Want to Taste what the 2nd Edition of Bye-Bye Boring Bio Delivers? Here is Your “Pink Spoon”

Oh, things are getting exciting around here.   We are putting the finishing touches on the second edition of Bye-Bye Boring Bio to debut on 9-8-10, and I am convinced that this version is going to help a great many people at a time in our nation’s economy when getting people back to work is priority one.

President Obama said that “today, our most urgent task is to restore our economy and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work.”  He added that “in the days to come, it must be our central mission as a people and my central responsibility as president.”

Let’s not forget that self-employment is a huge element in our nation’s economy.  In Daniel Pink’s best-selling book “Free Agent Nation” he wrote that there are some 25 million people engaged in some form of business start up across Main Street USA.  Those numbers have most certainly escalated over the last several years as so many people have left their traditional jobs or been shown the door, escaped from cubicle nation, or taken on freelance and consulting assignments to navigate the rocky waters of the Great Recession.

My contribution to lend support to this mission is a revised, updated, and much expanded 2nd edition of Bye-Bye Boring Bio.  This comprehensive guide seeks to be the solopreneur’s ultimate action guide to get seen, heard, celebrated and compensated for expert status.   Those who seek to attract clients, speaking gigs, and media interviews will find this to be an invaluable tool.

If you would like a delicious taste of what this comprehensive workbook delivers, you can visit this link to download a 16-page excerpt.  It’s a gift from me to you that you can enjoy and share with anyone you know who can benefit.   And, if you are a journalist or a blogger who serves solopreneurs, independent professionals, and business owners and others who are engaged in commerce as members of “Free Agent Nation” or “Freelance Nation,” I welcome requests for book reviews.

Speaking of which, did you know you can post queries to invite product and book reviews on Blogger Link Up?   It’s easy to do.  Just sign up to benefit from this free service, prepare a write-up, make your submission, and specify your requirements.   My post ran this morning, and the book review requests are already coming in.

Here is the write-up I submitted:

Seeking Reviews – Bye-Bye Boring Bio Second Edition, Debuting 9-8-10!
Name: Nancy Juetten
Blog or Website URL: www.byebyeboringbio.com
Email: nancy@nsjmktg.com
What type of product are you offering for review?: e-workbook
What qualifies a blogger to review your product?: Bloggers and journalists who serve solopreneurs and business owners who want to attract clients, speaking gigs, and media interviews are good candidates to review this e-workbook. If you welcome 100 or more unique visitors each day to your blog, all the better!
This e-workbook is on a mission to guide others to get seen, heard, celebrated and COMPENSATED for expert status, while banishing boring bios forever.   Let’s hear from you to find out how well this book delivers what it promises!

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Ebook or Real Book? Our Survey Said …And Seth Godin Offers a Compelling Point of View in Perfect Timing

Last week, I sent an e-blast to the customers within the Main Street Media Savvy tribe and asked them one question.  Given the choice between buying an e-book or a traditional book, what do they prefer and why.  I also posed this question at my business Fan pages on Facebook.

Within 24 hours, I heard back from 100 people who were happy to share their opinions.   Here is how the numbers have played out so far from the first 100 respondents:

• 51% prefer traditional books to ebooks.
• 34% prefer e-books to traditional books, especailly if the e-books are shorter than 50 pages.
• 15% want the choice of either format.
• About 10% expressed interest in purchasing books in a format that is compatible with a Kindle, Nook, or IPad.

Here are the most common reasons for the e-book preference:

• International customers enjoy the immediate gratification of paying and receiving their product immediately. They also appreciate saving money and hassles associated with international shipping.
• Others in the e-book camp said they consider an e-book an environmentally friendly choice that allows them to print only those pages they want and save the rest to their hard drives.
• When an e-book is longer than 50 pages, however, they are more likely to buy the printed version.  Several respondents say it is too much of an inconvenience to print the pages, punch holes, and bind the content in a notebook.

Here are the most common reasons shared for the traditional book preference:

• Many of the respondents to my impromptu survey describe themselves as old-fashioned. They love holding a book in their hands, turning the pages to favorite sections, and writing in the margins.
• Readers  enjoy the the convenience of being able to tuck a book into a purse or briefcase to read while traveling on an airplane or ferry boat or set that book on the night side table for reading before falling off to sleep.
• Lovers of real books said that when they buy e-books, they often file them away without digging into them, whereas when they buy a traditional book, they are more likely to dig in and start reading right away.
• Many respondents who prefer traditional books also mentioned how they enjoy sharing their books with others.

If you have a book in your future, consider this “back of the cocktail napkin” research good food for thought to help you decide how to proceed with your next project.  And, you might check these numbers against what is really happening in YOUR shopping cart.  For example, over the last year, 85% of buyers for the first edition of Bye-Bye Boring Bio (a 52-page workbook) have selected the e-book as opposed to the spiral bound printed workbook.

Now that the second edition (to debut 9-8-10)  is approaching over 150 pages of articles, 10 Bye-Bye Boring Bio worksheets that make it easier than ever to prepare a rock star bio for the right situation, and abundant examples to inspire readers to tell their own best stories, I wonder how that will influence format preferences.   After all, what people say they prefer and what they actually do are not always the same thing.

I think I’ll tip my hat to my many years working in the quick service restaurant industry and find a way for my community members to get what they want in the format they love best.  As my friend, colleague, and mentor Alice Cunningham — co-owner of award-winning Olympic Hot Tub Company –  always says, “Make it easy to buy, easy to own, and easy to refer.”

Speaking of book formats, check out this post from Seth Godin on a related topic.  Among many thoughtful insights he shares, I like this one in particular:

“All a long way of saying that as the methods for spreading ideas and engaging with people keep changing, I can’t think of a good reason to be on the defensive. It’s been years since I woke up in the morning saying, “I need to write a book, I wonder what it should be about.” Instead, my mission is to figure out who the audience is, and take them where they want and need to go, in whatever format works, even if it’s not a traditionally published book.”  — Seth Godin

Main Street Media Savvy Follow Up Question about Pricing:

• What factor does price play in your decision to buy either an e-book or a traditional book?
• Do you expect to pay more for an e-book because your treasure the immediate gratification of getting what you want now and you love that environmentally friendly choice?
• Do you expect to pay more for a physical product because it has more staying power on your bookshelves and more gifting power as you share your favorites with others?
• Or do you want either choice to carry the same price?

I’d love to keep this conversation going, so please post a comment to the blog.   I’ll even offer a “pink spoon” so you can taste what the second edtion of Bye-Bye Boring Bio has to offer in thanks for your comments, provided you offer your email address in your post!   Can’t wait to hear from you.

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Raves for John Eggen’s Tips on Book Publishing, Plus Access to the Audio Recording!

Raves for the John Eggen teleseminar continue to flow in via Facebook.

“Thanks so much for this event Nancy. John has so much info I’m still reading all the fab downloads. I have my book on QuickBooks about 50% done and it never occured to me I should be talking about it now. I’ve changed up my bio and my introductions…and I can’t wait for my 30 min call. Wow, the call for me was priceless.”

– Denise Marinacci

“Thank you Nancy Juetten for hosting the call with John Eggen.  Great, great tips on publishing your book.  Amazing — the power of  ‘author fo the forthcoming book.’  When I first saw the promotion for the call, it sounded a bit over the top, but when I listened everything John said made sense–or shall we say $$$$$$! Well worth my time investment.”

– Marlee Huber

So, with quality comments such as these, you can access the audio recording by following this link. A double opt-in process is required, and you will soon find that it is well worth it.

Enjoy and go forth as you write a client-attracting book fast that makes up to $150,000 in revenue BEFORE it is published. Plenty of people have done it.  Maybe you will be next!

And, of course, if you have additional raves or comments to share, both John Eggen and I are all ears.

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Want Access to the John Eggen Audio File? Here’s How, Plus a Request

After the fabulous interview with Mission Marketing Mentor and Publishing Coach John Eggen on Thursday, I know I am not alone in thinking about ways to improve my most popular ebook to better serve the world.

If you were fortunate to attend the live call — during which John shared how to write a client-attracting book fast that makes up to $150,000 in revenue before it is published — you already know that the content was solid, actionable, and well worth the investment of time to take in. If you missed the call, you can enjoy the audio file, provided you opt-in to be a subscriber to my ezine. (If you are already a subscriber, you will automatically receive the audio file, so there is no need to re-subscribe.) I will be sending the audio recording to subscribers early next week. If you have a book in your head that needs to get onto paper to fuel your ongoing prosperity, you won’t want to miss this content-rich audio file.

Over the last year, the Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide has earned fans from all over the world. Today, in fact, I welcomed an order from a client in Bucharest, Romania!

Thanks to inspiration provided by John Eggen during Thursday’s live teleseminar, I’ve decided to revise and upgrade the guide this summer to include even more quality content. That means I am also giving come consideration to giving the guide a new name. Would you let me know which of these options resonates most with you?

Proposed New Title:

Kick Your Boring Bio to the Curb

Subtitle Options:

1. Road Tested Ways for Solopreneurs, Authors and Experts to Attract Money, Clients, and Media Attention Now!

2. Road Tested Ways for Solopreneurs, Authors and Experts to Get Seen, Heard, Celebrated, and COMPEN$ATED Now!

3. Road Tested Ways for Solopreneurs, Authors and Experts to Share Their Stories, Stand Out, and Shine!

4. The Solopreneur’s Step-by-Step Guide to Attract Money, Clients, and Media Attention Now!

5. The Solopreneur’s Guide to Stand Out and Shine — One Right-Sized Bio at a Time!

Please comment on the blog and let me know which — if any — of these subtitles, resonates most with you. I’d really appreciate your help since this guide is intended to help you do more of what you love, one fabulous bio at a time. Thank you.

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Headlines Matter — Make Every Word Count and Compel

You could have the most important message to share, but if the headline you use to introduce your message falls flat, your message doesn’t have a chance.  In this month’s issue of Behind the Podium, a members-only newsletter for aspiring speakers from SpeakerMatch, a meeting planner who makes decisions about keynote speakers had this to say:

“I have to tell you … I’m scrolling through my list of applications.  You might want to let the speakers know … if that paragraph that I see next to their name in my list doesn’t capture my attention, I am rejecting.  If it does, I will read, and I am keeping those that catch my attention to go through.  There have been a couple that had only one sentence or nothing, and I rejected them.”

– Christine Ross, 3M Personal Care Division

Another speaker resource who is creating a directory of world-class women speakers called me in a panic this week because the speakers who were submitting their 150-word bios were not delivering quality messages.  Many of them had to be re-written at the 11th hour in time to meet their production deadline.

With that said, if you have only 150 words to say who you are, the value you bring, and the message you deliver, what would you say?   My advice is to get that message prepared so when the next great speaking or media interview opportunity comes your way, you won’t have to scramble.  You’ll just welcome the call and gracefully say YES to the great opportunity to make a difference for others and your own growing business.   I just updated my speaker page to showcase the 150 words I most want meeting planners to see.  Check it out.

Let me know if the headline resonates for YOU.  To learn more about writing compelling headlines, check out this popular post at The Buzz Bin.

Speaking of headlines, I’ll have the wonderful opportunity to interview John Eggen for a free teleseminar taking place on Thursday, June 24 at 5 p.m.   Eggen is the founder of Mission Publishing Mentors.  He is also the creator and compiler of the international best-selling book entitled “Get the Business Breakthrough You Want.”   The title of the presentation is:

How to Create a Client Attracting Book Fast

that Generates Up to $150,000 in Revenue Before It is Published.

That, my friends,  is a compelling headline!  I’ll have more to share about this important interview in the days ahead, including the link to make it easy for you to reserve your place on the LIVE call.   You won’t want to miss your opportunity to speak in real time with Eggen to get YOUR questions answered.

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Self Published Authors: Take Note of www.SellingBooks.com to Share Your Story

If you’ve self-published a book and want the world to know about it, check out this site.

The copy at Selling Books reads, “Whether you are an aspiring writer, a multi-published author or an independent publisher, you have come to the right place. You will find lots of free information to help you in the next step of your publishing project: writing, production or promotion. And you will also find a number of books, audio programs, special reports, teleseminars and other resources.  Be sure to return often, as we will have new articles and resources added all the time.”

I read about this site first from an email from creator Cathy Stucker, who is also the mastermind behind Blogger Link Up a few weeks ago and was quick to submit my photo and interview answers in connection with Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide for her consideration.  Today, my interview appears on the site.  Check it out.

Main Street Media Savvy Tips of the Day:

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, one thing you know for sure is that I don’t just offer advice.  I practice what I preach.

As always, the big difference between earning attention for your efforts and the alternative is that those who act typically get what they want.  Are you ready for some action today?  If so, why not submit your story about your book to this site?  You just might welcome some new fans and followers and invite some new book sales today!

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You Really CAN Judge a Book by Its Cover — Bye-Bye Boring, Hello Wow!

In the excitement of creating what has become a pretty popular new tool that is earning fans from all over America and beyond, I tip my hat to Victoria Vinton, a talented graphic designer who worked with me to create a playful and engaging new front cover for the Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide.

Victoria listens well and injects a fair amount of both strategy and fun into her work, and the end result of this project from my perspective is right on target.

Victoria  is one of the resources I gladly recommend in “The N List” — which you can find across the top of the horizontal navigation of this blog.   Please connect with her if you need quality graphic design services that are accompanied by good humor and smart thinking.

Thanks to the dozens and dozens of advocates who are singing the praises of this new ebook.   I really appreciate it.  Please share your “after” bios so I can proudly post them as “Bye-Bye Boring Bio Action Guide Success Stories” on the blog with your photo and a mention of your website.  And keep those cards and letters coming!

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“I Will Do Today What Others Won’t So I Can Have What Others Don’t.” — Patrick Snow

Jan Fernandez and Nancy Juetten at the Patrick Snow Best Seller Publishing Institute Event on Bainbridge Island. Photo by Gus Fernandez

What a fabulous group of aspiring authors I met at Patrick Snow’s Best Seller Publishing Institute, held last week on Bainbridge Island.   Randy Broad, James Donaldson, Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson, Cody Hill, Alex Snyder, Gus and Jan Fernandez, Frank Reed, Cheryl Dore, Marlee Haber, Janice Brady, Brandon Chin, Kris Walton, Sandra Lynn, Jack Fecker, Shiloh Schroeder, Howard Howells, Sara Harvey Yao, and Michele Lisenbury Christensen were among those in attendance.

We all learned a thing or two about the essential steps to take to write our books and market them to earn best-seller status.  I was on hand to share some essential do-it-yourself publicity tips and resources to empower the guests to get seen, heard, and celebrated in the media in their own backyards and beyond.    I also helped some of the guests turn their boring bios into rock star bios on the spot.  The gratitude flowing my way from guests who has previously struggled to get their stories right was abundant and  rewarding.

If you’ve set your intention to write YOUR book in the New Year, Patrick offers these tips::

• Write 20 of the greatest lessons you want people to learn as a result of reading your book.
• These lessons become chapter headings.
• Put those lessons in logical order.  That list becomes your “Contents” page.
• Then, it’s a matter of writing three pages a day or putting pen to paper for one hour a day.
• Get up an hour earlier, use your lunch break to write, and do what it takes to get the job done.
• Repeat this affirmation: “I will do today what others won’t so I can have what others don’t.”
• Over a six to ten month period of time, you’ll write your book.
• Then, you can engage an editor, a cover page designer, and other experts to bring your manuscript up to an A+ effort.

If you have a book in you and need a coach to guide you through the steps, Patrick does a great job in this regard.  If you want to get a taste of the guidance Patrick offers, he hosts a weekly call every Monday at 8 a.m. PST.   Send him an email at patrick@patricksnow.com with my name in the subject line, and ask for the phone number and PIN number so you can sample his guidance and decide when you would like to be part of his program.  You just might find the coach you’ve been looking for to get that book in your head on paper at long last.

If there is one thing I’ve learned this year is that having the right coach or mentor at your side makes the journey to success a whole lot easier and more inspired.   If you’ve got a book in you and need a coach to get the book out of you, this could be just the right introduction to guide you forward.   Connect with Patrick and make some progress on your journey.

By the way, don’t you love that purple jacket I’m wearing in this photo.  My son and husband gave it to me for my birthday at the top of the month, and I just love it.  This leads me to a sassy, fashion tip for the aspiring speakers among us:

Never underestimate the power of a great jacket to make you feel fabulous.

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