Red Room Where the Writers Are

I'm a salesperson of over 23 years. Blimey, I've sold all sorts, from Avon Cosmetics to women in their homes (yep, the only Avon Man my customers had ever seen, which was a laugh in itself, hehe), office equipment, high security paper to governments and banks all over the world, and large scale Enterprise software, hardware and services solutions, to name just a few.

During most of my career, as an extension to my role, I have often been entrenched in marketing activities, eventually leading and delivering marketing projects on several occasions. Some people would say I have a lot of experience in marketing because of this. The thing is, I'm not a marketing person. Marketing is a completely separate discipline which I would never claim to be more than a novice.

This has become quite clear in the past year as I have been involved in marketing Gina for her first two titles, Utamaro Revealed and The Wonderful Demise of Benjamin Arnold Guppy.

Working with Gina to promote her has been an amazing experience. I thought it would be simple to use the same techniques I have used for over two decades, but I was wrong. 

Marketing an author is subtly different, but it's that subtlety that is the difference between success and failure in my humble opinion. I have learned a lot from her about the greater importance of internet marketing, use of media such as book trailers and software tools, better use of PR through more intelligent use of target words and phrases, how to better use networking as a tool and a long list of other things. The funny thing is, she learned a lot of these things from me, tweaked and improved them, added her own creative flair and ingenuity and handed them back to me. It would be like me giving her the blueprint for a bicycle and then being handed back an actual luxury car with all the extras. LOL! Amazing.

This brings me to the reason for today's blog. I've recently become unemployed. My usual 'sales' activities continue, of course. I have a list of over 400 potential employers and dozens of consultancies all over the world that I am on the phone to or emailing every week day, from morning until night. I am networking among my industry contacts like crazy and also using every avenue available to help find a suitable new role. 

The thing is, differentiating oneself from other candidates is always important, even more so in the current climate. Rather than just sending out CVs (Resumés), I am making myself stand out by a whole raft of methods that I have re-learned from Gina. I have set up a website to promote myself with case studies, a video, downloadable content, an eBrochure, press release and other information.

My brochure (front and back) and my presentation pack, which also includes a CD.

 My website. It's meant to look corporate rather than personal. I also have a USA version.

I am using business networking in a much more efficient way, including multimedia and downloadable content wherever possible, I have branded myself and have business cards, presentation packs, electronic files on CDs, PowerPoint presentations and a properly printed brochure. 

Gina even convinced me to have my first business profile photo. She took this photo of me in our kitchen, believe it or not!

Blimey! If bookmarks could help me sell myself, I'd have those printed too! LOL!

There are so many parallels to what I am doing to market myself and the marketing that many

 authors have to do that I thought you might find this interesting, either as published or budding authors. 

 Crikey, I've even been after reviews, or in my case, recommendations from former work colleagues, strategic partners and customers. Fortunately I have been fortunate enough to have 6 glowing 'reviews' on LinkedIn, the business networking site, so far.

Interesting, how similar this process has been with Gina's marketing. Interesting indeed. :)