Book publishers rightfully believe that they should expand their marketing activity because not doing so results in low -- or no -- growth. But thinking about creative marketing and actually doing it are two different things. What happens after the creative idea is born? In most cases, nothing. It is easier and less stressful to rationalize the status quo. The problem is generally not coming up with the ideas, it is in the implementation of an idea that is outside one’s comfort zone. But significant benefits can accrue from trying. Here are Ten Steps to Enlarging Your Book-Selling Comfort Zone.
- Most people work in their comfort zone, marketing a book through social networking or other non-stressful activities
- Then something unfamiliar occurs, perhaps posing a significant marketing opportunity (an idea about how a large corporation could use your content)
- As you think about doing it, you feel something pulling you back -- like an elastic band stretching to its limit (I’ve never called on a corporate buyer before. What will I say? I might look like a fool and never get an order. )
- Depending on the strength of the pull toward your objective, you decide to enter the unfamiliar territory (I could sell a lot of books if I do it)
- You read the book, How to Make Real Money Selling Books (By Brian Jud)
- You find a potential buyer nearby and arrange an appointment to meet
- It was not as bad as you thought is was going to be and you got an order for a significant quantity of books.
- Your comfort zone is now a little larger
- You seek other opportunities at the outer reaches of your new zone
- Something unfamiliar occurs, perhaps posing a different significant marketing opportunity (an invitation to appear on a national television show)