. And you can also look at what are the best practices they can use while doing this. What are some common mistakes? What are some examples you can give them of people actually doing this. And by doing going through this exercise, you can really get a clear view of just how much depth and detail you know about every single step in this entire process. And when you really break it down, every single step that goes into the process has so much nuance, so much detail, so many things that you could teach them, so many nuggets of wisdom you probably have that you might have even forgotten since it's become so second nature. I encourage you to do that exercise and remind yourself what an expert you are and come up with a huge amount of content at the same time.   Michael Hingson ** 28:22 Right? And then what happens? So   Stephanie O'Brien ** 28:27 what happens next? Of course, depends on what you're trying to accomplish. You know, if you once you've done this exercise, if you're trying to create a coaching program, you still need to figure out how you're going to deliver it, whether it's in group coaching calls one on one, a hybrid, or if you want to make a training program as opposed to a coaching program, you need to figure out how to price it, how what kind of posting software you want to use to deliver it. Those are some of the steps that come after. And of course, you need to figure out how to sell it, how to market it in a way that works for you   Michael Hingson ** 28:59 well. So coaches are human, like, like everyone else, at least, that's, that's the theory. And so you observed coaches having challenges. You've observed people not necessarily dealing with discovering the things that they should discover in order to be able to coach or to to progress. How do you find or how do they overcome those challenges? What do you do to help them overcome those challenges?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 29:31 It kind of depends what the situation is that's preventing them from progressing. So yeah, my first step would be, of course, to talk with them and figure out, Okay, what's stopping you from progressing? Is it that you feel you don't know enough to create a coaching program? In that case, let's see how we can draw out more information from you. Is it that you have too much information and you don't know which information to put in each offer because you don't want to try and shove it all in the same offer? It's just going to get cluttered, and people will feel it ripped off if they're paying for information they don't need. That might help them figure out if they. How many offers Do you want to make? What information goes into each offer if they're having trouble with time in my program, creation Made Easy. Course, the first thing I do with people is actually look at their schedule and figure out, okay, what are your priorities? What needs to be in your schedule, what can be paired out? Where can we make time to actually create your coaching program? So those are some examples of how I help people with some common challenges.   Michael Hingson ** 30:24 Do you find a lot of resistance people don't want to, or think they don't want to overcome the challenges because they don't really exist? Do you see a lot of that kind of challenge and that people just resist because they're really not thinking in as I put it, being introspective.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 30:44 I'd say one of the biggest challenges I find people run into that stops them from working with me is they want to do it on their own. And some people can do it on their own, but others wind up working on it for weeks on end. You say, Oh yeah, I'm working on figuring out this content. Then weeks later, I follow up, hey, how are you doing? I'm still working on it. We could have had it done in 60 to 90 minutes. Here, just one call with me, 60 to 90 minutes, and that could have been done. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 31:10 well, that's your expertise that brings that. And the result is that, again, people aren't thinking it through, and so the result is that they they continue to go in circles and not necessarily move to where they ought to be as quickly as they should. But at the same time, there's only so much you can do, because you can't force people to listen.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 31:39 Yeah, all I can do is, as with any business owner, work on getting better and better at communicating my value and helping people see why they're better off working with me.   Michael Hingson ** 31:47 Well, that's an interesting point. It's as much a learning experience for you, isn't it?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 31:55 Yeah, absolutely. Anytime you're finding that people aren't really responding here to your messaging, you need to look at your messaging or the way you're presenting it, and see, okay, Where can this be improved, and even if your messaging has been working, you know, things can shift to trends can shift. People can get overloaded on a certain amount of certain type of messaging. So you need to be prepared to adapt and to listen to people and see how their needs and their preferences are evolving.   Michael Hingson ** 32:19 Yeah, and I you, you bring up a really good point that I like a lot, and that is that things may be working. You may be doing something well, the question is, can you do it better? And I think that's a question that we should always be asking ourselves, can I even improve what I'm doing that takes humility to be able to ask that question. But it is still true. It's something that we should do, and that is really look at by doing this the best way I can. Can I improve it? And of course, that is something that you as a coach brings to it as well, because sometimes, if they consult with you, they can find out that you may approve of what they're doing, you may like what they're doing, but you can come up with other solutions that are even better. I love the whole idea of collaboration, and we don't. We don't see nearly as much of it as we should, and I think way too often, as you point out, people just want to do things on their own, but none of us are really an island.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 33:27 Yeah, I've had lots of mentors who helped me to get where I am, and I'm still learning from other people as I go, it   Michael Hingson ** 33:35 gets to be a real challenge. And again, you can't force people to do things that never is going to work. So you can't necessarily do that. And   Stephanie O'Brien ** 33:45 I hate that sales tactic where you try and force or bully someone into it, go run to the bathroom room and buy my stuff, or else you're going to be a failure in business forever. I am so over that, and if someone tries to pressure me into it, that tells me that they care more about their agenda than they care about me, and then they don't respect my boundaries in that point, their odds of making a sale pretty much hit the floor and start digging.   Michael Hingson ** 34:06 Yeah, you know, I learned a long time ago that people who really sell and do it well recognize that what they truly are are educators or counselors. You don't force people to do things. You need to really look at what a person needs and wants, and if you've got something to help them, then you you bring that into the conversation, but you don't, and you shouldn't force people. I've had so many situations where I sold a product and the product that I well, I should say I wanted to sell a product, but my product wouldn't necessarily do what the customer really needed. There were issues, whatever they are. So what am I to do? I could try to just continue to push our product on them, but I know that in the end, that's going to backfire. It's. Not going to work, people are then going to hate me or resent me, and they're never going to want to do business with me. So it's important to not push something that doesn't work. But I also took it a step further, more than once, which is to say, here's what will work, even though my company doesn't happen to have it, and when you really develop that level of trust by being honest with someone and pointing out this is what really works in the long run, that's going to earn you a whole lot more than you would have ever gotten any other way.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 35:34 Absolutely, it can make you more of a go to authority. I mean, people need something. They can come to you, even if it's not what you offer, you may not be the provider, but you know the provider, and it helps to foster good relationships with other business owners. If you have people that you know is trust and can refer to, I recently sought out a grant a person who's an expert in Grant. I've noticed her on a networking event, and I'm not really looking for a grant myself. Don't have much interest in grants at the moment, but I've had a few people for some reason, approach me and ask me, Hey, can you help me get a grant? No, not remotely. And you know, the first few times I had nobody I could even refer to, I tried to find some people who I could refer to, but couldn't really find anyone appropriate. So I finally find this one just, Oh, thank goodness you actually help people to find grants. Like these people wanted me to help them find a grant. Never mind, apply for it. Find one in first place, and I can't do that like I could learn, but I don't want to. But then here's this person who specifically teaches people how to do it, though, even though it wasn't my expertise or even something I needed, I sought her out just so I'd have that ability to refer people next time.   Michael Hingson ** 36:36 Well, that's pretty important to be able to do. I in my case, I'm thinking of a particular incident where we, I and a sales guy, one of my sales people, who had set up an appointment to go see a customer, and they wanted his manager to come, which was me, and we went. And I'm unusual anyway. I mean, how often do you see a blind sales guy coming in, holding a laptop projector and doing other things like that. And I actually did the presentation, and I also happened to be very technical, and so I asked a lot of questions, and learned that our product wasn't going to do what these people needed. But by the time we were done with the whole presentation, I said, and you can probably see our product won't do what you need, and here's why. But then I did, and that's the first time I really did it. I took the next step and said, but here's a company, and here's what product really will do exactly what you need, and here's why. The result of that was that two weeks later, we got a call from the same company saying we really took what you said to heart, and now we have another project. And because of everything you taught us, we know that what you have to offer is exactly what we need. Just tell us what it's going to cost, and we will order it today. We're not even going to put it on for bid, and that's what trust is all about,   37:59 absolutely,   Michael Hingson ** 38:01 and it's, and it's so exciting, but it's, it's unfortunate that all too often, people don't really look at the whole value of developing that trusting relationship, and that's got to be a volitional part of whatever you do in coaching, or anything that we do in business, or anything in our lives?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 38:21 Yeah, I've had too many people try and pitch me without first, building that trusted. And even if it's a free thing, like a free webinar, there's no such thing as free, yeah, even a free webinar still costs time that I won't get back. So it's like and see when COVID just comes crashing into my inbox. Pitch first that tells me they care a lot more about their agenda than they do about me, especially if it's something that's clearly in applicable, like, No, I am not going to join your group for single mothers. I've never had a kid. I mean, granted, I have this cat, and she is kind of a toddler, but I've never had the kind of kids you teach people to work with.   Michael Hingson ** 38:54 Yeah? So you've, you've never had kids yet.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 38:58 I'm not really planning to have already got cats.   Michael Hingson ** 39:00 Yeah? Have you gotten married? No, so you're not even in that but you've got cats. Well, that's fine. Now, when my when my wife and I got married, we decided that we were going to have kids. She was in a wheelchair her whole life, and she said that she was concerned it would have too much of a bad effect on our body. And what we decided to do, in addition to having dogs and cats, was to welcome nieces and nephews into the house, because we could kick them out at the end of the day, and that worked out   Stephanie O'Brien ** 39:31 really well, yeah, just hop them up on sugar and send them back. Yeah, that's what my grandparents did,   Michael Hingson ** 39:37 yeah. Well, worked for them, right? Yep, you seem to be surviving as a result. Well, I didn't die. Yeah, you're still you're still coaching. So that's pretty cool. Well, let me ask you this, if I can, if someone is thinking about being a coach or selling their expertise, how do they determine. Or how can you help them determine whether they're really qualified? Or how can they decide that they're qualified?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 40:07 I'd say the big thing is just to ask yourself, can I consistently get people results in this area? Now, obviously that depends on the other person actually doing the work to get the results. But do you know how people can get results in a specific area in a repeatable, reliable way. It could be anything from your relationships, improving your relationships, improving your health, improving your business, and it doesn't even have to be the whole journey. As long as you can help people take one significant step, you can help improve their lives, like even if you can't help a person go from single to married, if you can, say, Help married couples to stop having a specific type of argument. And for that matter, the more specific the problem you solve, the more people who have that problem. I want to see, oh, that's exactly what I need you. I don't need this generic relationship advice. I need relationship advice. I want this thing in particular, like, think about when you're, say, having a technical issue, and you want to say, let's say last night, I was looking for how to widen the navigation bar in a WordPress site, and I see all these results for you, how to improve your navigation bar, how to make a navigation bar, how to change a navigation bar. No, I just want it wider. The only result I'm interested in clicking on is how to make it wider. It's the same thing with your customers. You know, the more specific the result you can help them to get, the more the people looking for it are going to say that's exactly what I need. So don't assume that you're disqualified if you can't help them with their entire journey. Just focus on what is one big result that I can help people get. If you know how to get that, help them get that result, then you can help them to do that,   Michael Hingson ** 41:42 and it might also be that you do what you can do. But again, like you said about the lady who you've met who does grants, you can also get people in touch with other people who may be able to augment the successes or the results that you've already achieved, who may be able to do it better than you? So that you create essentially a teaming approach, even though each of you are working individually to help this individual? Yeah,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 42:10 absolutely. And you can do it kind of sequentially or concurrently. You could have someone be offer a guest module in your coaching course, if you say, you help people with nine steps out of 10, but it's one step in the middle. Isn't your expertise that you can have a guest expert come in and present in your course. Or if you help them with one step of the journey, but not the subsequent step, once they're done working with you, you can refer them to somebody else. Or if they're not ready to work with you, let's say you help people get on stages and present, but they that only really works and can be monetized if the person has something worth selling to sell. So if you meet someone who wants to get on stages but has nothing worth selling, though, you could refer them back to me, and I could get them ready for your services,   Michael Hingson ** 42:52 right? It's a process. And again, a lot of people don't think they're they're capable of selling. They they don't have the self worth, or don't think they have the self worth. And even the whole concept of this podcast, as I've said to many people, one of the main reasons that I love doing this is I get to show our audience members that they're more unstoppable than unstoppable than they think they are. And whenever I hear someone say, I learned this from this particular podcast, and it really showed me how I can be better than I thought I was. That doesn't get better than that. Oh yeah. And even   Stephanie O'Brien ** 43:35 if you're just starting out, just starting out, can actually be kind of a superpower, as I was mentioning earlier in this interview, people can get so ingrained in their own expertise, it can become so second nature. They forget what other people don't know, which can result in overly broad or vague explanations. Like I've seen some mindset coaches saying stuff like, notice what stories you're telling about the telling yourself about this situation, or notice what limiting beliefs you have well, if not, unless you're trained for that, you're not going to notice what the story or what's a limiting belief versus what's just a fact. You don't know how to tell the difference. So that's an example of how a coach who's really in their own expertise can totally forget that other people don't know how to do what they do. For someone who's just starting out and who remembers the very vividly what it's like not to know these things. It's less likely to make that mistake, more likely to be able to put themselves in the client's shoes, understand what the client does and does not know, and explain it in ways that a person who's new to this can understand. I thought to say a more seasoned coach can't do that, but there is that risk that they'll forget. So if you're just starting out, it can be just easier to relate to people who are also starting out and who are just a step behind you.   Michael Hingson ** 44:44 How do you teach people who are clearly experts in what they do, but who have forgotten that they weren't always experts in the people they're dealing with aren't experts? How do you teach them to go back and recognize. Recognize that and remember those things that they've clearly forgotten that would make them so much better, because they could then relate better to other people,   Stephanie O'Brien ** 45:08 mostly by asking questions. Do I kind of come at it from the standpoint as if I was their client? Okay, you just told me to do this, but how exactly do I do it? What are the exact steps I need to take, or what questions can you ask me to help me to figure this out. Now I basically act like I was there. We don't necessarily role play, but I do ask questions as if I was their client and didn't know how to do this thing.   Michael Hingson ** 45:30 Yeah. What do you do to help the person who's say, fairly new to coaching and doesn't think that they're good enough? And how do you teach them to recognize that really maybe they are or or maybe they'll discover that they're really not. But how do you how do you deal with that?   Stephanie O'Brien ** 45:50 Um, I take one of the things I do is I take them through that exercise I did earlier with you. Write out the list of steps you take. Break it down into sub steps. I often remind them how being new can be a superpower. I also invite them to look at the results they've gotten for themselves and other people in the past. Have you healed this issue in yourself? Have you helped yourself to lose weight? Have you helped yourself to raise your kids better? Have you helped yourself to improve your health? Or have you helped other people? Is this something that other people come to you for advice, and have those other people gotten results from working with you. Now, if you've never really gotten results for yourself or for other people, then you might want to make sure that you're able to actually get those results before try to teach people, because if you don't know how to get the result, then you're really not qualified to coach but if you can get the result, then you know how you got the result and can replicate that process with other people, then you are ready to coach people. You are ready to help them to do what you know how to do. One of   Michael Hingson ** 46:46 the things that I have always done when I hire new sales people, or even today, when I'm talking to people who are fairly new and something that they've decided to explore, take at least a year and be a student. You should always be a student, but especially for the first year, play the student card. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Don't hesitate even to ask your customer questions, because the more you ask, the more you'll learn. Because mostly people really want you to succeed, and they want to succeed, and you're bringing something to the party, you may need to figure out what it is, but if you start by being a student, then you're really at least half the way there to figuring it all out.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 47:35 Yeah, absolutely. And you know, having a podcast can be good for that. You can interview people and get there to share all this free information, and they get exposure. You get free information, you get content to share with your audience. It's a great way to open doors.   Michael Hingson ** 47:49 Well, it's true, and you know, in the it works both ways, because hopefully, for example, when I ask questions or we're talking about different subjects, hopefully you get something out of it too, and that's, that's what makes it really fair,   Speaker 1 ** 48:05 that's important to have win wins, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 48:08 well, so clearly, you know, we're dealing with a lot of different kinds of environments, and you're dealing With a lot of people. What about the person who doesn't think they have the expertise and so they're reluctant to charge more or charge what they should be charging? I think I probably know the answer to this, but I'm going to, you know, ask anyway, what do you how do you help those people recognize, let's assume, that they do have the expertise to expertise, but they don't think they do.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 48:44 One thing I can help them to do is look at the results they get and see just how valuable it is for their clients. So for example, let's say you help somebody to sleep better at night and have more energy. Obviously, there are health benefits for that. Here, you are less likely to have diseases. You're less likely to get into a car crash because you were groggy. You're probably going to have a better immune system the breakdown. I could break it down by the various categories of life. What are the benefits in their health, of course, in their relationships, if they have more energy, if they're less cranky, if they're in a better mood, they'll be more pleasant to be around people who want to be around them more they'll probably have better relationships with their kid, their friends, their spouse, their boss, their clients, their coworkers, and understand relationships that's healthy. And also look at time. How much time are they wasting on doing things slow, hard way because they're groggy and brain foggy and unable to work well? Yeah, I encourage you to look at every different area of your life that it the client's problem is affecting and that would be affected positively by the solution you give. I think this will help remind you just how valuable your solution really is. And if you're not completely sure that you can help people to get results, you know, look at the results you've gotten for yourself. Look at the results you've gotten for others. If you. Do have a good track record of getting results, then you know that's the site that you already have proof that you can if you don't have a history of getting results, then you need to work on developing your skill set learning systems that can get results consistently, or look at some other area of your life where you've already gotten results. But yeah, the important thing is that you need to be able to get results. And of course, you do have to also be realistic about okay, you can teach people how to get these results. You can also do things with them to help maximize the chances that they actually do the things you're teaching them and thus get results. But you do have to recognize that some people are going to choose not to do the things, and they will therefore not get the results. So as long as you know that if your system is followed and will get results, you've done your part, the rest is also on them.   Michael Hingson ** 50:47 Yeah, and a lot of times they may not get results, and who knows specifically why, but it's really important that they understand why they're not getting results. And maybe it is only, and I don't want to mitigate it, but it's only they don't have the confidence to ask, or they don't have the confidence to to reach out to help somebody get the results, which is also part of what they need to work on.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 51:14 Yeah, one thing coach that I like did, instead of just asking, do you hold He did ask, Do you have any questions? But if the people on he was coaching with didn't in his group called, didn't have any questions, he'd ask them to give an update. You know, what were you working on this week? What results were you trying to get? What results did you get? And this often resulted in him finding things to coach on that the person hadn't thought to ask. So, yeah, it's important to check in with your clients to see what kind of results they're getting, what kind of results they're not getting, and if they're not getting results, then explore that with them. You know, why are you not getting results? What did you do the action steps? Okay, if so, did you do them right? Did you do them wrong? If they didn't do the action steps, why not? And how can we adjust your schedule so that you actually can fit them in? What kind of resistance is there against doing these action steps, and how can we clear that resistance? That's really important to stay in touch with your clients and to get consistent updates on what milestones they are or are not hitting and why they are not are not hitting them, and be be prepared to address those underlying issues. Because often, while you're working on doing something, questions will come up that you didn't think you had earlier. You you discover nuances to it that you didn't know about, or you'll meet mental resistance that you didn't realize you were going to have.   Michael Hingson ** 52:29 Part of it, though, is also the art of asking questions and the art of asking the right questions. I, for example, really don't like to ask yes or no questions, closed ended questions, if you will, because you don't learn much that way. And so that was also one of the things that I did with the customer we mentioned earlier. I'll always ask open ended questions, because I really want to get not only the information that they they have that I feel is important for me to have, but I also get to know them a lot better. When I ask open ended questions and get them to really give me a detailed response, I'll learn a lot about them as well, and I think that's extremely important.   53:12 Now that makes total sense,   Michael Hingson ** 53:15 yeah, because it's it's so important to be able to ask tell me more about this. Or what is it that you find doesn't really work here? Or why do you like that? And really get questions that will make people think that also helps keep me alert when I when I keep thinking of questions. So it works both ways.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 53:43 Yeah, I'd say the ability to ask the right questions is one of the most important things for a coach.   Michael Hingson ** 53:47 Yeah, and if you don't necessarily know the right question, again, asking some open ended questions, and sometimes you might even want to say, what else is there that you want to tell me about this, or tell me more about this, so that you get people to offer information? And I've been in situations where I wasn't sure what to ask, but I can always ask something that will get people to offer more, that will help me think about, oh, I need to ask about this. Yeah.   Stephanie O'Brien ** 54:18 And you could kind of write a list of the pieces of information that you need to know about your clients you know, like, say, going back to that relationship coach, example, the piece of things that you need to know in order to help someone

BookCovers.com is the premiere marketplace for professionally designed premade book covers. In today's episode, we'll cover everything from how to choose the right cover for your book, to how to work with a professional cover artist, to how much you should expect to pay for your cover art. And if you happen to be a cover artist, or know one, we'll explore how to set up your very own storefront at BookCovers.com. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Episode Summary: In this powerhouse episode, I sit down with my friend and corporate speaking expert, Dr. Jinneh Dyson Williams, to unpack what it really takes to sell books in bulk, secure six-figure contracts, and build a corporate brand without relying on social media. Dr. Jinneh shares how she went from flying across the country with a newborn to closing long-term partnerships with school districts and organizations that generate predictable income—all by leaning into value, relationships, and purpose-driven messaging. She also breaks down how she became a bestselling author without chasing bestseller status and why speaking for free can actually be your most powerful marketing strategy when done the right way. This episode is a masterclass in positioning, packaging, and showing up boldly as the solution decision-makers are looking for. Key Takeaways: Stop pitching—start building relationships. Corporate contracts come from trust and connection, not cold pitches. Know your value. Speak with clarity about the impact you bring, not just the services you offer. Sell the solution, not the speech. Understand the problems you solve inside organizations and how to structure your offer accordingly. Speak for free—strategically. When the room is full of decision-makers, your free speech can become a six-figure opportunity. Bulk book sales are a positioning tool. Package your book with your speaking offer—and don't be afraid to license your content. Memorable Quotes: “Opportunities of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.” “Don't chase exposure. God is your PR.” “I've never had the program ready before I sold it—because why would I build something no one asked for yet?” “People don't buy what you do—they buy the problem you solve.” Secure your spot for the Monetize Your Book Challenge (Aug 4 - Aug 8): A sales accelerator workshop for thought leaders who want to turn their future or current book into a business asset and profit producing machine! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: www.monetizeyourbooknow.com Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

The 17th annual Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale is upon us! This is a chance for authors to get the most bang for their buck while traffic is increased at Smashwords. The D2D team discusses tips and tricks to get the most out of your advertising efforts and maximize results.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Episode Summary: In this episode, I break down why writing a signature book—not just any book—is one of the most powerful tools you can use to elevate your brand, expand your visibility, and scale your income. I've seen too many entrepreneurs treat writing a book like a "someday" goal or write personal memoirs that don't align with their business strategy. But if you're serious about building a six or seven-figure brand, your book should be rooted in your proven frameworks, results, and transformation. I explain how your signature book is not only a positioning tool, but also a marketing asset that helps you generate leads, close clients, and become known for your message. Whether you're coaching, consulting, speaking, or building a service-based business—this episode will challenge you to stop winging your content and start using your book as a foundational business asset. Key Takeaways: Your Signature Book Should Be Strategic – It's not just about sharing your story. It should align with your business offer and demonstrate your unique success framework. Memoirs Don't Build Empires – Unless your story directly connects to your business transformation, it won't grow your brand. You Already Have Credibility – Your book amplifies the authority you've already built and opens the door to new opportunities at scale. Content Clarity Leads to Stronger Marketing – If you're unclear, no amount of marketing or sales training will work. Your book helps sharpen your message. A Signature Book Becomes a Funnel – With the right book funnels in place, your book can drive traffic to your email list, programs, and paid offers—on autopilot. Memorable Quotes: “A signature book is built on your success recipe—and that's what makes it valuable.” “You don't need to keep chasing content. One book, when done right, can become a course, an event, a program, and a movement.” “People can't work with you if they don't understand what you do. Your book helps them see it clearly.” “What comes easy to you is hard for someone else—and that's exactly why your framework matters.” Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

Steffanie Holmes, writing as Steff Green, has come a long way, from publishing her first book with a homemade cover, to building a career as a six-figure bestselling author. The author behind https://www.rageagainstthemanuscript.com joins us in today's pre-recorded episode to talk about perseverance and getting to the miracle moment in your career that changes everything.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Episode Summary In this episode, I'm sharing five powerful steps to help you bounce back from life's setbacks and step into your comeback season with clarity and confidence. Over the past few years, I've experienced one setback after another—personally—while my business continued to soar. And what I've learned is that challenges don't disqualify you. In fact, they can refine and reposition you if you respond the right way. Whether you've experienced a failed launch, a personal disappointment, or you're just feeling stuck, this episode will help you get honest about what happened, feel your emotions without being consumed by them, extract the lessons, and take intentional steps forward. I'm walking you through what it really means to be resilient—not by pushing past your pain, but by honoring it, learning from it, and refusing to let it define you. This conversation is real, raw, and full of truth that will help you rebuild from the inside out. Key Takeaways: Acknowledge and Accept: Don't minimize what you're going through. Naming it is the first step to healing. Feel Your Feelings: Your emotions are valid—but they don't get to control the direction of your life. Extract the Lessons: Every setback has something to teach you. Don't just go through it—grow through it. Reset and Refocus: Revisit your goals and take one clear action step to rebuild your momentum. Rebuild Your Confidence: You've overcome before—and the strength you used then is still inside you now. Memorable Quotes: “It's not the setback that defines you. It's the comeback.” “The circumstance that happened does not define you… that strength is still in you.” “Resilience is not about being emotionless. It's about being emotionally intelligent.” “Setbacks are just plot twists that make your victory even sweeter.” Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

It's been too long since Megan and Mark joined Jim to talk about the work our promotions team does at Draft2Digital. If you have questions about how you can promote your book, and how D2D can help you, be sure to join us live with your questions! //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In this unforgettable episode of the Published and Paid Podcast, I went live from the heart of Times Square with none other than Dr. Keena Mosley. We were standing in front of the very billboard that featured her brand-new book, Launch to Impact, and it was a full-circle moment. Dr. Keena is a two-time author and a dynamic leadership strategist with decades of experience in education and executive leadership. We talked about how she took her idea from concept to Times Square in just 20 weeks, the challenges new leaders face, and what it really takes to build confidence, navigate culture, and lead with clarity and impact. If you're an emerging leader, a team lead, or a CEO trying to grow your leadership presence, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways: Leadership often starts early. Dr. Keena shared how her leadership journey began long before her career—even as a child—and how that identity shaped her path. Confidence is key. One of the biggest challenges she sees in developing leaders is a lack of confidence. This book helps leaders find their voice and own their power. You have to study people. Whether you're managing up or leading a team, your job is to study your leaders and your team so you can lead strategically and communicate effectively. Culture already exists—shape it wisely. Don't walk in trying to overhaul everything. Understand the existing culture first, then make changes gradually and with intention. Mentorship should match your season. The mentor who served you in one phase of life may not be who you need now—and that's okay. Choose based on where you're going. Quotes Worth Remembering: “One is always too small a number for greatness.” – Dr. Keena Mosley “Every time your seat changes, the rules change.” – Dr. Keena Mosley “You can't create culture without first understanding it.” – Dr. Keena Mosley “Mentoring is legacy. You can't do it all forever—but you can leave something behind.” – Dr. Keena Mosley Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

Episode Summary In this episode, I'm sharing why virtual just isn't enough—and why in-person events have been one of the biggest game changers in my business. As a former middle school teacher turned seven-figure entrepreneur, I didn't have the flexibility to travel and speak at conferences when I first started. So instead of waiting for someone to invite me to the stage, I created my own. Hosting workshops gave me the confidence, content, and connection I needed to build my brand—and it can do the same for you. I'm walking you through the real difference between virtual and in-person experiences, including the live coaching, immersive focus, and powerful networking that only happens when you're in the room. If you're trying to decide whether attending or hosting a live event is worth the investment, this episode breaks it all down. I also give you an inside look at the 7-Figure Bestseller Summit—an exclusive, one-day workshop where I'll personally coach you through writing your book and building a monetized brand. If you've been feeling the limitations of Zoom and you're ready for real momentum, this episode is your invitation to get in the room. Key Takeaways: In-person > virtual: You can't replicate live coaching, energy, or connections in a breakout Zoom room. Experience creates transformation: Attending live events collapses your learning curve and increases execution speed. Immersion beats information: Virtual learning often leads to procrastination; in-person environments allow for focused implementation. Strategic networking happens in hallways: Some of the most powerful collaborations and contracts are born during lunch breaks, not during keynotes. Not all events are created equal: Choose experiences with fewer speakers, more access, and a clear framework for action. Jasmine's recommendation: Every entrepreneur should host at least one live event a year, even a small workshop, to build authority and connection. Memorable Quotes: “Virtual gives you information, but in-person gives you implementation—and transformation.” “I got tired of waiting for someone to invite me to the stage… so I built my own.” “You can do more in one day at a focused, in-person event than you can in weeks at home.” “The right room can change your life. Your next opportunity might be one conversation away.” “Live events aren't about performance—they're about strategy, execution, and results.” Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

Alessandra Torre is a New York Times bestselling author who has sold more than 2M books and publishes romance under the name Alessandra Torre and domestic suspense under the name AR Torre. She is also the co-founder of Inkers Con, a digital conference for indie authors looking to progress their careers. Alessandra joins us to take her experience as a bestselling author and conference organizer to talk about the 5 things she thinks authors need to know. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Episode Summary In this episode of The Published and Paid Podcast, I'm keeping it real and breaking down exactly why your book isn't done yet. If you've been stuck on Chapter 2 (or 3… or 5), feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or constantly second-guessing yourself, this episode is for you. I'm walking you through the seven most common reasons I've seen experts and leaders stall out on their signature book—and how to move past them with clarity and momentum. Whether it's perfectionism, lack of a plan, fear of judgment, or just plain burnout, I'm here to remind you that your message matters, and your book can still be finished—sooner than you think. I'll also share how I still earn income from books I wrote nearly a decade ago, and why I believe your signature book can become the cornerstone of your thought leadership brand. And if you want support, accountability, and strategy to get it done—join me at the 7-Figure Bestseller Summit in Alpharetta, GA on Saturday, July 12. We're creating book blueprints, building business models, and helping you finally finish what you started. Key Takeaways: Perfectionism is blocking your progress – Your first draft is supposed to be rough. Stop editing while you write. You need a roadmap – If you're just writing in journals or phone notes, it's time to get strategic. Discipline > Motivation – Waiting to feel inspired won't cut it. You have to show up even when it's hard. Fear of judgment is stealing your momentum – Your book isn't for the people judging you. It's for the people who need your help. You're trying to do it all alone – Writing can be isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Find your community. You're not making it a priority – If your writing time isn't scheduled, it won't happen. Block the time and protect it. You might be burned out – Rest is work too. When you're recharged, your creativity flows. Memorable Quotes: “Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Your first draft is not your final draft.” “Validation is for parking—not for going after your goals.” “Discipline will take you further than motivation ever will.” “If your writing isn't on your calendar, you're not making it a priority.” “Rest is work too. When you're recharged, your creativity thrives.” “Even if it's been years, your book can be done in the next 12 weeks.” Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

You might know Roland Denzel as a health coach, nutritionist, and restorative exercise specialist, but the truth is Roland has always been, at heart, an author first. Roland created The Indestructible Author in to help authors just like you be more productive and write more books, all while staying healthy, happy, and sane. Today, he joins us to talk about how nutrition can give authors an edge, break through blocks, and write more words.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the 7-Figure Bestseller Summit—our brand new, one-day immersive event designed specifically for entrepreneurs, experts, and thought leaders who are ready to write a strategic signature book and turn their message into a monetized movement. I share exactly why I created this summit, how it differs from my previous events like Six-Figure Storyteller Live and Published and Paid LIVE, and why I believe you don't need 3 or 4 days to get real, transformational results. I also break down the thought process and instructional design that goes into every session I host—because I don't create events just for inspiration. I create experiences for implementation. If you've ever wanted to be in the room with me for a high-level book strategy VIP Day—but at a fraction of the cost—this is your chance. Think of this event as a group VIP experience that will help you finish your book in 12 weeks or less, and position it as a profitable brand asset you can use for speaking, coaching, digital products, and more. What You'll Learn: Why I transitioned from multi-day events to a one-day, high-impact summit The difference between inspirational events and transformational experiences A look into my instructional design process for creating sessions with real outcomes What a Signature Book Blueprint is—and how it helps you write and monetize your book How one client went from idea to book launch (and Times Square billboard!) in under 5 months Why writing your book doesn't have to be overwhelming—or take years to complete Featured Quotes: “If I'm going to take a day out of my life to attend an event—I want to learn something. Not just be talked at. Not just be inspired. I want implementation.” – Jasmine Womack “The 7-Figure Bestseller Summit is not just another event. It's a curated, high-touch, strategic experience designed to help you finish your book and build your brand—fast.” – Jasmine Womack “Your book doesn't have to take a year to write. With the right framework and plan, you can get it done in 12 weeks or less.” – Jasmine Womack “I approach every event I host with the mindset of a teacher. Because I believe if people are investing their time and energy to be in the room, they should leave with more than they expected.” – Jasmine Womack Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

In this episode of The Published and Paid Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sheila Carmichael—an executive coach, leadership architect, and author of the powerful book Presence: Coaching Strategies to Ignite Your Authentic Leadership. Sheila and I first met at one of my Published and Paid LIVE events, and what stood out to me then still holds true today—she brings passion, clarity, and deep wisdom to every room she enters. We discussed her journey from corporate leadership to authorship, and what it really means to lead with presence from the inside out. If you're in the coaching space, aspiring to lead in professional environments, or considering writing a book to position your expertise—this episode will offer perspective, encouragement, and tangible insights. We also unpacked the difference between coaching, mentoring, and advising—and why being credentialed through an organization like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is so important if you're serious about showing up as a professional coach, especially in corporate spaces. Key Takeaways Presence is not just how you show up—it's who you are when you do. The coaching industry is unregulated, which means it's easy to call yourself a coach, but mastering the skill requires proper training and ethical standards. Writing a book challenges you to walk in integrity with your message and deepens your self-awareness. ICF certification brings structure, credibility, and clarity to your coaching practice—especially for those looking to enter corporate environments. Publishing a book can significantly elevate your brand, clarify your content, and open doors for high-impact conversations. Featured Quotes “Presence isn't just the title you carry—it's about aligning your inner values with how you lead externally.” – Sheila Carmichael “If you're serious about coaching professionally, take the time to understand what real coaching is. That starts with learning the core competencies.” – Sheila Carmichael “There's a difference between advising and coaching. I didn't realize that early on, but once I got certified, everything shifted.” – Sheila Carmichael “Your book becomes a mirror. It holds you accountable to the message you're putting into the world.” – Jasmine Womack “Not every certification is created equal. If you're planning to take your work into corporate spaces, make sure you're aligned with industry standards.” – Jasmine Womack Connect with Sheila Carmichael LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilacarmichael Book: Presence: Coaching Strategies to Ignite Your Authentic Leadership Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

So you wrote a book, congrats! Skip the waiting game with publishers. You can do it yourself with Kindle Direct Publishing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the spotlight is Hank Quense, whose latest book is titled “The Author's AI Tool Kit: From Concept to Publication.” Quense's fiction works include the Gundarland series, the Princess Moxie series, and the soon-to-be-published Zaftan series. His non-fiction books include titles such as “How to Self-Publish and Market a Book, “Book Marketing Fundamentals, “Business Basics for Authors,” and “Creating Your First Novel.”Quense has been strongly influenced by two authors in particular: Douglas Adams and his novel “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,” and the Joseph Heller classic “Catch-22.”Learn more about Hank Quense here: https://hankquense.comNovelist Spotlight is produced and hosted by Mike Consol. Check out his novels here: https://snip.ly/yz18noWrite to Mike Consol at novelistspotlight@gmail.com

Robert J. Sawyer, lovingly dubbed Canada's Dean of Science Fiction by the Ottawa Citizen, joins us to talk about how the sci fi industry has changed over the years, and how to use themes to craft a story readers will connect with.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Let's talk about something most aspiring authors completely overlook: writing a book that actually sells and supports your business. In this episode, I walk you through what it really takes to turn your expertise and experiences into a profitable thought leadership book—not just a passion project. Because here's the truth: good writing alone isn't enough. I've seen people with average writing skills outsell brilliant authors simply because they understand marketing, positioning, and strategy. If your goal is to build a brand, book speaking gigs, launch coaching offers, or grow your business… then this episode is your blueprint. What You'll Learn in This Episode Start with the end in mind. Before you write a single word, ask: What do I want this book to do for me? For my readers? What doors do I want it to open? Blend strategy with storytelling. Your story alone isn't enough. It's how you strategically use your story to teach, lead, and guide. You need a clear framework. I walk you through why having a signature framework is essential—and how it becomes the foundation for your offers. Think beyond book sales. If you're only thinking about selling books, you're playing small. This episode will challenge you to map out a full monetization plan—from speaking to coaching to digital products. Pre-sell with purpose. Don't wait for launch day to talk about your book. I explain how to build buzz and demand before it even drops. Quotes “Nobody cares about your book as much as you do. They care about how it helps them.” “You're not writing a memoir. You're creating a movement.” “Your personal story should support the transformation—not take the spotlight.” “If you don't have a monetization plan, your book becomes a missed opportunity.” Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

Today we're joined by Justin Branch, Director of Publishing Strategy at Greenleaf Book Group. Justin plays a pivotal role in guiding authors through the early stages of publishing by customizing proposal tailored to their books' unique needs. In this episode, he tackles the most common questions and misconceptions he encounters from authors in the early stages of publishing.   This interview will equip authors with the information they need to navigate the publishing world, talk to professionals, and make informed decisions about publishing contracts.    Have a question about Greenleaf or the publishing process? Email us at contact@greenleafbookgroup.com and we're happy to chat!   More about Greenleaf: Website: greenleafbookgroup.com Brochure: greenleafbookgroup.com/brochure  Have a book you want to publish? Submit your book to Greenleaf for review: greenleafbookgroup.com/submissions Looking into the different options for publishing your book? We have a quiz for that. Take our publishing options quiz to see which might be the right fit for you. https://greenleafbookgroup.com/publishing-options Connect with us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GreenleafBookGr/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBGAustin/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenleaf-book-group 

In this episode, I'm sharing a real and raw look into how I've built consistent daily sales using digital products—and how you can too. I break down the actual revenue goals I've set, the systems I use to sell passively, and how I've structured my offers for maximum impact. From bundling my digital products with my book, to leveraging tools for automation, I take you behind the curtain of my thought leadership business. I even share how I generated $5,000 in just two days—without a launch—and how you can create income-generating digital products that work while you rest. If you've been sitting on your expertise and not monetizing it, this episode is your blueprint to start building your own income-generating digital ecosystem. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why your book is the foundation, not the finish line, of your business How to set realistic (and stretch) revenue goals using digital products What a digital product funnel looks like—and how it multiplies a $19 sale The importance of building systems and automation for daily sales Tools I use to run everything—including my go-to, Kajabi The difference between digital products vs. self-study courses Types of digital products that work best for authors and experts How to create accessible, scalable offers between $19–$199 Why having digital products is essential in today's economy Quotes "Your signature book is not the finish line. It's the foundation of your thought leadership empire.” “You are not just an expert. You're the CEO of your intellectual property.” “It's not about saying ‘I don't have it.' It's about asking, ‘What can I create to get what I need?'” “Digital products allow you to provide transformation—without doing the work over and over again.” “I made $5,000 in a day and a half while sitting on the couch during Thanksgiving. That's the power of systems.” Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

Cameron Sutter is a sci-fi/fantasy author and the inventor of Plottr – the popular visual story planning software. Many authors have used Plottr to outline and flesh out their book creation process. Now, Cameron joins us to talk about Storysnap, a tool he designed to help authors create story bibles and streamline their creative process. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

If showing up on camera makes you nervous, you're not alone—and this episode is definitely for you. In this conversation, I'm sharing why being confident on video is no longer optional if you're building a brand or business in 2025. I'll show you how to start small (like using Instagram Stories or recording short videos), how to build your comfort level over time, and why video helps people connect with you faster than anything else. I'm also sharing my own journey with on-camera fear, and how one of my clients landed a five-figure consulting contract simply by showing up consistently on video. From imposter syndrome to the "I don't like how I look on camera" struggle, I'm addressing all the mindset blocks—and how to push past them. Plus, I'll give you a sneak peek into the upcoming 7 Figure Bestseller Summit, happening July 12, 2025, in Alpharetta, Georgia, where I'll help you boost your on-camera confidence and learn how to sell like the expert you already are. What You'll Hear in This Episode: - Why video is a must-have in your brand strategy for 2025 - What to do when you're nervous, unsure, or worried about how you look - How to get comfortable by starting small (without the pressure) - Why live video creates deeper connections with your audience - Simple tools and setup tips (no fancy gear needed!) - How showing up on video helped a client land a major contract - What's in store at the Seven Figure Bestseller Summit Quotes “You might feel awkward, you might not like how you sound—but I'd rather show up imperfectly than stay silent and miss the chance to fulfill my calling.” “Don't let tech intimidate you. Use what you have. Your phone, good lighting, and clear audio are more than enough.” “Before you try to sell, you need to serve. Teach something. Give value. People buy from those they trust—and video fast-tracks that trust.” “Go live. Talk to real people. Engage in real time. That's how you build a loyal audience that buys.” “One of my clients closed a five-figure consulting deal because she showed up on LinkedIn with consistent video content. Visibility created the opportunity.” Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Secure your ticket for the 7 Figure Bestseller Summit: https://www.jasminewomack.com/summit Grab a copy of my book - Published and Paid: Write, Self-Publish, and Launch Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://www.jasminewomack.com/published-paid-book Apply to the Published and Paid®️ Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

Send me your feedback!In this episode of the Ink & Impact podcast, learn the four essential fundamentals to make your book stand out in the crowded publishing market. Hot tip: It's not about speed, but quality!Join Dalene Bickel at the Indie Author Bootcamp next week, May 19-23, 2025, at noon EST to learn  valuable insights on writing, self-publishing, and marketing your book while also implementing what you learn! Register hereLet 2025 be your breakthrough year as a Christian author!This episode:00:00 Introduction: Stand Out in a Crowded Market00:57 Join the Indie Author Bootcamp02:05 Fundamental #1: Write a Quality Book05:43 Fundamental #2: Engage with Your Ideal Audience09:02 Fundamental #3: Self-Publish with Professionalism10:42 Fundamental #4: Market Your Message, Not the Mundane13:34 Conclusion: Embrace Your Author Journey15:47 Indie Author Bootcamp: Deep Dive17:34 Final Thoughts and EncouragementContinue the conversation, receive encouragement, and access member-only bonuses in the newly rebranded FREE Christian Authors in Action community.

Rachel Rener isn't just a writer of modern romantasy books featuring powerful-yet-flawed heroines, unforgettable magic systems, and smoldering romance. She also finds the time to voice Tana the tiefling on the DnD podcast, Of Dice and Friends, or building community with fantasy lovers like herself. Join us as Mark chats with Rachel about finding your superfans and creating a community as an author and creator.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

The D2D Team is back to answer viewer questions, so tune in to hear the questions on the minds of your fellow authors hosted by Jim and Mark, who always have the answers! //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Kevin Tumlinson makes his triumphant return to Self Publishing Insiders! Kevin returns to talk to Jim about Author Anchor and his work helping authors get the most out of virtual author assistants. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Sponsored by: Set For Life Set For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife ______________ In this episode, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming dives into the power of physician authorship and how writing a book can elevate your career as a healthcare entrepreneur. From building content-based trust to commanding higher fees for speaking and consulting, a book positions you as an authority in your field. Dr. Woo-Ming breaks down the myths—like needing a publisher or not having enough time—and shares how AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude have revolutionized the writing process, making it faster and more accessible.  He also introduces his upcoming Physician Author Blueprint course, a three-day intensive to help physicians create a book framework, leverage AI, and explore publication pathways. Whether you're aiming to attract patients, land speaking gigs, or create digital products, this episode is packed with insights to get you started. Three Actionable Takeaways:  Define Your Book's Foundation Early – Identify your target audience and unique angle before writing to ensure your book resonates and stands out. Use your clinical or nonclinical experiences to craft a compelling narrative. Leverage AI for Faster Writing – Use AI tools like ChatGPT to overcome writer's block, generate outlines, and create content efficiently, cutting down the time needed to complete your manuscript. Self-Publish for Control and Profit – Opt for self-publishing platforms like Amazon to retain creative control and maximize revenue, avoiding the need for traditional publishers. About the Host: Through two decades of experience as a physician entrepreneur, Dr. Mike Woo-Ming has built and sold two seven-figure companies in the online marketing and lead software industry. He is also a physician practice owner, currently running multiple successful medical clinics. He founded BootstrapMD, a consultancy firm, to help empower physician entrepreneurs through live events, courses, and coaching. Dr. Mike is also the CEO of Executive Medical, a boutique medical practice specializing in age management, weight loss, and aesthetics. As a co-owner and medical director of several clinics, he helps other doctors transition into business ownership. To learn more, read his book, The Positioned Physician: Earn More, Work Smart, Love Medicine Again, available on Amazon. Let's Connect: Start building your business today. Learn more at: http://www.bootstrapmd.com  Want to start your own podcast? Check out Doctor Podcast Network http://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co  

Send us a textHey nature lovers – Lauren here, and today's podcast is a little different. I want to take you behind the scenes of one of the most personal, emotional chapters of my creative journey so far.This is the story of how I wrote a book, poured my entire soul into it… and then got rejected. Not by a publisher, but by a platform that's supposed to make self-publishing accessible.This is the story of Wildly Unplug: A Creative Guide to Reconnect with Nature – and what happened when Amazon KDP said no. And the steps you can take to self-publish your own book!If you're writing your own book — or thinking about it — I'd love to hear about it.Tag me. DM me. You've got a cheerleader in me.

Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling fantasy and non-fiction author, publisher of Wannabe Press, co-host of the Kickstart Your Book Sales & Six Figure Author Experiment podcasts, and cofounder of the Writer MBA conference & The Future of Publishing Mastermind. He also co-created the Author Ecosystem archetype, a system he co-created to help authors embrace their natural tendencies to find success.Russell Nohelty joins us to talk about where craft & commerce meet in your author career and how to find both creative and commercial fulfillment with your writing.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Tawdra Kandle is a USA Today bestselling romance author who loves to plan and run conferences when she's not spinning love stories! Tawdra is joining us to share her insights from her latest column, Smart Marketing for Savvy Authors, where she talks about making the most of your opportunities at events and conferences. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Following up on the need for financial diversification and backup plans, Randy Wilson invites co-host Greg Junge to share his personal experience with writing and self-publishing his own books.   Greg details his initial failed attempt, the value of coaching, and the practical steps involved – from defining your "why" and choosing a topic (even niche ones!) to outlining (using tools like ChatGPT), writing (or using a ghostwriter), editing, formatting, cover design, and publishing on platforms like Amazon.   He demystifies the process, discusses the legitimacy of ghostwriting, and shares an inspiring story about donating his book, "Teen Money Mindset," to Junior Achievement.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about becoming a published author or looking for tangible ways to share their story or expertise.   #RichMindPodcast #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #BookWriting #AspiringAuthor #AuthorJourney #PublishingTips #EntrepreneurLife #SideHustleIdeas #GregJunge #RandyWilson #TeenMoneyMindset #JuniorAchievement #WritingProcess #BookMarketing #Podcast #NewEpisode ___________________ Ready to take your life to the Next Level? If so, we have the Perfect Gift just for you. Head over to ➡️ https://www.richmind.co and grab the Ultimate Productivity Guide “Unleash Your Peak” ___________________ Looking to start your own Podcast? If so I highly recommend checking out Riverdise.fm Check Them Out Here ▶️ Riverside.fm ___________________ Grab a copy of Greg's book ‘Teen Money Mindset and begin creating the financial freedom you desire ▶️ Teen Money Mindset on Amazon ___________________ We'd Love to stay connected…Head over to richmind.co to grab all of our FREE resources as well as connect with us directly at info@richmind.co  

It's been three years since we shook up the indie publishing industry and merged Draft2Digital and Smashwords into one big player in the indie space. Now that we've had three years and most authors have been migrated into Draft2Digital, Kris Austin and Mark Coker join Jim to look back on the last three years and forward to our plans to come. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Douglas Vigliotti authored "Aristotle for Novelists" with the intention of adapting the timeless principles of Aristotle's Poetics in a way tailored to the needs of novelists. He joins us on this week's Self Publishing Insiders to reflect on how these philosophical lessons can benefit authors looking to improve in their craft.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Margaret continues talking to Katy Stoll about how the Soviet people evaded censors and kept poetry, literature, and political critique alive. The Material Existence of Soviet Samizdat, Ann Komaromihttps://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/04/books/04solzhenitsyn.html HG Skilling, Samizdat and an Indepedent Society in Central and Eastern Europe https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/nikolai-gumilev https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/anna-akhmatova https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/osip-mandelstam https://libcom.org/article/1962-novocherkassk-tragedy https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-09284-0_1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Margaret talks to Katy Stoll about how the Soviet people evaded censors and kept poetry, literature, and political critique alive. The Material Existence of Soviet Samizdat, Ann Komaromihttps://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/04/books/04solzhenitsyn.html HG Skilling, Samizdat and an Indepedent Society in Central and Eastern Europe https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/nikolai-gumilev https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/anna-akhmatova https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/osip-mandelstam https://libcom.org/article/1962-novocherkassk-tragedy https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-09284-0_1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Draft2Digital has grown a lot over the years, expanding with new tools and services for authors to take advantage of. The D2D team is here to talk through some of our popular and lesser known tools, and answer questions you might have about the services D2D provides.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In this episode, host Jenny Dempsey is sitting down with Carol Pearson from Bay City, Michigan—founder of 10 Little Rules, an independent publishing house. Carol's career journey has taken plenty of twists and turns. She started in corporate PR and marketing, moved into freelancing, and eventually built her own publishing business. But this conversation isn't just about career changes—it's about life changes, too. Carol opens up about navigating divorce, losing both of her parents, and how those experiences reshaped her perspective on gratitude, resilience, and finding meaningful work.We dive into the emotional side of career transitions—because let's be real, they're never just about work. Carol shares how storytelling became a tool for self-discovery, why aligning your career with your values matters, and how to take small, intentional steps toward the life you actually want.Episode TakeawaysCareer transitions are emotional and deeply personal.Storytelling can be a powerful tool for growth and reflection.Gratitude and resilience help us navigate life's toughest moments.Aligning your work with your values makes all the difference.Big life changes—like divorce and loss—can completely shift your perspective.Taking small, actionable steps is the key to pursuing your dreams.Acknowledging privilege and fostering empathy can shape career decisions.Staying open to unexpected opportunities can lead to amazing things.If you've ever found yourself at a crossroads, wondering what's next, this episode is for you. Let's get into it!Connect with CarolPurchase books from the 10 Little Rules collection: https://10littlerules.com/Use discount code “FLIPME” for 25% off your purchaseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolpearson/Instagram: https://www.pinterest.com/10littlerules/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?

Becca Syme (MATL) is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and has individually coached more than 5000 authors at all levels. She is the author of the Quitbooks for Writers series and the popular Write Better-Faster course, and the host of the Quitcast for Writers podcast and YouTube channel. She also writes mystery novels and lives on one of the thousand lakes in Minnesota. Becca Syme, founder of The Better-Faster Academy joins us to help you get past whatever's keeping you from writing better faster stories.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

O'Cyrus is the Founder of Ocyrus Ink Publishing and Host of The Author Lounge podcast. He joins us to talk about how writers can be using their time and talents to build a better author career. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Lover of fairytales, folklore, and mythology, Ines Johnson spends her days reimagining the stories of old in a modern world. She's recently completed a Kickstarter for Page Turner Pacing, an experience designed to help authors write bingeable books readers can't put down, and she joins us to share some tips on crafting a well-paced story. //Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

In this episode, LaTonia Monroe Naylor shares her expertise on how to transform your passion into a fully funded, mission-driven business. LaTonya is an accomplished expert in the nonprofit sector, dedicated to helping individuals and organizations transform their passions into fully funded ventures. With years of experience under her belt, she's not only a grant specialist—having secured over $5 million in grants—but also a passionate author. Her book, "Mission Rich and Profit Powered," serves as a guide for anyone looking to turn their passion into a sustainable business while maintaining work-life harmony. LaTonia provides practical insights on: Determining if your passion can be a profitable business Empowering believers to build wealth without feeling guilty about making money Securing over $5 million in grants and the key strategies behind it Her journey of writing and publishing her book in just 5 days Monetizing her book launch and the opportunities it unlocked What's next, including the launch of her "Mission Rich Academy 2.0 Quotes: "An activatable passion is something that really drives you, that bothers you, that if you're not doing it, it disturbs you." "God wants to see increase. He wants to be able to see that we are able to take what he gave us and be able to give him a return on his investment." "If you don't want to pay a lot, you go on and buy the book. But if you want to work with me, you're going to have to pay something a little bit more." "Faith without works is dead. You know, a lot of times people want things to happen, but they don't want to, you know, they're waiting on God to do it, but they don't want to be the vessel to be used." "Let your yes be yes and your nay be nay. Like you can say no to things that are not going to align with your mission, with your purpose that God has for you right now. Listen to the full episode now! To learn more about LaTonia and her work, you can visit her website at monroenaylor.com and connect with her on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/monroenaylorllc https://www.instagram.com/latynaylor/ Get ready to take notes, because LaTonia is here to drop some gems that you won't want to miss! Apply for the Published and Paid Podcast Hotseat: https://forms.clickup.com/8422578/f/8115j-18814/SJ27IQ6ZT01XCM2IBNLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomackYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomackInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomackWebsite: https://www.jasminewomack.comWork with Jasmine:Published and Paid: Write, Self Publish and Launch Your Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://a.co/d/3n67cFUJoin the Monetize Your Book Challenge: https://www.jasminewomack.com/monetizeApply to the 7 Figure BestSeller Bootcamp: https://www.jasminewomack.com/7fbsbootcamp (Next Cohort begins April 14, 2025)Apply to the Published and Paid Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

Jane Friedman has spent 25 years working in the publishing industry, with a focus on business reporting and author education. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, received a starred review from Library Journal and is used as a classroom text by many writing and publishing degree programs. Jane joins us to share her insights on the latest industry trends with her understanding of writing as a business.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Today we're joined by Michael Ebeling, who has developed The Author's Business Formula, an approach that combats two of the most challenging parts of promoting a book: maintaining momentum after the launch, and converting readers into clients. In this episode, Michael will share how you as an author can set yourself up for success by creating a book funnel to learn more about the people buying your book.

Ever wondered how a simple shift in planning can turn your year into the most successful one yet? Let's explore the full power of setting SMART goals and reflect on how to assess your current status across spirituality, fitness, business, and family. I share personal stories, like how teaching my children to set concrete goals has inspired clearer action steps in my own life. With practical tools like journals and calendars, you'll learn to keep your planning straightforward and effective, ensuring you track progress and foster personal growth throughout the year. Accountability is key, and I reveal how time management and external motivators can help keep you on track. Dive into my journey of overcoming challenges, including a weight loss story intertwined with thyroid issues, and discover the power of setting milestones and adapting plans when life throws curveballs. In this episode I share how to: Assess where you are now versus this time last year to determine what worked, what didn't, and what goals to set for the upcoming year. Set S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for various areas of your life. Break down your goals into actionable steps and calendar them to ensure consistent execution. Use tools like journals, calendars, and project management apps to stay organized and on track. Set deadlines or milestones to hold yourself accountable, and don't be afraid to adjust plans if needed. Embrace the importance of internal accountability as a leader, while also utilizing external support. Quotes: "Your goals should align with your personal values and your capacity. Don't set unrealistic goals that will only disappoint you." "Set deadlines or milestones to hold yourself accountable, and don't be afraid to adjust your plan if needed." "As leaders, we have to be willing to be accountable to ourselves, while also utilizing external support when needed." "Sometimes the unexpected happens. Sometimes you have to adjust plans, but don't use the adjustment as a reason to quit." Apply for the Published and Paid Podcast Hotseat: https://forms.clickup.com/8422578/f/8115j-18814/SJ27IQ6ZT01XCM2IBNLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomackYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomackInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomackWebsite: https://www.jasminewomack.comWork with Me:Published and Paid: Write, Self Publish and Launch Your Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: https://a.co/d/3n67cFUJoin the Monetize Your Book Challenge: https://www.jasminewomack.com/monetizeApply to the 7 Figure BestSeller Bootcamp: https://www.jasminewomack.com/7fbsbootcamp (Next Cohort begins April 14, 2025)Apply to the Published and Paid Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

In this episode of the Published and Paid® podcast, I returned from a brief break to kick off an exciting new year with big changes! I dive deep into redefining what self-publishing truly means. Drawing from my decade of experience working with over 1,000 authors and being recognized as an authority in the self-publishing space, I share why self-publishing is about much more than just producing a book—it's about publishing a new version of yourself. What You'll Discover in This Episode: Why I'm expanding the podcast to include twice-weekly episodes and hot seat coaching opportunities My fresh perspective on self-publishing that goes beyond just creating books How the journey of publishing transforms you into a completely different person The real reason most self-published authors fail to monetize their books effectively Why investing in yourself is crucial for evolving into your next-level identity My approach to turning one book into a seven-figure business through speaking, coaching, and events Key Quotes from the Episode "Self-publishing means to publish yourself. To publish the next version of you." "When you write your thought leadership book, you are literally writing the vision and making it plain for someone who needs it so they can run with it." "I've been able to turn one book into over $1 million generated in my business. You can do the same by strategically monetizing your book." "This season, we're diving into identity elevation—not just from the writing standpoint, but from business development, personal growth, faith, and family. You can become that person every single day." "There's constant learning, growth, evolution, and elevation. Every time I help someone else, I elevate myself, too." Apply for the Published and Paid Podcast Hotseat: https://forms.clickup.com/8422578/f/8115j-18814/SJ27IQ6ZT01XCM2IBN Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasminewomack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjasminewomack YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasminewomack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasminewomack Website: https://www.jasminewomack.com Work with Me: Published and Paid: Write, Self Publish and Launch Your Nonfiction Book in 90 Days or Less: Join the Monetize Your Book Challenge: https://www.jasminewomack.com/monetize Apply to the 7 Figure BestSeller Bootcamp: https://www.jasminewomack.com/7fbsapplication (Next Cohort begins April 14, 2025) Apply to the Published and Paid Mastermind: https://www.jasminewomack.com/mastermindapplication

This week Andrew talks with national bestselling author Erika Robuck. Erika's career as a novelist started when she self-published her first novel — after being rejected by 100 literary agents. From there, Erika continued to develop her craft and went on to become a bestselling author. In this conversation, Andrew & Erika explore many of the philosophies, tools, & techniques that have powered her journey. You'll hear actionable ideas on the creative process, learning from rejection, storytelling, communication, & so much more. ** Follow Andrew **Instagram: @AndrewMoses123Twitter/X: @andrewhmosesSign up for e-mails to keep up with the podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletterDISCLAIMER: This podcast is solely for educational & entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.  

We kick things off talmbout marketing strategies and early reader feedback on JDO's upcoming cybergore novel Gods Fare No Better. Also: why controversy is good for sales (but only if it's not fabricated), Brandon Sanderson's "rotating crops" approach to juggling creative projects, what makes Alex Perez so annoying, and are the RFK onesies worth the price tag? We share our predictions on how the drop of Kelby's gangster neo-western Texas Tea will go, JDO explains what's inside Korean fish candy, we murder the egos of writers with prestigious publishing ambitions, and then we dive into The Binding of Isaac and what storytelling lessons can be learned from this game. For more on the writing collective, check out brokenriverbooks.com and brbjdo.substack.com 

Standing out as an expert or entrepreneur in a crowded space can be challenging. A well-written book provides a powerful way to share your expertise and connect with your audience on a deeper level. It not only builds authority but also creates opportunities like speaking engagements, partnerships, and collaborations. More than a business tool, a book becomes a lasting part of your legacy, capable of inspiring and informing for years to come. Eric Jorgenson, CEO of Scribe Media, has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs, executives, and experts share their stories through books. As a best-selling author of the book “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness” with over a million copies sold, he understands the power of publishing. Today, Eric highlights the benefits of self-publishing, the importance of aligning a book with the author's values and expertise, and Scribe Media's strategies for client success. He also addresses industry challenges, the influence of AI, and the satisfaction of guiding authors from concept to publication, creating works that leave a lasting impact. Stay tuned! Resources Scribe Media: We help entrepreneurs, executives, and experts write, publish, and market their books. Because it's not just a book, it's your legacy. Connect with Eric Jorgenson on LinkedIn Get a copy of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgenson on Amazon