I recently heard a great interview with Greg Maddux, a veteran pitcher and 17-time Golden Glove award winner and current starter for my San Diego Padres. The Padres have been having their struggles this season, but Greg has had his moments, including getting his 350^th career win on May 10. He was the starting pitcher in 14 games after that, but his next win eluded him until last Monday when he finally broke the winless streak and got his 351^st.

He then became a sought-after interview, not only because of getting that elusive win, but also because rumors are rampant that Greg might be traded in the coming days. (Not yet as of this writing and my fingers are crossed he stays a Friar, and not only because of his eloquence at the microphone—I enjoy watching “The Professor” pitch.)

In one of the interviews I heard, Greg was asked about his frustration levels in having win 351 put off until his 15^th start after 350. He responded, “Sometimes we get so caught up in the results we don’t appreciate what’s happening on the field.”

So true.

Greg’s job is to go out there and pitch every pitch the best he can—if he does that his “won games” number will automatically grow.

The same can be said for getting your book done sooner rather than later. If you go out there every day and put some effort forth, you’ll get the job done. Maddux’s pitches include the standard fastball, circle changeup, split-fingered fastball, screwball and cut fastball. Here are some ideas of how you can execute some daily actions to get yourself to a higher page count.

1.  Do your warm ups. The best way to make sure you get something done is to do it first thing. One way to get some words on screen is to do it before checking email and giving status updates on Facebook and Twitter. Consider committing to a time count versus a word count—several days of 20 minute sessions and you have a great start to your book.

2. Know your strengths. If you’ve watched Maddux pitch you know that it’s placement, not speed, that makes him so great. He knows it, too, and works with it to his advantage. Identify what you have going for you in getting your book done and work those strengths. Also, and maybe even more importantly, peg your weaknesses (for instance, doing research, getting organized, proofreading). It’s hard to make an effort to do something you don’t want or don’t like doing. So play to your strengths and get another member on board to do those things.  

3. Let go of the ball. In other words, write it and forget it. I have heard  about people who write the first chapter. And then edit the first chapter. And then rewrite the first chapter. And then rewrite it again. Yes, it’s obvious, but it still needs said: you’re never going to get a book published that way. Instead, get as much out on the page as possible and then go back to revisit—after you got a good chunk done or even it all done. It’s all about progress, not perfection.

The bottom line: I have every confidence that you have what it takes to get your book done. You know your stuff—all you have to do is get it out of your head. And the best way to do that is to get out of your own way, take the time and play to your strengths.

If “Frosty the Snowman“ was next to my desk right now, in his standing frozen slumber, and I reached up and placed that magic hat on his head…do you remember what he’d say?

You got it: “Happy Birthday!”

And although he’d be a couple of days early, he’s right!

Saturday’s my birthday–and it’s one of those milestone ones. (I won’t say exactly which one except to give this hint: there’s a well-known story about how it once rained for this many days and nights.)

Before I had a chance to go all “mid-life” crisis over it, it dawned on me that, actually, I’ve never felt better in my life–I’m much healthier and more centered than I was 10 and maybe even 20 years ago. So, there is definitely reason to celebrate. (Wanna make me smile even wider? I looooove e-cards, especially Hoops & Yoyo! Send them to Donna (at) MyBigBusinessCard.com.)

Speaking of greetings, here’s a warm welcome to everyone joining me upon Felicia Slattery’s recommendation. I did a call with Felicia, the “signature speech” guru of www.CommunicationTransformation.com, and about 100 of her closest friends, last night about how to create and use a book as your “Big Business Card.”

Felicia’s connections asked me some great questions, and I didn’t have a chance to answer all of them on the call, so I took the opportunity to address them in this week’s feature article below.

To your thumpity-thump success,

Donna Kozik

2-time author, 2-time “Grand Award”

Winning Writer & Founder of

MyBigBusinessCard.com

P.S. Could it be you? Who’s going to be my 500th friend on Facebook?

Donna, here’s a question for you…

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEBSITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Donna Kozik, founder of MyBigBusinessCard.com, is a book writing & publishing consultant who shows business owners how to write their book quickly and easily to create a no-fail marketing tool. Find out what mistakes to avoid and how close you are to publishing success with a Free Special Report & Quiz at www.MyBigBusinessCard.com.

I’m keeping it loose and casual this week with just my note and feature article…as I just posted on my Facebook status update, I’m feeling a touch of spring fever!

Talking about being on the hot seat, I want to thank Terri Dumont for interviewing me last week about writing and publishing books to use as a marketing tool–something that’s right up my alley, obviously.

But Terri would make an intrepid newspaper reporter and got down to the nitty gritty with some her questions.

Donna Kozik

What Do I Mean by “Writing the Wrong Book?”

By Donna Kozik

There’s nothing worse than spending tons of time, energy and money on writing your book, only to find that it’s useless as a “big business card.” How could this happen?

Unfortunately, it can be really easy. Here are some of the situations and how to solve them.

1. Writing about a subject your market has no interest in. This is probably the biggest mistake business book authors make.

They fall in love with their subject and think the world will, too. The thing is, it’s hard to use your book as a lead generator if no one is interested in what you have to say.

The solution: think like the people you want to attract. What kind of questions are they asking you? What do they want to know about? You can start there and then expand “an inch wide and a mile deep” to show off your expertise.

2. Putting the wrong title on your cover. And I don’t mean a typo (although I’ve seen it happen!) Generic titles, just like generic marketing messages, don’t pique interest. Instead, get as specific as you can in what your book is about (easier if you follow step one) in your title.

Another effective option is to use a catchy 2, 3 or 4 word title and then use your subhead to call out to your target audience. Examples of this include Timothy Ferriss and his book: “The 4 Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich.” My favorite is friend Michael Katz: “It Sure Beats Working: 29 Quirky Stories and Practical Business Lessons for
the First Time, Mid-Life Solo Professional.” He actually names his “target reader” in his title–that Michael is so clever!

3. Blame the book for lack of promotion efforts. Sometimes it’s not the book’s fault, but the author’s for lack of follow through in promotion. Remember, writing the book is one thing, but then promoting it is a whole new area needing time, energy and attention. Think about how you’re going to market yourself and your book as much as, if not more, than what your book will contain.

Ready to throw up your hands in despair and forget the whole thing? DON’T! I’ve heard it time and time again from the experts, and it’s something I know for myself: there is no better vehicle than a book for establishing expertise and generating leads. Write your book–but put some thought and effort on the front end to make sure you write the right book.

If you want to talk to me 1:1 about writing and promoting your book, invest in a “Big Breakthrough Session.” You can find out more here. (By the way, I’ll record the session so you can concentrate on asking me questions versus taking oodles of notes.) Find out how to get a big breakthrough session here.

Living in Southern California and working for myself sure does have its perks!

I took advantage of my flexible schedule a few weeks ago and took a day road trip to Los Angeles with my great friend Kathy Bowes and her 7-year-old son. (Before heading back to San Diego we watched the sunset from Malibu while “David the Pirate” burned some energy running up and down the beach spotting treasure troves of seaweed.)

I really enjoy being around the “kid energy” David has to offer and observed how little fear he had about connecting with others and just “doing his thing,” whether it was putting together his Star Wars fighting ships in the middle of a crowded hallway oblivious to the foot traffic or handing out his artistic work to friends and strangers. (My refrigerator now sports a David original of me as a paratrooper, plus he gave a 3-year-old girl who was infatuated with an aquarium at a Malibu restaurant a drawing that’s swimming with fish and sharks.)

It made me wonder: at what point in life do we lose our ability to “just do our thing and put it out there?” What happens that we contract and get fearful of sharing who we are?

Or are you one like David who easily reaches out to others with your messages? Something to think about…
In the meantime, in this week’s feature article below I address several “mistaken beliefs” you may have surrounding yourself and your ability to get your book done. See if any ring true to you–and discover how you can overcome them.

To your continued success,

Donna Kozik

2-time author, 2-time “Grand Award”
Winning Writer & Founder of
MyBigBusinessCard.com

“Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we make up our minds to walk boldly through them!” — Orison Marden. author
By Donna Kozik

When you look for things stopping you from being published, it seems there are reasons galore. Frankly, none of these reasons are new or unique to you–they’re all the same reasons millions of other authors have faced and “walked boldly through.”
Here I take on five of the most frequent excuses, er, reasons, people give for not getting their book done and smack them around a bit. (The reasons, not the people.)
Lack of time. Fact is, we all have the same amount of time–it’s up to us about how we choose to use it. And that’s done by determining what’s important to us and making a commitment. In addition, you might think that writing a book will take longer than it actually does. Alan Cohen has said that if you write three pages a day, in a year you’ll have three books! So, if you do the math, you can have one book done in a matter of months. (Or, if you use the “My Book Writing Blueprint” method of “talking” your book, you can get it done even faster–all in the time it takes to watch a couple of movies.)

Lack of subject knowledge. Worried you don’t know enough about your subject to write a book about it? Don’t be–I’m not kidding when I say you’d be shocked about how much you know. By studying, even for just a little while, whatever subject you’re interested in, you know more than most. For some reason, the more we delve into our subject, the more we discount how much we ourselves know. So, trust me, you know your stuff–now just go tell the world!
Lack of writing skill. Not having a lot of experience in formal writing can actually be a positive. Say you’re a whiz at writing term papers. Well, who wants to read a book that’s written like a term paper? The best books are in a more conversational style, and that’s another reason why “talking your book” is such a good way to go. Also, think about how many emails you write every day. If you’re anything like me, it’s a ton and you put some thought into them. And the beauty of it is that all those emails have made you a stronger writer. (Texting, on the other hand, not so much.)

Lack of “how to do it.” Okay, so you get that you can write a book, but then you find yourself hung up on how to get it published. Again, it’s pretty easy these days with print-on-demand technology and what’s being called “hybrid publishing,” which combines the best of both worlds in self-publishing and traditional publishing. An hour or so of research with Google, and you will find your way through this, so don’t let this be a hang up. (Of course, I’m also happy to point you in the right direction–just ask.)
Lack of “promotional expertise.” Yes, it’s true that promoting yourself and your book is where the real work comes in, but don’t let that stop you from writing your book in the first place! There are plenty of experts out there offering free advice in how to do it. Plus, just being able to say, “I’m an author” gives you a big advantage over others in your business and industry, so don’t be worried about step 93 when you’re on step 2.
It’s funny about what can hold so many of us back from going after our pursuits. Yet there are also many, many books out there–so somebody has to be writing them. Think about your challenges and think of ways to “walk boldly through them!” I’ve got to tell you, there’s nothing like being a published author, and I want you to feel the same feeling I have and others have. Don’t get in your own way–get started!

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEBSITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Donna Kozik, founder of MyBigBusinessCard.com, is a book writing & publishing consultant who shows business owners how to write their book quickly and easily to create a no-fail marketing tool. Find out what mistakes to avoid and how close you are to publishing success with a Free Special Report & Quiz at http://www.mybigbusinesscard.com.

Start the Conversation: Back Matter

by Donna Kozik

There is another element becoming more popular in books being used as a big business card. It’s called “back matter” and is information you put in the back of your book to give people “more of you.”

Books are printed in “eights,” so you’ll most likely have an extra few pages at the back that need to be printed anyway–you might as well use them to promote yourself, your services or your product.

Some ideas for what to include in your back matter:

• Ads: Just like a magazine or newspaper, you can create an ad for yourself and your business and include it in your book.
• Testimonials: If you’ve collected some raving reviews of your book, include them!
• Announcements: Promote your next project, whether it’s another book or a CD set.
• Quizzes: Create some interaction between you and your reader by including a quiz related to your book’s topic.
• Free Offers: My favorite back matter item. Engage readers by offering a free special report, whitepaper or CD. (Plus you collect names and addresses for your mailing list so you get to continue the conversation.)

Back matter done correctly helps build a stronger relationship with readers. Take advantage of the opportunity to tell people a little bit more about yourself and what you do and invite them to contact you. The beauty is that the reader already likes what you have to say–your book is being read. Strengthen the connection by encouraging them to get more of you with back matter.

READY TO GET STARTED ON YOUR BOOK? Check out My Book Writing Blueprint, where I show you how to get your book done in as little as 3 days! (Scroll half-way down for some valuable information taken right from the system, too.)

I know I say this all the time, but, really, what an action-packed life I’ve been leading!

First, I officially launched “My Book Writing Blueprint.” I created this book-writing system after seeing so many people struggle with getting organized and getting their book done. With “My Book Writing Blueprint” you can get your book done in as short of time as a weekend! Find out more information here.

Next, want to see me in person? Well, I have something very close to that—my video debut at OneMinuteU.com, which is powered by the Learning Annex. Just like the name says, it’s one minute of pure information. I have several videos up, but one in particular is my favorite because I was flubbing up a bit and actually laughing at the end—and it’s a video about how not to make mistakes. ; )

I thought we were going to have to do it over but the crew at Activity Road Studios (that’s Luanne and Alex pictured here with me after our shoot) said it was “charming.” Hmmm…still not sure…why don’t you take a look and let me know what you think?

This week’s feature article (below) is from Susan Kendrick of WriteToYourMarket.com. Susan is one savvy chick when it comes to creating a winning book title, and I’m proud to call her and her partner Graham Van Dixhorn, another smart one, colleagues of mine.

And, finally, thanks to My Big Business Card follower Delane Krumm who called me during my coaching hours last week and asked me some questions about writing her book. I was able to give Delane some action steps to get her “arms around” her book topic. My next open call-in day is March 12.

Until them, drop me a comment if you have any questions for me.

To you continued success,

P.S. Are you on Facebook? Then, “friend me up!” And if you’re not, check it out—networking opportunities abound! But, I have to warn you…it’s addictive. ; )

Book Title Strategy 1: “Look to Your Book”
By Susan Kendrick

For his book, “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive,” Harvey Mackay reports that he hired a creative team to hold focus groups to generate possible titles. They included “Swim With the Sharks” among the 800 titles voted on in the final ballot!

Yes, many great book titles are painstakingly developed, and some just happen. But most are usually a combination of both–strategy and serendipity, science and art, logic and (dare I say it?) pure luck. For the strategy part of the equation, having a systematic process in place saves you time, money, and the aggravation of pages and pages of ideas that are going nowhere. Here, then, is the first of many title strategies you can confidently use to come up with a book title that has bestseller written all over it.

How to “Look To Your Book”

Manuscripts are one of the most overlooked sources for a great title. Either on your own or with help from someone else who can bring new eyes to your text, read through your Table of Contents, Introduction, Chapters, even a Foreword if you have one. You are not reading for content, but for individual words and phrases that capture the essence of your book in some compelling way.

For example, sometimes you can find in your own writing an especially bold, concise, or even poetic way of saying something. It may be a phrase that speaks to a need for your book. It may relate to a benefit of reading your book. It may not encompass your entire message, but it points to it in such a powerful or offbeat way that it suddenly jumps out at you. Again, having someone else look through your manuscript is helpful because they are seeing and hearing the language you use for the first time.

Next, look for words, phrases, or expressions that are uniquely yours. Without noticing, you may have coined a new term that will set you apart from everyone else writing on your topic. Look, for example, at bestselling books like “Freakonomics.” A great chapter title or heading can also translate into a powerful book title. You have no doubt already spent time coming up with these. And, while no one by itself will summarize your entire book, one chapter title or heading can express a key point that becomes an anchor for your overall idea or approach.

Finally, look for vivid images in your text. “Swim with the sharks” is a great example. An image that like might come from your picturesque way of talking in your book. If you see an image, grab it and see if it can be used as a title. Again, it may not sum up your entire message, but it does give people a strong visual that they then associate with you and your book–a great first step toward creating a powerful brand.

One more place to look for words and phrases is in the testimonials you are collecting for your manuscript, or in advance reviews you are getting for your book, which may only be circulating under an adequate working title for now. Like the Foreword, testimonials and reviews are written by other people who talk about you and your book differently than you do. They may see things that you don’t or describe your message or approach in sharp, colorful ways. Look through their comments for words and phrases that could make a great title.

As a friend of mine used to say, and what I find to be true in most situations: “The solution is always close at hand.” So, “Look to Your Book” for the title you need to bring your message to life.

About the author: Susan Kendrick is a book cover expert. You can visit her website at www.writetoyourmarket.com, where you can also learn how to sell your book using the one powerhouse book marketing tool most authors don’t even consider, until it’s too late.