Tag Archives: good business practices

Weekend Indie Publisher News

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 First things first! Reminders to Independent Publishers!

If you have never attended a Publishing College – your chance is coming up in two weeks. Register for the Colorado Independent Publishers Association College (CIPA). Denver, CO will  be the site and the dates are March 26 & 27! Basic and advance track education! For more information, please visit www.cipabooks.com

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More no cost knowledge on the publishing industry is available every Saturday morning on Frank Gromling’s radio show “Cover to Cover.” Tune in on-line to www.wnzf.com.  Eastern time 11:30 am, Central Time 10:30 am, Mountain time 9:30am and Pacific time 8:30am. Be there!

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This month’s Poets and Writers Magazine www.pw.org  has a calendar filled with writers contests. 46 writing contests between March 15 – April 15 are listed.

Any gardeners out there who like to write poetry on the subject? Horticulture Magazine is sponsoring the 2010 Garden Verse Poetry Awards. For more information, pick up a copy of this months Poets & Writers Magazine www.pw.org!

Have a great weekend – Spring is not too far away!

Things that Mean the Most

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“Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things.” ~ Peter F. Drucker

As Americans live longer and continue to work well beyond what used to be retirement age, the world has become a “melting pot” of four generations in the business world. Decision making can be complex. All four generations bring their own ideas of what they value, a different range of attitudes, expectations, habits and motivational thinking. No wonder it is difficult to reach a consensus on what matters most!

All of us get exhausted by hearing the squabbling between political parties. It concerns me that we can not come to a consensus on so many issues. Perhaps we ought to discard Republican, Independent and Democratic ballot voting!

I propose we start anew! Let’s form an alternative party  called the “New Party V.” Voting would be based on fundamental principles of what fulfills us most, as individuals. “The New Values Party” members must work within the truths of their conscience, and take an oath of no lobbying allowed. The new ballot would read something like this.

Choose 6 values which most resemble your own and rank them in importance. #1 being top priority, # 6 being the lowest.

  • Respect for elders and authority
  • Unquestioning and silent
  • Traditional (nuclear) family
  • Individuality
  • Being adept in technology
  • Flexibility
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Family – Centric
  • Achievement Oriented
  • Team Oriented
  • Attention Craving
  • Emphasis on Call me at Work
  • Communication through Technology
  • Instant Gratification and Satisfaction
  • Merged Families
  • Accepting of Intrusion of Space

I am not sure the outcome of an election using the new ballot would be much different than the situation we have right now. There could be some disturbing results using the new ballot, too. Personally, I feel the priorities and values of the American people need to be re-aligned.

Who are you and how do you define and express yourself in this world? What principles do you most closely identify with? Be honest!

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Packaging for the Artist

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“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston Churchill

Over the months, I have received many rewarding comments about our blogsite.  Although I can not share all the comments with you, I would like to share a few because they have led me to my thoughts for this day. But first, I would like to preface this blog by saying that for as many artists as my comments apply to, there are an equal number of artists that these comments do not apply to. I am posing this question all for my own clarity in understanding the wonderful world of artists.

  • Melody the artist said “She appreciated my attention to the arts.”
  • Nicole said she “appreciates my business direction.”
  • Businesssprouts said ” I enjoy seeing people who are passionate and confident in their work.”

Artists  are known for their dedication and strong belief in their creations and their work. Why then, do many artists often think of themselves as “only artists.” Artists are business people and professionals, too!

Just as you consider your artwork as having high value and worth, are you putting yourself forward as a VIP? I am not referring to “lofty attitudes.” I am referring to presenting yourself to the world as a professional.  Your art work, and the presentation of yourself needs to be in sync, a complete professional package. It can be the very thing that sets you and your artwork apart from all the others.

It is more important to your success than you may think!

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Bring it On Home!!

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“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.”        ~ Colin Powell

Have all of you been watching the Olympics? I have! I have been loyal in following our hometown boys from Steamboat Springs, CO. As I have heard the personal stories of the athletes from all around the world, it has occurred to me that successful artists and athletes have so many things they strive for in common. Really, athletes are artists too- in the field of physiology and kinetic energy.

The list of what it takes to be successful artists or athletes  is strikingly similar. In fact, there are few things that set them apart!

  • Artists, like athletes, are known for their passion and strong belief in the work they do.
  • Both challenge themselves to “reach for the stars.”
  • Athletes and artists must achieve a high level of performance day after day and continually improve.
  • Both types of artists are faced with internal and external challenges but still must perform.
  • Goals and the mastery of those goals are essential for success.
  • Both must be very disciplined and practice
  • Belief in one’s own self, of all things, must rule!

Our United States Olympians are “doing us proud!” They have all subscribed to “right thinking.” It is what has gotten them to where they are in the first place. As for our hometown boys from Steamboat Springs, CO they will be adding their names to the roster of all the other champions from this town and will have a little “bling” around their necks to prove it.

Bring it on home, boys! Bring it on home. Share with us the result of your passion for your sport!

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Staying True Blue

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“Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart and mind, confidence is the key to all the locks.” ~ Joe Paterno

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my first Kiwanis International Conference. It was a conference of Kiwanians from the Rocky Mountain Division. I could go on at quite some length about what the Conference covered, but it really isn’t necessary to give you all a minute to minute accounting of the weekend. I would much rather expound on the virtues of it’s members.

A shared belief in living one’s life according to ethical principles has brought personal fulfillment to the lives of each Kiwanis member I spoke with. How can you not be inspired by a group of individuals who display:

  • Courage in leading
  • Imagination in creating a vision for future generations
  • Integrity in the way they live their lives
  • Great hope for the future of our world

I traveled around the conference rooms, speaking with members, trying to get a sense of some of the projects each club is involved with. The information of the fundraising projects each club is engaged in was useful and interesting. But, what struck me most was the loyalty and fellowship that it’s members share. I spoke with members that have had allegiance to the club for as many as 30, 40 and 50+ years!  I met a wonderful woman who was 97 years young, and still actively involved. She spoke with me about her years of commitment to fighting for and improving the lives of children. She expressed her concern at the vast numbers of “latchkey” children. Now, if still being actively involved at age 97 is not loyalty, I don’t know what is!

Besides a great sense of loyalty to their fellow man, why do Kiwanians stay involved for 30, 40 or 50 years? It is simple! They all have great confidence that their service organization is making an “international difference one child at a time.”

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A Return on Investment

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“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ~ Angela Schwindt

I am headed this weekend to the Rocky Mountain Kiwanis International Mid-Winter Conference. www.Kiwanis.org. Although I have never attended a conference of this fine organization before, I am excited! All signs lead me to believe the weekend will confirm many of my deep-seated beliefs about raising children.

  • Leading by example is more powerful than words
  • Mentorship can change the outcome of a child’s experience in life.
  • Expect a lot from kids, and you will get a lot.
  • Children are our future. Investing in them is in our best interest.
  • Every child deserves a chance in life.

The weekend agenda looks educational, inspiring and fun. There are so many things that I look forward to learning about. I want to hear about some of the projects Kiwanis International is involved with around the world, how Kiwanis is revitalizing neighborhoods, about their youth leadership programs, how to grow local clubs and about the Kiwanis Children’s Pediatric Trauma Institute. Another attraction of the conference for me is the opportunity to see the documentary film Children of Peace International “A Necessary Journey,” which will air on PBS in April.

How fortunate am I to be a member of this worthy service organization?

Until Monday, have yourself a fulfilling weekend. I know I will!

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You Can’t Run, You Can’t Hide

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“Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” ~ C.E.Stowe

How did we ever survive without cellphones, I-pods, laptop computers, I-Phones, Blackberries and all other things that connect us 24/7 to the virtual world? And what makes us think we are so important that our circle of friends, business associates and family must be aware of every ounce of energy that we exert throughout the day?

Several months ago, I stepped out for a meeting for an entire day. I was indisposed! A friend, who knows I do not have a cellphone or blackberry or any of those things, had apoplexy because she could not reach me all day long. She called several of our joint friends, and had them all stirred up because she couldn’t reach me. By late afternoon, she was seriously ready to call the police to report  that I was MIA, all because I did not answer my office phone or return her emails immediately! I appreciated her care and concern. I said that “next time I decided not to be at her beck and call, I would report, to her before I left, my ETD and ETA back in front of my computer . ” Yeah -right!

I applaud Oprah for her declaration of war on texting or talking on the phone while driving. What did we used to do in the olden days when we needed to communicate with someone while in the car? We waited until we found a payphone to make a call or waited until we got to our destination, then we called. What a novel idea!!

There is nothing more valuable in life than a life! That is a no-brainer! So, why would you put yourself and others in jeopardy by texting or talking on the phone while driving? Have we as human beings evolved into such weak creatures that we can not deal with a little inconvenience or some self control?

Of all things, please do not text and talk on the phone while driving!  Are you listening my son? Your life is more precious to us than you can ever, ever imagine! Please, don’t do it!!

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Considering All Things

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“All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.” ~ Calvin Coolidge

At some point in the process, almost all self-published authors or independent publishers begin to feel a shift in their business. Their business changes from an intellectual labor of love to a task of physical labor. Many wonder how this could have happened. Often, there were no landmark events that changed the focus of the business, yet something is undeniably different.

As an independent publishing business grows, so too, do the tasks that come with daily administration of the business. When all the demands on your  time no longer allow you to focus on your primary business of writing and publishing, it is time to reassess. Consider partnering with an order fulfillment company, for independent publishers, to handle the business side of shipping and handling your orders.

In-house order fulfillment does not always make sense to the smaller independent publisher. Look at warehousing alone! Do you have the facilities or are you prepared to increase your space as your business prospers? Can you effectively manage inventory control as your business grows?

Wouldn’t it be wise to check out all your options? Perhaps it is time to get back to our primary focus of business – writing and publishing. That is where your expertise lies.

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Following Tradition

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“Grandfathers are for loving and fixing things.” ~ Author Unknown

Oh, how sweet it is! Isn’t that the truth? Pop was the best! He loved us all so unconditionally that he even loved us when he shouldn’t have. The four of us grandchildren were the apple of his eye, the light in his day, and we knew it!

I recently joined Kiwanis International. This service organization was established in 1915, when my Grandfather was a young man in his early twenties. Several months ago, I mentioned to my Dad that I was contemplating joining this fine service organization.  He reminded me of a few things – that my Grandfather, who was a fine custom homebuilder and my uncle, who was a medical reseach doctor, both were Kiwanians. Once I was reminded of this fact, I did vaguely recall that my Grandfather had a Kiwanis plaque hanging in his office.

Many might wonder why a person would join a service organization. It is simple! I was given so much as a child, in ways that have nothing to do with material goods, that if there is some way I can give back by being involved with this great organization, it will be my pleasure!

Kiwanians are involved in all sorts of service projects which benefit children. They aid in providing for homeless children, building playgrounds, raising funds for pediatric research, mentoring disadvantaged children, and much more. Great things come out of stepping out and giving a child a chance in life! I am going to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps, because being a Kiwanian is a tradition worth following!

This short trailer will give a little insight into what Kiwanis is all about! Take just a few minutes to watch fellowship, caring and community happen!  For more information on Kiwanis International, please visit http://www.kiwanis.org.

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Books from Basement to Marketplace

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“You have all the reason in the world to acheive your grandest dreams. Imagination plus innovation equals realization.”~ Dennis Waitley

A mistake that some independent publishers make is putting all efforts into writing and publishing their book and forgetting about marketing campaigns. This leads to poorly or under-marketed  books. Over printing can also leave an independent publisher with a pile of unsold books.

Does your independently published book or film still have as much relevance today as when it was published, yet you have cartons sitting in your basement rather than on the shelves of your audience?

Enter E-Marketing! Through the use of social media marketing and e-commerce (internet selling), why not explore the possibility of ridding yourself of books that are still current in subject matter. Breathe new life  into  your attempts at marketing and selling them. Social media marketing can be the perfect tool for reaching potential readers and to getting those books sold. Many independent publishers have never used these tactics of book selling,  but there are professionals who can assist with every step along the way.

Give it a go! Opportunity may be just a search engine away! Start with e-commerce for independent publishers.

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