What happens when you tell people about the goals or projects you intend to introduce to the world?
Recently I made a decision to join Kristen Eckstein’s Kindle in 30 Challenge Bootcamp. I’ve been getting the push to write a book from my mentor for quite awhile and this seemed to be a good way to get my butt in gear. I told some friends and colleagues about it and they joined the program, too.
Beyond a few people, I didn’t mention my plan about writing a book to anyone else.
Then, I declared it publicly on Facebook…
I have to admit I was nervous to put it in writing and say it out loud. That means I really have to do it, right?
I was pleasantly surprised by the “likes” and the positive, encouraging comments. That gave me some confidence that there may be an audience for what I create, even though I haven’t told any but a few what I’m thinking about doing.
Fast forward and we’re a week into the 30 day Bootcamp. I get an email from my friend Stephan Hovnanian…
Oh no! I’ve been going around in circle by myself, trying to figure out my angle, my series title, what specifically I want to write about. You’d think it would be easy for me since I have years of content on multiple blogs, hundreds of audio recordings and transcripts, and bunches of videos. But, I was stuck on not wanting to write an Internet Marketing book. I have nothing against Internet marketing books, I read a lot of them. But, so many of my colleagues, like Kathleen Gage and Dr. Rachna Jain, have published fantastic marketing books. How could I match their level of quality?
A Peek Behind the Curtain
While I feel very confident about what I know, my expertise, and how I help my clients, I’m not confident about putting it out to the world in the form of a book. I do have self-doubt. And my self-doubt had paralyzed me into inaction.
Stephan didn’t realize it (or maybe he did), but he was calling me out and I had to admit I had done no writing and I was struggling to figure out my angle.
16 minutes later, I received a reply from Stephan with a brilliant way for me to position my expertise in a series of books. It seemed so obvious but it at alluded me.
That’s why you make declarations in public.
That’s why you tell the truth when your friend asks how you’re doing on a project.
That’s why you invite people who care about you and what you do, to be part of your cheering squad, or posse, or whatever you want to call it.
I’m not going to tell you the topic of my book just yet. If you know me and follow me, you may be able to figure it out. If you’re interested in playing with me, cheering me on from the sidelines, giving me feedback when I ask, and helping me get the word out when it’s time, then I invite you to join me on the journey.
Initially, I’m going to communicate via email when I have something to report. The group may evolve into an invite-only private community on Google+. Not sure yet.
What I can tell you is, if you decide you want to hang out with me and be my cheerleader, you’ll probably learn a few things about how I market my own work and the steps I’m taking to build visibility for my new venture.
I want to be clear. This is not a training program and there is no cost involved. I’m pretty sure you’ll learn something along the way, though. 🙂
If you’d like to join my journey and be on my cheer leading squad, complete the form below with your first name and primary email address.
[ois skin=”cheerleader”]
Let the adventure begin…I look forward to getting to know you better in the weeks and months to come!
