What is a Self-Publisher?

I recently came across this description for a self-publisher:

A self-publisher is all of the following: writer, editor, designer/artist, typesetter/compositor, printer, financier/accountant, marketer, shipper/warehouser, legal adviser, financial underwriter, and business manager.

That seems to be a little overwhelming, but I think it's misleading as well. That's like saying the guy who owns the restaurant down the street is a chef, waiter, dish washer, toilet cleaner, menu designer and printer, accountant, bus boy, napkin folder, and grocery buyer.

Yes, those are all things to be done in order to provide his customers with food, but the restauranteur would be foolish to attempt to do it all himself. He is not all those things. Instead, he finds people to handle the jobs that he is not an expert in or doesn't have the time to complete.

Self-publishing is no different. Authors are authors. They write books and shouldn't be expected to do every other job related to producing books. Authors could compare themselves to that restaurant owner and find experts necessary to complete the tasks in order to serve up their books.

By hiring a self-publishing expert to partner with, authors also don't have to learn an entirely new business. If they concentrate on hiring well and using common sense, they'll only wear only one hat, the hat of the successful, self-published author.

A Human Answering the Phone, What a Concept!

In the current world of business where it seems every company has replaced the most important first touch with clients — the receptionist — with an answering machine, what a breath of fresh air when an alternative is experienced.

Let me first say that I am not connected with the company I am going to tell you about, in fact, I know no one who works there and I definitely am not getting kickbacks from them. They are simply incredible.

The company is Answer 1 Communications. They provide remote receptionist services with humans! According to their website, they "provide your businesses with fast, reliable, personal, and bilingual attention that you and your customers demand of your business." Although I can't say know what all of these services actually entail, here's what they say they can do: telemessaging, appointment scheduling, voicemail, unified messaging, order taking, e-commerce solutions, customer support, remote receptionist and dealer locator.

What I do know is, every single time I call one particular business and these folks answer their phone, the Answer 1 people are organized, articulate, comprehensive, polite, friendly ... they are a delight and I have every confidence that my client will get the message. I want to keep talking with them, they are so pleasant!

Can you say that about the people who answer your phone? If not, I would recommend you give these folks a call. Their website shows many awards they've won for their service, and I am not surprised.

Go check them out at http://www.answer1.com/ ... they are located in Phoenix, but heck anymore I don't think it matters from where a company provides their services.

Better yet, I found this toll-free number on their site, call them, they're in the answering business and I bet you will be impressed. 1-800-408-3408.

A Business Lesson in Cancun

While on a recent vacation to Cancun I witnessed a valuable marketing lesson I will never forget and will apply it every opportunity I can. And you should too.
Here's the story. We were getting off a party boat having taken a short trip out to an island to participate in any of a number of activities. We'd decided to take a snorkel excursion, a $60 investment for my husband and I. According to the captain of the snorkel boat, all we had to do was to go into the resort lobby, pay our fee and off we'd go. When we got inside, there was no one to help us. Ten minutes passed until the snorkel boat captain reappeared, followed shortly thereafter by a representative of the hotel.
As we stood there with money in hand, we were told, the trip was running a little late, to come back in 90 minutes. We offered to pay at that time but were told, "No, just pay right before we go."
We had 90 minutes so headed off for a late breakfast. That didn't take 90 minutes so off to the pool we went to fill the time. Soon we were absorbed into a fabulous water-volleyball game with a couple dozen other hotel guests. Next time we looked at the clock, it was 20 minutes past the time the snorkel boat was to leave. We missed it, and the $60 stayed in my wallet.
Had we already invested in the excursion, there is no question that our attention would have been on the clock and not on the pool fun. Because the boat captain did not take our money when we were willing and able to pay, he never got it.
So the lesson learned was this: When at all possible, get a financial commitment ASAP. When the client is standing there with money in hand, take it, say thank you and start to work!

Did you Send Out Tacky Pitches Tucked Between Turkey Feathers?

Am I the only one who received numerous Thanksgiving e-mails that began with, "During this season of Thanksgiving, we at (name of company) would like to take a moment to say thank you for your business ..." and then the message switched to, "And, by the way, buy my (insert product here) this holiday season, blah, blah blah?"

What the heck was that all about? It's like giving someone a compliment and ending with a "But" statement that discounts everything just said.

These types of communications are disrespectful to the recipients. As you compose your communications, keep from mixing messages. If you're going to pitch, then pitch; if the purpose of your communication is to educate, then do it; if you're trying to work on building relationships, then do that—say thanks, share what's on your heart, give insights into your purpose, get personal, share your passions. But if you attempt to mix the messages, you'll risk losing your audience.

In fact, I'm considering opting out of the most blatant e-mail pitches I received last week that were veiled under the guise of Thanksgiving. I have to ask myself, "Is that the type of company I really want to do business with?" I don't think so, do you?

A Little Tip on Back-of-the-Room Sales

This may seem obvious to many speakers who rely on back-of-the-room sales, but this little tip greatly increased my product sales for months after my presentation was complete.

Instead of putting your business cards in one little holder on the table(s) displaying your products for sale, make lots of stacks of your cards so it's easy for shoppers (potential buyers) to grab one. There are many reasons people can't purchase your products on the spot. By getting one of your cards in their purses or wallets, you have a much better chance of a sale later.

Yes, handouts or brochures given to every audience member may have your contact information, but sheer size can make them food for the trash can on the way out the door. A business card slips into a pocket or purse with ease.

Or better yet, do what we did, made business cards for my books sales (I Want You To Know Me) that are twice the size and stand up like a little tent on the table. Our products are all shown on the inside of the tent as a reminder ... voila a sales piece but it's a real keeper.

Mullins Creative has a great resource for these little 3.5 x 2 tent cards. They're on 14 pt. heavy card stock, full color on both sides, and also glossy coated on both sides so they're top quality. If interested, give us a jingle for a quote.

In the meantime, happy speaking and happy sharing your passions and products.

My Head is Spinning with Ideas

I have the privilege of being the emcee at the upcoming 5th Annual Women Entrepreneur's Small Business Bootcamp, February 9, 2009 at Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale. There will be an incredible group of presenters sharing their expertise on important business strategies in many areas. To get a better handle on what each woman will be sharing, I have been meeting with each presenter to find out more about their business, what makes them tick and what business tools attendees at Bootcamp can expect to walk away with if they attend their particular session.

Today I met Lori Martinek. But that's really an understatement. One doesn't just meet Lori Martinek, one gets swept away with Lori.

Lori is the owner of Presentation Plus, an award-winning marketing and public relations firm. She has also served as a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Marketing and New Business Development Counselor in here in Phoenix as well as Illinois. Lori is also a former president, board member and consultant to chambers of commerce, charitable foundations and other non-profit ventures. My point is, she knows small business. She knows how small businesses can take advantage of very inexpensive opportunities, especially through social networking, to get noticed, get new clients, stay afloat and even prosper in a difficult economy.

Just in our conversation over coffee in the e-Factory ( a part of of Club E network, one of Lori's newest passions) she began sharing marketing ideas for my two companies, Mullins Creative and Azure Eyes Publishing when we were there to talk about her. She's a giver, she's creative and there's no question she's an expert in her field.

The women who attend the Women Entrepreneur's Small Business Bootcamp this year will get their money's worth of they only attend Lori's breakout session alone. It's going to be that good!

If you're available on Saturday, February 9, 2009, mark your calendar now. Stay the day and get 2009 off to a great start. Visit http://www.womensbusinessbootcamp.com/index.html to get registered today.