Articles
Browse every published article connected to Stephanie Chandler, with exact attribution and full-archive search.
Articles
Browse every published article connected to Stephanie Chandler, or search within this exact expert archive.
When I ventured into the publishing world like an eager puppy in 2003, agents and editors asked me the same old tired question: “What’s your platform?” As one agent told me, “You need to have an audience of thousands that want to buy your book.” Because the ...
Successful entrepreneurs share something in common: they set goals. A goal is like a target. You can have all the ammunition in the world, but without a clear target to aim for, you can end up shooting blanks. I am a firm believe in goal setting. Each year I write a detailed Goal Plan and post it next to my desk. Having clear intentions and specific goals keeps me focused. Some people do this at the start of a new year, while others use their birthday as the annual launching board.
Finding balance between work and the rest of your life is not always easy, but it is essential. Your business cannot truly thrive if you are the center of everything, and your family cannot thrive if the majority of your attention is spent on your business. Many entrepreneurs say they own a ...
One of the most useful services released by Google in recent years is its powerful Google Alerts (http://Google.com/alerts). This free tool allows you to receive e-mail notifications when keywords and phrases that you specify appear on websites, blogs, online news channels and more. Here are ...
There is a special kind of camaraderie amongst entrepreneurs. It is a bit like belonging to an exclusive club, where members celebrate the freedom of business ownership. And while freedom may be the motto, only a small percentage of entrepreneurs are truly free. Instead of running their businesses, they let their businesses run them.
1. Reach out to past customers via phone, e-mail or direct mail. Remind them that you exist and let them know about new offerings. 2. Get active in online groups on LinkedIn. Find out where your target audience participates and get engaged. Answer questions, ask questions and be a resource. 3. Join a local business networking group such as http://BNI.com or http://eWomenNetwork.com. 4. Find something news-worthy about your business and reach out to local media directly or national media by sending a press release through http://PRWeb.com.
1. Blaze your own trail. Employee Life: Get an education in order to get a job, work tirelessly until retirement and HOPE to have a few good years left for traveling and enjoying life. Entrepreneur Life: Start with a dream, work your tail off early on to build your empire, hire, outsource, ...
Self-publishing provides a wonderful opportunity for any author who wants to take control over the publishing process and get their words into print. But because self-publishing is so easy to accomplish with a few bucks and some typed pages, many authors make mistakes along the way. As a former ...
Studies show that up to 80% of people have considered writing a book. If you aspire to become an author and need some help getting started, here are eight key strategies to finally get your book written. It might just be easier than you think. 1. Decide on a Topic Start by identifying your ...
There is a lot of advice floating around about how you should market your business online. You can make yourself crazy trying to keep up with all the websites, forums, social media networks, blogs, technologies and strategies that abound. Trying to do it all is like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. This strategy is not only exhausting, it is largely ineffective. Instead, develop an online visibility plan that is clear and focused. Not only will you quickly see results, but you will save yourself countless hours of time and frustration.
For many aspiring authors, the prospect of landing a book deal sounds like the ultimate ticket to success. And while a contract with a major press can come with some perks, there can be some unexpected surprises along the way. Here’s what you need to know to get into the game with your eyes wide open. Myth: Once you hand over your manuscript, your book will be on bookstore shelves right away. Patience is essential when working with a traditional publisher. It takes most major publishers about a year to complete your book and put it into distribution.
Some of the most successful people in history have leveraged the power of mastermind groups, a concept that was introduced in Napoleon Hill’s best-selling book “Think and Grow Rich.” The purpose of a mastermind group is to exchange and refine ideas, while assisting each other in reaching goals. From experience I can tell you that the right group can create spectacular results. While you can seek out an existing group, a more powerful option is to start and manage your own group. This will give you the opportunity to cultivate a group with the right level of experience and synergy.
There is no denying that the popularity of social media is increasing by the day. For sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (herein known as “The Big Three”), the fastest growing demographic consists of users 35 years and older. Though social media was once considered a fad for kids, it has evolved into a viable marketing opportunity for business. For the casual user, social media is a way to connect with friends and family. For the business user, social media works by sharing compelling content to capture the attention of your target audience.
No matter what kind of business you are in, there is no better way to become an instant expert than by publishing a book. Better than any business card, brochure, advertisement, website or blog, a book is a powerful tool that will open doors and lead to tremendous business growth ...
Change is essential to business success, and I’m not talking about the kind of change you drop in a vending machine. It’s the kind of change that too often brings fear, self-doubt and resistance to business owners. Building a business is hard work and once the wheels are turning, it ...
Many business owners don’t like to part with their money and with good reason. The constant barrage of vendors who want a piece of your cash pie can cause you to cling tightly to the purse strings. But have you ever considered that you could be missing opportunities to invest in your ...
One of the most cost-effective ways to grow your business is through e-mail marketing. Whether you publish electronic newsletters or simple promotional e-mail messages, most businesses find that the return on investment is substantial. As e-mail addresses change and subscribers opt out of ...
If you want to grow your business and reach a lot of people quickly, consider developing your skills as a professional speaker. There are dozens of trade organizations in every major city that need speakers for their weekly or monthly meetings. As a featured speaker, you receive instant ...
No matter what kind of business you’re in, you are an expert in something. One powerful way to grow your business is to become known for what you do best. Because experts are the go-to people for services and products, establishing yourself as an expert gives you an edge over the ...
1. Attract Media Attentionr If you want a magnetic way to generate media coverage, a book can serve as a launch pad for radio, television and print interviews and feature stories. Authors are ideal sources for stories, making it easier than ever to get story placement. 2. Establish Authority in Your Fieldr There is a reason the word “authority” begins with “author.” Publishing a book is one of the most effective ways to establish your company as a leader in your industry. 3. Build Brand Awareness