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Mandy's Book Review: The Zen of Social Media Marketing

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:17:43 +0100

Mandy’s Book Reviews:

The Zen of Social Media Marketing

By:

Shama Hyder Kabani

Are you stressing about social media marketing? Have you decided it’s too hard to maintain several social media profiles for your business? Before you decide to forego this valuable marketing tool, pick up a copy of The Zen of Social Media Marketing by Shama Hyder Kabani.

The Zen of Social Media Marketing shows the reader why social media is important, which social media sites to use, and how to set up a profile. Kabani gives a step-by-step guide to attracting new clients through social media. The Zen of Social Media Marketing is also available online at www.zenofsocialmedia.com, and is regularly updated with new tips and insights.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to build an online platform for his or her business. Kabani uses her expertise as the president of The Zen Marketing Group to create a vital business tool for anyone needing help with online social media marketing.

For more information on Shama Hyder Kabani check out: www.facebook.com/shamakabani

www.twitter.com/shama

www.linkedin.com/in/shamahyder

PRICE CHANGE!!

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:46:42 +0100

My A Distant Rumble soft cover edition has now been priced at only $9.95 + (S&H)! Log onto http://www.publishamerica.net/product23635.html to order.

My A Distant Rumble paperback edition has now been priced at only $7.95 + (S&H)! Log onto http://www.publishamerica.net/product23833.html to order.

Crane Broiler Fesitval

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:34:43 +0100

Hello Friends and Fans,
I will be joining the Crane Broiler Festival in Crane, Missouri THIS weekend. Sorry for the late notice. I've been cranking out articles like water lately.

The festival is spread out through the Crane Public Park. The booths will open at 11AM on Friday and 10AM on Saturday. They will remain open until 10PM.

I will be sharing the booth with a fellow author and friend by the name of Reta Allen. This well-published author will have her books available as well.

Come out, eat some chicken, and meet local vendors of all sorts. For more information on this event log on to http://cranebroilerfestival.org/

I hope to see you there!

Christmas in July Event

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:09:54 +0100

Hello Friends & Fans,

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I will be joining the “Christmas in July” celebration at the T. Charleston Bookstore in Branson, MO this Saturday.

T. Charleston is a bookstore in The Grand Village Shoppes at 2800 W. Hwy 76 Branson, MO 65616. Feel free to call (417) 334-7931 for more information.

The meet & greet will start at 10 AM and will last at least until Noon. Check out T. Charleston’s website here: http://www.grandvillageshops.com/ShopsDetail.php?id=46

Both of my books will be available at this event.

A Distant Rumble is a Christian Fiction, Action/Adventure set in Hawaii. For those of you who like adventure and a touch of romance are welcome to check this one out!

The Sleepy Little Sun is a children’s picture book that is filled with colorful illustrations and a sweet little nursery rhyme to help children sleep all night.

I hope to see you there!

Amanda Barke

http://www.amandabarke.com

30-Minute Social Media Marketing

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:13:59 +0100

30-Minute Social Media Marketing

by:

Susan Gunelius

If the words “social network” gives you hives and the thought of joining them sends you into a panic, I’d suggest you read 30-Minute Social Media Marketing by Susan Gunelius. Set up in an easy-to-read format, this book can lower your stress levels considerably. We live in a technological world. Any small business owner must jump into the online marketing ocean. This book can be your life preserver in the vast ocean of the worldwide web.

Gunelius explains the importance of online marketing and gives real-world success stories. (Harry Potter is quite the example.) She explains the techniques that will generate online success, and defines the terms that can confuse the social media illiterate. This book is chalked full of online sources to help you get started, and even provides some vital tools to upgrade your current online marketing plan.

30-Minute Social Media Marketing is filled with templates, samples, screen shots, and even definitions. Gunelius shows how to create an online marketing plan and how to maintain it for the long term. This book makes an excellent resource for anyone trying to start an online marketing plan.

For more information on Susan Gunelius log on to:

Susan’s Blogs: www.keysplashcreative.com and www.womenonbusiness.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/susangunelius and www.twitter.com/womenonbusiness

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susangunelius and www.facebook.com/keysplashcreative

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susangunelius

Organizing the disorganized writer

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:40:22 +0100

Organizing a Disorganized Writer

“An organized writer is a productive writer” – Amanda Barke

INTRO:

I travel all over the Ozarks speaking to various writing groups spanning all genres. I hear one complaint throughout every group. “I can’t get very much accomplished. I don’t have enough time. What am I doing wrong?” The answer lies on the writer’s desk. If you spend most of your allotted writing time looking for things, you won’t get much accomplished. Here are a few tips to make the most of your time.

I: Organize your Time:

Everyone wants to be their own boss, but this freedom has its setbacks. Housework, yard work, and procrastination can hinder your work ethic if you let them. Schedule time to write and let others know you are ‘at work.’ Create a “writer at work” sign and post it on your door if needed.

Keep a calendar or a planner nearby and write a daily ‘to do’ list on it. Prioritize this list the night before. This will give you a clearly defined goal for the day. Without a goal it’s easy to waste time. Remember: Time is precious; you only have so much of it.

Keep a ‘time log’ to manage your work schedule. This will allow you to see how much time you actually spend working, and it will help at tax time as well. A submission tracker is another great organizational tool. This will allow you to focus on other things instead of resubmitting your work to the same publishing house.

II: Organize your Desk:

Organizing your desk can be a daunting task for some. I understand not everyone gets excited when file folders go on sale. Organization means different things to different personality styles. Here are a few tips to get your desk as organized as possible.

Create a filing system for all your research documents and office supplies. Sort all your papers into ‘labeled’ file folders. Keeping your projects in separate folders will allow easy access. Research should be filed by topic and should be limited.

Using an online dictionary and thesaurus will save space on your bookshelf. Research can be saved in file folders on your computer to save room in your filing cabinet, and to save the rain forest. Pens/pencils can be stored in a desk organizer or even a cup, but they should not be scattered everywhere.

III: Tax Time Tips:

Organization is key to relieving tax time stress. Keep track of your business mileage on a calendar/planner throughout the year. Then make a spreadsheet to show your totals. Keep your receipts and log them on your spreadsheet as they come in. Track your sales and profits on your spreadsheet. Update your records monthly don’t wait until December. Remember: More organization equals less stress.

IV: Mandy’s Tips and Tricks:

It’s ok to say no: Say ‘no’ to unnecessary, time-consuming tasks. These unneeded tasks waste the valuable time you could be spending with your family and friends. (That is the whole reason behind being your own boss, right?)

LOG OFF of Facebook: Social networking is a very important marketing resource, but don’t spend too much time on them. This also applies to web surfing/research.

Go green: You don’t have to print every word of research. Save it into a file on the computer and save a few trees. (Besides, your desk will stay clean.)

It’s ok to throw things away: I know some have a difficult time throwing things in the trash, but it is necessary. Don’t keep every scrap of paper you’ve ever printed. If it is not pertinent to your current project, file it or toss it.

V: Suggested Supplies:

Organizational supplies can be tailored to fit your budget, style, and office space. A filing cabinet is helpful, but can be replaced by hanging file folders, or even three-ring binders. Labels, post it notes, and bookmarks are needed and can be filed in a drawer or even a plastic storage box. Desk organizers can hold writing utensils, scissors, and staplers. If you don’t have an organizer, you can even use a coffee cup.

Even if you lack the desire for organizational boxes and folders, you can still organize your desk. Find new and tailored ways to organize your workspace. You will be surprised how much more you can accomplish in a day.

VI: Online resources:

A) http://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Your-Desk-to-Aid-the-Needs-of-a-Writer

B) http://www.wikihow.com/Procrastinate-and-Still-Get-Everything-Done

C) http://www.ehow.com/how_2091170_organize-writers-notebook.html\

Mandy's Book Review: Guerrilla Marketing

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:44:42 +0100

Guerrilla Marketing for Writers

by:

Jay Conrad Levinson, Rick Frishman, Michael Larsen, and David L. Hancock

If you are looking for a low-cost or no-cost way to market your books, check out Guerrilla Marketing for Writers by Jay Conrad Levinson, Rick Frishman, Michael Larsen, and David L. Hancock.

Combining the expertise of four of the major hitters in the publishing industry, Guerrilla Marketing for Writers offers the reader 100 no-cost, or low-cost weapons to help the self-marketer sell his or her work. Jay Conrad Levinson’s Guerrilla Marketing books have sold over 21 million copies worldwide. David L. Hancock founded Morgan James Publishing and is a certified Guerrilla Marketing coach. Rick Frishman has been a leading publicist for over thirty years, and Michael Larsen is a literary agent with over thirty years experience.

Guerrilla Marketing for Writers is laid out in an easy-to-read format that can be studied from cover to cover, or skimmed for main points. Each chapter contains the “marketing weapons,” helpful quotes, guerilla tactics, and war stories. Guerrilla Marketing for Writers is filled with the much-needed information authors need to boost their writing careers. A sample media kit, a publicity questionnaire, and a sample evaluation form are included in the appendix.

Guerrilla Marketing for Writers is a weapon every guerrilla marketer needs to add to his or her arsenal. I would recommend this book to all authors that are serious about marketing their work.

For more information on this top-of-the-line marketing tool check out:

www.guerrillamarketingforwriters.com

This Week's Updates!

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:03:51 +0100

Hello Friends and Fans,

This has been an exciting week for me. I have two new YouTube videos about the business of writing. I have another video ready to upload. I will pass on the link as soon as it is live on YouTube.

“Mandy’s Crash Course Journalism” http://youtu.be/zACoP2hGk2E

“What comes next? Life after the first draft” http://youtu.be/jdSR9aLQDzE

Besides this, I have been highlighted on two blogs.

Kathy Miranda’s Blog: Happy Women Work from Home

http://happywomenworkfromhome.blogspot.com/2011/06/author-amanda-j-barke-talks-about.html

Barbara Bettis’ Blog: Writer’s Wednesday

http://barbarabettis.blogspot.com/2011/06/writers-wednesday-welcomes-amanda-barke.html

I will keep you posted on all my writing adventures. Feel free to friend me on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Amanda J. Barke

www.amandabarke.com

Author, Editor, Freelance Journalist, Motivational speaker

Mandy's Book Reviews! - Author: David Meerman Scott

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:21:51 +0100

The New Rules of Marketing & PR

By:

David Meerman Scott

When jumping into the publishing ocean, a new writer needs an industry professional to throw them a life raft. David Meerman Scott’s book The New Rules of Marketing & PR is just such a raft.

Scott writes from over two decades of experience in marketing and public relations. In the Internet’s infancy, Scott defied the established rules of marketing and began focusing on online marketing campaigns. After developing programs that have generated over a billion dollars in sales, Scott has become one of the industry leaders.

The New Rules of Marketing & PR is the much sought after life raft any author should be looking for. He covers everything from blogging to podcasting and websites. Scott includes links in his footnotes to point the reader in the right online direction.

Scott discusses how to optimize your search engine marketing and how to use social media professionally. Written in a conversational tone, The New Rules of Marketing & PR is a must read for anyone drowning in the publishing ocean.

For more information on David Meerman Scott check out www.davidmeermanscott.com

Mandy's Marketing Ten Commandments

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:10:21 +0100

Mandy’s Marketing Ten Commandments

Here's a few 'marketing commandments' everyone should follow to build any business.

1. Be professional - YOU are your business even in the grocery store.
2. Never stop learning – the market is constantly changing and so should you. Welcome change and go with it.

3. Think BIG – I know it’s an overused statement, but it’s true. Think outside your comfort zone. You will never go anywhere if you don’t move. so take risks.

4. BE online – You must have an online presence in this electronic age to reach your business goals.

5. Drop the chip – Don’t keep a chip on your shoulder. Don’t take criticism personally.

6. Define Goals – you must define your business goals or you will just waste time and energy.

7. Don’t market your book – don’t hide behind your work. Market yourself and what you have to offer.

8. Get Connected – the more connections (online or off) the more you can build your base.

9. Define your USP – You must have a clear unique selling point for your business. What makes you different? What makes you stand out from the crowd? Why should the client choose you? Answer these questions and you will find your USP.

10. BE EXCITED!! – If you’re not happy about your product no one else will be either. Generate a buzz with your excitement.