It started with blogs, then it was Facebook, now it’s Twitter. With everything that we do to market our books, it’s not a surprise that at times actual writing can take a back seat.  So what can we do?

Simplify.

Don’t want to read this post?

Are you trying to manage 3 or more email addresses? Simplify. Which one(s) can you cancel?

Are you working on, but not finishing, more than one manuscript right now? Simplify – pick and finish one.

Are you overwhelmed with the number of social media outlets you are trying to keep up with? Simplify. Choose one and become really consistent in its use, then you can add another one as your time grows.

PONDER POINTS

• Where can you simplify your writing life?
• What are some of the distractions that get in your way?
• What can you scratch off your list of “to dos?”
• Who is not helping you meet your goals?

Simplifying might create more chaos in the beginning, but after the initial brouhaha, the pay off is totally worth it.

When it doubt…simplify!

The mules plod along, putting one sure foot in front on the other as they descend the steep trails. These mules don’t run or trot – they lumber along until they reach their destination.

As you hit the marketing trail, let the mule be your guide.

Learn how to plod. Embrace the slower place of the amble. Adopt the power of lumbering toward your goal. Remember: it’s not how fast you reach your destination, but how long you stay there.

Just like the mule making it safely to the bottom of the canyon, success in marketing and sales is about just taking the next step, and then, doing it again. Participating in the day-to-day, unsexy grind. Making the phone calls. Writing the query letters. Taking the risk of putting yourself out there with consistency and persistence.

One of my favorite sentiments is; “I’m an overnight success and it only took me 20 years.”

Here’s some Plodder questions to ask yourself :
• Do you set aside time for marketing every day? Weekly? Bi-monthly?
• What is your preferred mode of marketing? Phone calls? Drop ins? Emails? Social Media? All the above?
• Is it working? Are you getting the results you want?
• Do you have support? A person who can, and will, kick your butt and keep you on task?
• Do you have a specific goal or goals in mind? Sell your book? Book a job? Secure a specific client?

Marketing and sales success goes to the people who keep at it, taking one steady step at a time, ignoring the steep incline and just doing the work. Hail to the Plodders, for we shall take our persistence to the bank.

As a sales flunkie, I sold T-shirts, greeting cards, candles and wired ribbon from Japan at the wholesales. I moved up the ladder to selling uniforms to public safety and fire departments.  After more then fifteen years as Sales Girl, I quit and became a voice talent and writer.  I thought I’d never have to be Sales Girl again.

HA!

I spend more time being Sales Girl now than I ever have before! Sure, it’s selling me and I’m the product, but still.

If you want to be successful with a hyphenated-life, it’s important to learn how to channel your inner Sales Person.

Here’s some tips:

• Write Down ALL your potential Markets
• Narrow the list down to your top 10
• Prioritize them 1-10
• Work your first potential market all the way through before you move on to the next one
• Write Notes on all your contacts
• Follow up
• Start again

Channeling your Inner Sales person requires perseverance and a thick skin.  Take a breath and go, go, go