Behind the Seens with David C. Wells, Jr.

CFA and Founder of Family Capital Strategies, David C. Wells, Jr. recently launched his first book, When Anything is Possible: Wealth and the Art of Strategic Living. I had the honor of working with David on helping him get ready for his book launch in January. Check out our video conversation where we walk through David’s journey from writing his book to launch and beyond.

What you’ll learn:

How David’s expertise (and love of reading) guided him to decision to write his book. 

How David decided independent publishing was the right path for him.

How we crafted his “author” platform from his existing website(s).

How we “layered-in” book content and promotion into his already robust content plan.

It’s not likely to over-promote your book launch. 

Why it’s really OK (and rewarding) to work on outreach for reviews and promotion help – especially if you do it in an authentic way. 

How traditional PR and publicity supports a book launch and helps build future business.

Yes, it takes a team to make your book launch as successful as it can be!

Want to connect with David?
Order When Anything is Possible
Website
Fifteen on Friday (Newsletter)
Twitter
Linkedin

If you want to learn more about how to be seen, be found, be heard, please connect with me on the socials or let’s set up a call to chat.

Behind the Seens with Devin Rossiter, creator of #25DaysofGiving project

Learn how and why this fun giving project can make the holidays more meaningful.

Here are some highlights: 

Learn how Devin a former sports broadcaster become an innovative educator.

• Build your network!
• When thinking about your next step in life – who can benefit from my skills.
• Build bigger and beyond the bubble you are in.
• All educators are influencers and content creators

And how he goes on to win Jeopardy twice – THIS YEAR!

• Audition by Zoom and living in California helped.
• He has to keep it secret for 2.5 months.
• And guess when his air date is???

What is the #25DaysofGiving Project?

• The holidays are a time of year for giving and philanthropy but it doesn’t always feel as meaningful or engaging as it should be.
• This project is a concept of 25 days of giving, with each day of one act of generosity, charity or kindness that anyone can do.
• They are simple and easy to do and help you make a connection – every day for 25 days!
• It has a cumulative impact on you, your family and your community.
• Find the calendar here

What has changed for 2020?

• Minimizing close physical activities
• Yet thinking creatively about making connections.
• In thinking about the impact – the community can answer polls and use new giving / networking platforms.

Can you mish mash #GivingTuesdayand the #25DaysofGiving list – YES!

Background on the #25DaysofGiving Project:

• Back in 2017 Devin was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.
• But he loves December and the holidays (and his Jan. 7 birthday).
• So why not make an engaging and meaningful project.
• It becomes a nice thing to do – and inspires others.
• How about an Advent calendar of giving instead of an Advent calendar of chocolates?
• Each year the project gets iterated and modified, ala design thinking.

What has Devin learned?

• It’s a work-in-progress and a memory maker.
• More people every year are following and participating.
• It creates a ripple effect that goes well beyond making a donation.
• It changes you to give the confidence to be this giving and connected person.

How can people get involved? 

• It’s not too late. Dive in now: bit.ly/25Days2020
• Make it yours.
• Mark your calendar for Thanksgiving next year to get the 2021 list!
• Don’t be afraid to make an impact!

How to connect with Devin to learn more:
Website: https://www.devinrossiter.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinrossiter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DevinRossiter

If you want to learn more about how to be seen, be found, be heard, please connect with me on the socials or let’s set up a call to chat.

Behind the Seens with Katie Riess

Learn from PR pro, Katie Reiss of KT Media Strategies, how authors can use PR and publicity to get better visibility for themselves and their books.

Here are some highlights: 

• What’s the difference between what Katie does and what I do
• Why authors should use PR and media outreach
• When you should get this type of help
• Why your publisher won’t do this work for you
• How is PR and publicity and media outreach different now

What are the 3 things authors should do with regard to their PR strategy:

• Get clarity about your target reader audience
• Focus on niche media outlets
• Play the long game; your book is the beginning
• Bonus: Be willing to do the work!

What particular media outreach strategy is most effective.

What’s the difference between DIY PR and getting “professional” help.

How to connect with Katie to learn more:
Website: https://ktmediastrategies.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieriess
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KTMediaBooker

If you want to learn more about how to be seen, be found, be heard, please connect with me on the socials or let’s set up a call to chat.

Behind the Seens with Holland Saltsman, owner of The Novel Neighbor bookstore

Learn how independent bookstores have managed to survive during the Covid crisis and how they are navigating their most important season – the holidays – this year. Also here’s how you can support indie bookstores no matter where you live – and look like a great gift-giver, too!

Here are some highlights: 

Secrets of success during CoVid during “the past 6 months”
– Online ordering was key
– Facebook LIVE to showcase products / non-book merch
– Doubling down on “merch” and local vendors
– Finding customers around the country
– Private appointments and shopping
– Pivot in-store events to virtual events
– MYSTERY BOXES! Personalized customer shopping service
– Local collaborations and partnerships

How can we support indie (local) bookstores right now and through the holidays?
– Order online
– Give gift cards
– Be “bossy” tell people you want to support local
– Buy mystery boxes
– Private shopping with your pod
– Schedule personalized shopping (We talk about our sister Ashley here!)

How does BookShop.org work to support indie booksellers and beyond? An alternative to Amazon that supports indie bookstores around the country
– Use a “bookshop.org” link to share links for books
– Authors should use this link on their book pages
– Anyone can set up a “storefront” on BookShop.org – and get affiliate revenue
– Major media publishers are working with BookShop.org too

What are the indie bookseller plans for the holidays?
– Novel November perks and surprises for shopping in November
– Any shoppers qualify for goodies and free subscriptions.
– Personal pod shopping
– Virtual personal shopping – we talk about Ashley again here – think wine in front of your computer where Holland does the shopping for you!
– Again, think mystery boxes!
– Shop early – after December 15, nothing is guaranteed to arrive by Christmas

What does 2021 and beyond look like?
– Working on new, more user-friendly website
– More virtual events – like Abby Wombach, Jimmy Fallon and R. L. Stine
– Virtual Book Fairs
– Surviving even thriving without having to ask for donations or charity from customers and community
– Let’s keep being nice – we are all tired!

Current Book Recommendations?
Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last
Notes from a Young Black Chef
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero
The Once and Future Witches
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue

What are you waiting for? Go give great books and gifts! Follow The Novel Neighbor on:
– Instagram at @novelneighbor
– Facebook (Live on Friday mornings)
– check out their website
– Email them at hello@thenovelneigbor.com

If you want to learn more about how to be seen, be found, be heard, please connect with me on the socials or let’s set up a call to chat.