Why Some Goals Never Work and the Problem with Brainstorming: Book Marketing Podcast Recap

by | Nov 18, 2021 | Podcast for Authors

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Why Some Goals Never Work and the Problem with Brainstorming, is a recap of a recent episode on our Book Marketing Tips & Author Success podcast.

We delve deeper into our discussion about this important topic for authors trying to figure out the ins and outs of marketing, so be sure to download and listen to the show for all the details, recommendations and considerations!

We see a lot of authors that tend to focus on the wrong things. I adore goal setting, and I’ve read tons of books on the topic, so this is sort of a real sweet spot for me.

It’s easy to get caught up in “all the things” because we all want to assume we’re going to finally figure out what sells more books or guarantees more reviews or secures more media attention. And if often feels like you have to do all of it at once, because there’s such an urgency to all of it, right?

We’re told to get busy with our marketing, but the issue is that brainstorming lots and lots of things, isn’t really action, in fact it’s inaction.

How to Effectively Brainstorm

At the end of the day, brainstorming makes us feel productive, and if we’re being honest, it’s usually a hell of a lot more fun than actually getting started on the work.

So, in the context of brainstorming and goals, let’s kind of break this down – because one thing that I see goes hand in hand with brainstorming are vague, undefined goals. And I see a lot of authors email us saying they want to be a bestseller, which is a great goal, but it’s also super vague. The reality is effective brainstorming should also produce clear next steps to take.

Every big goal has a ton of smaller goals, meaning that to get to that movie deal on Netflix, or that bestseller status, you really have to focus on the small goals, the incremental steps to get you from point A to point Z.

Marketing Goals

This is why we created our downloadable Monthly Book Marketing Planner, because a lot of authors ask us, “What do I do next?” and getting things written down and planned out a few months in advance is one of the most straightforward ways to really see how actions and goals build off each other.

Production Goals

You can’t forget how important the production is as well, to include your editing, your interior and cover design, and your book description. I still can’t believe how many authors don’t perfect their description with a professional copy editor or marketing person prior to the release.

Then you want to consider what your building blocks are to success. So every goal, or most goals, have other micro goals that help drive them, too and as you’re building your list, it’s good to remember that so you allocate enough time to take these actions.

Time Considerations

Success is a marathon, not a sprint.

So developing a marketing plan that creates a visual timeline of each step along the way will not only help you reach your goals, it’s a smart, productive way to stay focused and keep your expectations in check.

I also want to say that if you create these micro goals and you achieve them, it creates a momentum to keep pushing you forward.

 

We really hope this was enlightening, and perhaps it diverted some of you from getting trapped in an endless brainstorm of what you could be doing for your book, or what you hope to achieve, and instead convinced you it’s time to commit to next steps, the small steps that really end up making a difference. Make sure to listen to our full episode on our Book Marketing Podcast!

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  1. Article: Why Some Goals Never Work and the Problem with Brainstorming: Book Marketing Podcast Recap #motownwriters | Motown Writers Network . . . Michigan Literary Network - […] by Penny Sansevieri | Nov 18, 2021 | Book Marketing Podcast | 0 comments […]

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