A New Direction
The New Year is a great time ponder life and the direction you are taking. I shared with you in a different post a great book I read, named ‘The 7 Minute Solution’, that helped me do just that.
I originally came online to promote my life coaching business and did not have a clue what I was doing. I took loads of courses and did copious amounts of research on the internet. I learnt how to set up my own WordPress website, how to get started on social media and all the other things you need to do to set yourself up online.
It was not long after that people started asking me how I had done that, would it be possible to teach them. That was the first evolution of my business, from a coaching business to one that taught people how to get started online. I ran courses and workshop on setting up a WordPress website, how to set up a fan page on Facebook, what to talk about on Twitter – I loved doing all of it.
There were mostly two different types of people I worked with, those just starting out in their business, or authors/aspiring authors looking to create an online presence. Neither of the groups really knew what they were doing. Just like me, and probably you, when we first ventured into the online world.
I started working with Peggy McColl who they call ‘The Best Seller Maker’ and is mostly known for helping and training people in online book launches to become Amazon and New York Times bestselling authors. From working with her I started interacting with more and more authors. I am also part of the team at Hasmark Services and we do online book launches for people looking to be Amazon and New York Times bestselling authors.
As you can imagine I am surrounded by more and more authors every day. In listening to them and getting to know the industry, it has become quite evident to me that there is a big missing for new and aspiring authors, in their knowledge of how to create an online presence.
I will not go into too much detail with it here, but being an author these days is not like before, when securing a publishing deal meant you were pretty much set to sell lots of books. These days even if you manage to get a publishing deal they do very little, or nothing at all to promote your book.
Having an Author Platform is now practically not negotiable, whether you have a publisher or not. Especially if you want to sell thousands of books – and is that not what we all want – if not millions.
I really enjoy working with authors, seeing them create a presence and a following of interested readers online. This is why I have decided that this is the area I am going to focus on, supporting authors in creating a presence online.
The content that I share and talk about is still relevant to new business owners but the focus will be more on authors and aspiring authors. It has been said that you should start creating an online presence up to 3 years before you even start writing a book, so anyone that has a dream of ever writing a book this is very applicable to you also.
I am a teacher at heart and will be going step by step through all of the actions for authors to take to create a thriving online community of potential readers and buyers of books.
I am very excited at this next evolution of my business and even more excited about making this journey with all of you.
What new direction or journey have you started on this year? Please leave your comments below.
Stacey is a coach, trainer and speaker who supports Authors and Aspiring Authors create an online presence through WordPress and Social Media training. Stacey's hands-on style, supportive nature and extensive knowledge make her the perfect go-to resource.
Hi Stacey, congratulations with your choice! I’ll keep my focus on solopreneurs worldwide. Especially the once who have no time or no skills in how to use the social web to grow their business. – Juan.
I love this and so glad I stumbled onto it. We should talk….I’m a budding author building a presence online, mostly self taught! Would love to chat!
Carl
Hi Carl,
I am glad you stumbled upon it also. Knowing you need an online presence and taking the steps to have one is half the battle.
Stacey