Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of people don’t set their priorities to incorporate their marketing plan. In fact, often times I’m noticing a lot of businesses aren’t even using a marketing plan at all! Which makes me cringe wondering how do they know what’s working and what’s not? That could be very costly to say the least.

Since a “true” marketing plan pinpoints your target audience, it should always set the tone of your priorities, too.

Here’s what I mean. I have a certain type of person that I work with beautifully. I call them “high-achievers” not “over-achievers.” They know what they want to achieve and understand the value of setting up the right systems to get there. And, by working with this type of clientele, together we achieve wonders in their business. Now I don’t know about you, but I love to see great things happen in my client’s business (and lives). Not only does this show others my effectiveness, but it gives me a sense of purpose in what I’m doing, too.

But, in order to find these types of clients, I have to know a lot about where to find them first. Understanding their habits, their interests, and even their challenges is very crucial in making those important connections.

This information helps you to develop your work flow, your schedule, and even the types of meetings and events you should be attending. In turn, this helps you determine your priorities for your business.

One important tool I use in my marketing is a list of the top 15 to 20 prospects in which I’d like to do business. The ones listed are those that determine my ongoing activities - not the other way around. In fact, my marketing plan has been developed with them in mind. This also helps me find others that are similar to those on my list. Which, of course, means a larger list of prospects in which to build a relationship.

So, if you’re not sure how to set your day-to-day priorities, think about the ones you’d like to get to know better (with the possibility of doing business), and make it a top priority to travel in the same circles.

And as far as setting your priorities, don’t just list what you’re willing TO do, but also what you’re NOT willing to do, too. Always stay true to your plan. Doing so will not only save you money in your marketing, but will give you extra time to spend as well (and we could all use that, huh?).

I know in my own business, I appreciate working smarter and not harder - and I bet you do, too, right?

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous and Sometimes Infamous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:
~ Academy Awards of Networking  www.penworth.com/awards
~ The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius   www.penworth.com/top_10
~ "I Need a Marketing Makeover" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests
~ "Help me Publish my Book" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests

SERVICES:
~ Coaching and Consulting
~ Marketing, Speaking and Publishing Bootcamps
~ Marketing Plans and Branding Systems
~ Book Publishing and Product Development
~ Marketing Services:
         Articles  |  Press Releases  |  Special Events  |  Speaking Preparation

        

Others tell me all the time they wish their referral system would bring in more business. And when I ask what system they are using, they usually tell me the one where they reward those that refer others their way. Now in my experience, this type of referral program can sometimes become a nightmare to implement because you’re not really sure who to give credit for the referral. Especially since most referrals result from many people referring them your way. Plus the paperwork alone can cause you to pull your hair out. Today my “Tip of the Month” is about using some simpler ways to get referrals headed your direction.

Here are my three suggestions:

1. Keep your business sharp!
For your ongoing business, make sure you give it your all. Give them the best customer service, smiling faces, well trained and knowledgeable employees, friendly greetings (in person and on the phone), awesome packaging, quality products and services, and everything branded the best it can be. Doing so immediately helps them remember the awesome experience of dealing with you when someone asks the important question, “who do you know?” That makes you the business of choice in their mind every time!

2. Give them a Thank You gift!
A lot of businesses only send a gift for referrals (and I previously stated why this is so hard to implement). Don’t attach a gift to the referral - do so before they give you a referral. Give them a “thank you for your business” gift AND ask them for referrals. A good way to imply the thought is to include a form that can be used to submit referrals. This creates immediate referrals through the use of the form (plus add one online) and creates a great impression because of the surprise.

3. Keep in contact continuously!
If you really want to be the one your clientele thinks of when  someone asks “who do you know,” be sure to keep your name in front of them constantly. This can be so simple and only require some ongoing emails, mailed literature, strategic networking, thank you cards, or any other way to stay in touch. And on your literature (and on everything else), list exactly what makes a “good referral for you.” You’d be surprised at how often your own clientele isn’t sure who would be a good fit. So make sure you let them (and everyone else) know!

I know some of this might seem like a lot of time and effort (sometimes even money)! But it does work and is a lot better than the alternative if you are not receiving your share of referrals already. Referral based programs should be well thought out and implemented in the right way. Better than having a paperwork nightmare or angry customers on your hands for “gifting” the wrong person, right?

Of course, if you need help with implementing this type of program (or any type of marketing plan), I would love to help!

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous and Sometimes Infamous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:
~ Academy Awards of Networking  www.penworth.com/awards
~ The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius   www.penworth.com/top_10
~ "I Need a Marketing Makeover" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests

~ "Help me Publish my Book" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests

SERVICES:
~ Coaching and Consulting   www.penworth.com/packages
~ Marketing, Speaking and Publishing Bootcamps   www.penworth.com/bootcamp
~ "Fast-Track" Self-Publishing Program   www.penworth.com/fasttrack
~ Book Publishing Services   www.penworth.com/publishing
~ Marketing Services   www.penworth.com/marketing_program
          Articles  |  Press Releases  |  Special Events  |  Speaker Preparation

What are some good referrals for me?
Either someone NOT wanting to market all the time, yet get RESULTS as if they do!
OR... someone TIRED of trudging through the publishing MAZE, and is ready to GET 'UR DONE!
Need a simple website? Contact me.

        

Sounds like a crazy question, right? Well not necessarily. Let me explain.

Most of the time when a client comes on board to work with me, the one thing they most often want to achieve is being thought of as the leader in their industry. And, I think, this is very important in setting you apart from your competition.

It really doesn’t matter the type of business or industry, we all want to be considered the “best” at what we do, right?

Well there are several marketing efforts that can literally make that happen. Some of these efforts include speaking, special events, and yes, writing. Now when I say writing, I’m not necessarily talking about just a book, but also articles, special reports, and even booklets. We all have valuable information and knowledge our clientele would love for us to share. You know, all of our “how-to” expertise. And the beauty of it all is they are willing to pay for this information, too. Which, of course, means your written information not only sets you apart as the “expert,” but can also become a profit center, too.

All of this works hand-in-hand with your marketing plan. However, unlike a lot of your marketing tools, this one builds instant recognition, credibility and prominence.

And, if you’re out speaking and doing presentations (which you really should be), having informational products will give you what’s called a “back-of-the-room” products others will buy.

How great is that?

Some other product considerations might be:

• A workbook
• An e-book
• A journal
• Action guides
• Resource booklets
• CD’s and DVD’s

So, you see, it really isn’t that far fetched at all to consider publishing a book, booklet, special report, or any other type of product that would work beautifully with your other marketing efforts. In fact, by doing so is really easier than you might think.

If you’d like to know how, just give me a call. Together we can make it happen!

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous and Sometimes Infamous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:
~ Academy Awards of Networking  www.penworth.com/awards
~ The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius   www.penworth.com/top_10
~ "I Need a Marketing Makeover" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests
~ "Help me Publish my Book" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests

SERVICES:
~ Coaching and Consulting   www.penworth.com/packages
~ Marketing, Speaking and Publishing Bootcamps   www.penworth.com/bootcamp
~ "Fast-Track" Self-Publishing Program   www.penworth.com/fasttrack
~ Book Publishing Services   www.penworth.com/publishing
~ Marketing Services   www.penworth.com/marketing_program
         Articles  |  Press Releases  |  Special Events  |  Speaking Preparation

Some good referrals for me? Either someone NOT wanting to market all the time, yet get RESULTS as if they do!
OR... someone TIRED of trudging through the publishing MAZE, and is ready to GET 'UR DONE! 

        

There are so many times when I’m out and about that I hear others state that a perfect client for them is “anyone that breathes.”

And, although that might be a true statement in one sense, it could actually attract the wrong kind of business and hinder others from referring the right kind of business to you, too.

That might sound strange to hear, but let me explain. You see, if you are marketing to everyone, besides over-spending your marketing dollars, you’re not going to attract the type of clientele you “love” to work with often enough. If your message is so broad that it’s meant for anyone within earshot, then it becomes a muddled message. And if it becomes a muddled message, opportunities to do business with your perfect client can often become lost.

Of course, that leads us back to the age old question of… how do I identify and locate my perfect client when I don't know who they are?

Well this tends to be a big problem with a lot of business owners. We’d all like to think that everyone will want to do business with us (and immediately so, huh?). But, the truth is, a lot of times the type of business we attract is so wrong for us that it makes what was once our passion - become a nightmare!

And oddly enough, most of the time it stems from our marketing and the way we do business that causes “toxic” people to show up in our lives (and business).

I know in my own business, I love working with clients that are already successful, but want to push the envelope to become the leader of the pack. And this type of client does not consider failure an option. But they also want to operate their business from their passion which means they respect taking time off to refuel (when needed). I call them “high-achievers” not “over-achievers.”

Of course, for me to attract this type of clientele, I must first operate my business in the same way. I have certain hours that I work and take ample time off to play. When I host a special event, it’s just that… a “Special Event!” My materials are up-to-date and printed professionally so when someone asks for a copy, it’s readily available. I do a lot of keynote speaking to groups and host several workshops each month on a continual basis, with ongoing press coverage.

I also find I don’t work well with those that stay in “panic mode” unless they are wanting to break the habit. And the same goes for those that just throw things together. That’s mainly because I know that by doing so typically does not get them a “before, during, and after” result they want to achieve. And, in my opinion, getting results is what you want your efforts to do - not just do them to be doing something.

So, you can see that by operating and marketing my business a certain way helps me attract the client that is perfect for me and vice versa, too.

But how do you find your perfect audience?

Well, the very first thing you need to take into consideration is your very own personality and preferences. I find some people thrive in a very fast-paced world while others like to take their time. Just imagine what happens when you mix the two. Most of the time it’s total frustration for both. And if that’s what is happening in your own business, you could wind up hating the very business you once loved.

But what would happen if just the opposite were true? Now imagine how you would feel if the clientele you were attracting enjoyed doing business with you the way YOU like to do business? Wow! What a difference that would make, don’t you agree?

Now develop how you do business based on how “you” like to do business and use marketing tools that would resonate with this type of clientele. Before you know it, you’ll understand exactly what type of client is ideal for you and your business. Plus you’ll be so much happier.

Just remember… trying to serve “everyone” spends too much of your hard earned marketing dollars, brings you the wrong type of business, and confuses those that are wanting to refer others to you, too!

So look at your “best” type of clientele (those you enjoy doing business with now) and learn more about them. Find out what they read, where they “hang,” what their real issues are, and what type of service or product they would be interested in buying. Then (and only then) will you be headed in the right direction (with your business and marketing) and bringing in the right type of business!

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous and Sometimes Infamous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:
~ Academy Awards of Networking  www.penworth.com/awards
~ The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius   www.penworth.com/top_10
~ "I Need a Marketing Makeover" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests
~ "Help me Publish my Book" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests

SERVICES:
~ Coaching and Consulting   www.penworth.com/packages
~ Marketing, Speaking and Publishing Bootcamps   www.penworth.com/bootcamp
~ "Fast-Track" Self-Publishing Program   www.penworth.com/fasttrack
~ Book Publishing Services   www.penworth.com/publishing
~ Marketing Services   www.penworth.com/marketing_program
         [Article Syndication  |  Press Releases  |  Special Events  |  Presentation Preparation]

"I help you attract lots of new business... by developing and implementing your perfect marketing plan!" 
A good lead for me? Someone NOT wanting to market all the time, but get RESULTS as if they do!

        

ANSWER: There are, of course, lots of marketing tools to help you achieve the much desired effect of “knowing you,” “liking you,” and “trusting you.” But, I’ve picked out some tools that will help you accomplish each one below.

• To get others to KNOW YOU, try using some of these tools -
Send out newsworthy Press Releases, attend the appropriate Networking Meetings, and Write Articles about your expertise.

• To get others to LIKE YOU, here are some great tools to use -
Be the Keynote Speaker for meetings, send out Newsletters (either by email or by mail), and exhibit in Trade Shows.

• To get others to TRUST YOU, add in these tools -
Conduct your own Workshops, develop your own Mastermind Group, and be a Volunteer for Charities and Non-Profits.

My challenge to you… try adding in at least one from each category in the next 60 days and see how much easier your marketing becomes!

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous and Sometimes Infamous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:
~ Academy Awards of Networking  www.penworth.com/awards
~ The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius   www.penworth.com/top_10
~ "I Need a Marketing Makeover" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests
~ "Help me Publish my Book" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests

SERVICES:
~ Coaching and Consulting   www.penworth.com/packages
~ Marketing, Speaking and Publishing Bootcamps   www.penworth.com/bootcamp
~ "Fast-Track" Self-Publishing Program   www.penworth.com/fasttrack
~ Book Publishing Services   www.penworth.com/publishing
~ Marketing Services   www.penworth.com/marketing_program
         Article Syndication  |  Press Releases  |  Special Events  |  Presentation Preparation

"I help you attract lots of new business... by developing and implementing your perfect marketing plan!"    
A good lead for me? Someone NOT wanting to market all the time, but get RESULTS as if they do!

 

        

If you’ve been looking for some unusual ways to get the media’s attention, try some of these ideas to not only get in the news, but maybe even get discovered and become really famous, too!

• If you have a local “dress” theme for your city or state, try dressing the part when going to the airport to pick up those coming into town. For instance, we are in Texas and when others visit our state, they are surprised that everyone isn’t dressed in cowboy boots, belts, spurs, and ten-gallon cowboy hats. But, if you dressed in that theme to pick up someone coming into town, you could “meet and greet” them in style! Just be sure to send a tip to the media beforehand, too.
  
• Do you happen to have a pet that is brilliant at performing unusual pet tricks? This would tie in beautifully with any event that the local pet shelters or charities are promoting. Teaming up with these groups is a great way to “showcase” your pet’s talents plus help give a great spin to any storyline presented. Bonus: since your pet probably only performs on cue from you, that means you get to be on camera, too!
  
• If you’re up for the challenge, find a world’s record you feel you could beat, and announce you are going for the record to the media. They will want to be there with a camera crew in tow to capture this on tape.
  
• If you really want to have some fun… host a crazy contest in the name of charity! You could have others compete in building a marshmallow house, have teams build a teeter totter out of leggos, or even host a scavenger hunt for some high-end items.
  This one can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work organizing, too. But, if you have a lot of contacts, this could be the highlight of the year!

Whatever you decide to do to grab your fifteen minutes of fame... always remember to have fun and enjoy the ride!

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous and Sometimes Infamous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:
~ Academy Awards of Networking  www.penworth.com/awards 
~ The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius   www.penworth.com/top_10
~ "I Need a Marketing Makeover" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests
~ "Help me Publish my Book" Contest   www.penworth.com/contests

SERVICES:
~ Coaching and Consulting   www.penworth.com/packages
~ Marketing, Speaking and Publishing Bootcamps   www.penworth.com/bootcamp
~ "Fast-Track" Self-Publishing Program   www.penworth.com/fasttrack
~ Book Publishing Services   www.penworth.com/publishing
~ Marketing Services   www.penworth.com/marketing_program
         Article Syndication  |  Press Releases  |  Special Events  |  Presentation Preparation

"I help you attract lots of new business... by developing and implementing your perfect marketing plan!"   
A good lead for me? Someone NOT wanting to market all the time, but get RESULTS as if they do!

        

Your marketing efforts should be very aggressive - especially in today's volatile market. And, make sure it's not just a one-time shot!

Imagine for a moment as to what happens when you’re in the news. Whether you are featured in an article in a newspaper or magazine, or interviewed on a TV show or radio program, the audience will remember you just long enough until the next edition or show.

So, in order to be effective, all of your marketing efforts must be continuous. You should always send out press releases, submit articles, agree to do speeches and presentations, send out newsletters, do continuous advertising or initiate some form of ongoing contact. Think about how much promotional value you would be generating in a year’s time if you continually did these things on a monthly basis (or at least do one thing each month that takes you closer to your goal). Not to mention your popularity and credibility. And, those you network with will know you even better, more quickly, and with a much clearer idea as to what you do.

So here's your challenge: start ramping up your marketing right now... add one new item to your list each month and see how far you'll be by the end of the year! It's never too late to start doing things more continuously!

Remember: The very BEST time to market your business was when you first started your business. The 2nd best time is today!
 
Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:
~ Academy Awards of Networking
~ The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius
~ "I Need a Marketing Makeover" Contest
~ "Help me Publish my Book" Contest

SERVICES:
~ Coaching and Consulting
~ Marketing, Speaking and Publishing Bootcamps
~ "Fast-Track" Self-Publishing Program 
~ Turn-Key Marketing and Publishing Services

"I help you attract lots of new business... by developing and implementing your perfect marketing plan!" 
A good lead for me? Someone NOT wanting to market all the time, but get RESULTS as if they do!

        

I don’t know about you, but with all the negative press lately, you would think the best thing for us to do is pull the covers back over our heads and stay in bed, huh?

Well, there really is some good news for all of us that have credible businesses. While the consumer is a little more cautious these days, there are some things you can do in your marketing to step things up a bit.

Now, don’t get me wrong, that might mean you have to work a few more hours, make a few more calls, be a little more innovative, or even spend a few more dollars on marketing. But, I have no doubt you will have no problem doing any of this, because you are already successful at what you do and you don’t mind going that extra mile!

The really good news is…
» Businesses that are questionable will soon go by the wayside (leaving only those built on a good foundation standing).
» The days of having to offer every type of service (or product) available are gone and being the “expert” in your field is back. This means you get to do what you love and focus on your strengths - which keeps you from being stretched too far.
» Your message will have to change from being “fluff” statements to really hitting the mark as to why your products and/or services address the issues they’re facing right now.

So, what are some survival techniques to use in marketing your business? In this article, I’ve listed four things to consider immediately that will help put you on top!

• Focus on the “smaller” picture!
Don’t let all the negative media dictate how you run your business. Truth is… there is still enough business out there for everyone. Face it, you don’t need everybody to buy from you in order for you to stay in business. You know the number you need to survive. Concentrate on that number and market accordingly. You might have to broaden the amount of prospects you target in order to reach your goal, but don’t focus on the big picture and let it destroy your business spirit. Just focus on “your world” instead.

• Be the leader of the pack!
Right now is the perfect time to change your industry for the better. What is it that your clientele seem to hate about your industry? Address that issue and change it! Then go one step further… what do they love about doing business with others? If possible, become innovative enough to adopt this into the way you do business, too. By doing so, you’ll be miles ahead of your competition and in the future they’ll have to try to catch up with you! A good place to be, huh?

• Keep a positive outlook!
Create your “own economy” by focusing on the positive instead of the negative. If you make some adjustments now, this could actually wind up being a boost for your business and a record year, too. And remember, a negative attitude doesn’t help anything - so dust yourself off and get back in the game in a “Big Way!”

• Continue marketing!
Now is the time to be aggressive with your marketing - not shrinking back. Of course, the good news is a lot of your competition are pulling back with their marketing, and this helps keep you on top. Keep in mind, marketing doesn’t necessarily have to mean expensive. There are plenty of ways to get in front of your audience without spending a fortune. Of course, the days of casting a net into just any pond are over. You have to focus on a much more targeted pond and really know your audience. But, if you stay steady with your message and stay the course, you will hit the numbers you need in order to flourish.

Remember, successful people are simply people who are willing to do what others aren't. And I know that you are willing to do that! Put your plan of action to work today!

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:

• Academy Awards of Networking
• The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius
• Marketing and Publishing Contests

SERVICES:

• Coaching and Consulting
• Marketing and Publishing Bootcamps
• Turn-Key Marketing and Publishing Services

"I help you attract lots of new business... whether you need it or not!"  
A good lead for me? Someone NOT wanting to market all the time, but get RESULTS as if they do!

        

If you're like me, you're probably asked by many groups to be the keynote speaker at various meetings around town. And, of course, they don't necessarily have a budget to hire you. So, what can you do to get the best marketing value out of these types of engagements? Well I've listed below some things for consideration to try before, during, and even after the meeting.

By using some of these tips you'll be surprised at how quickly you'll be able to get (and keep) your name out there with those that are your target audience.

Before the meeting -
Send your photo, name, “book information”, your tag lines, a short bio, title of your presentation, and description and benefits of your talk to the newsletter editor, publicity chair, and website designer. Also, ask if they are needing any articles for their newsletter or any other publication they offer. This way attendees will have the opportunity to know more about you (and what you do) even before they meet you. Plus if they're not able to attend, they will have still "met" you even without "meeting" you. Keeping your name and information in front of your audience is key.

During the meeting - 
Be sure to take along extra short bios (in case the one introducing you forgot to print it out) and a special door prize for your own personal drawing. Before your presenation, try to meet as many people ahead of time as possible and ask them questions about what they do (this helps you know your audience a little more and get them on your side). Having your own door prize will ensure that you will be able to collect their business cards for your own mail outs and database.

After the meeting -
If you have “captured” their contact information, be sure to either email them afterwards, send a thank you card (if appropriate), or send them information by mail. Anyone that wants to set up a meeting with you, be sure to set the date and time as soon as possible (preferably during the meeting). One last thing you should always do is send those that asked you to speak a thank you card. Remember, follow-up is key!

By doing these "before, during, and after" techniques, you'll be able to boost your marketing reach tremendously and others will remember you and tell others about you, too! And, that makes it a win-win for all.

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous"
Penworth Publishing & Marketing
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

EVENTS:

• Academy Awards of Networking
• The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius
• Marketing and Publishing Contests

SERVICES:

• Coaching and Consulting
• Marketing and Publishing Bootcamps
• Turn-Key Marketing and Publishing Services

"I help you attract lots of new business... whether you need it or not!"  
A good lead for me? Someone NOT wanting to market all the time, but get RESULTS as if they do!

        

I’m always being asked in my Publishing Bootcamp classes as to whether someone is better off self-publishing their own book or using a POD (Print-on-demand) printer. So, I’m listing the advantages and disadvantages to using both methods.

So, let’s start with Self-Publishing your book.

Some Advantages of Self Publishing:

• You have total control
• It’s the most economical way to publish (especially if you plan on selling a lot of books)
• If you have the skills to do some of the work yourself, you can save a lot of money
• It can be very satisfying to self publish

Some Disadvantages of Self Publishing:

• It can be very time consuming - sometimes requiring more time than you may have
• It can get very expensive if you don’t know what you are doing
• Finding quality freelancers can take a long time to find and can be a real chore
• You have to know how to “talk” the language of the print manufacturers
• Some book reviewers will not review self-published books
• Some distributors will not carry your book

Now let’s take a look at using a POD Printer.

Some Advantages in using a POD Printer:

• It’s also a very economical way to publish
• You don’t have to share writing a book with others (like an Anthology “Group Authors” book)
• You are automatically listed in all the catalogs as being the author
• You do have a little more control on the looks of the book and content

Some Disadvantages in using a POD Printer:

• They are normally hard to work with and don’t respond very quickly
• If you don’t talk their language, mistakes can be huge (and expensive)
• You don’t get to completely customize your book (inside and out)
• When listed online, sales go to the POD Printer (unless you set up your own account)
• They don’t typically edit without there being extra charges
• Some of them retain the registrations unless you pay an additional fee

Keep in mind - as long as you do your homework upfront, you will be able to glide through either process and have a fulfilling experience. Just think how proud you will be once you have your book in print!

If you are looking for some POD Printer recommendations, just go to my site at www.penworth.com and click on the LINKS section. I have lots of resources for both the “Self-Publisher” and the POD Printers listed.

And, if you have decided to Self-Publish, visit http://www.rjcom.com/free-ebooks/ to download a free e-book called "Publishing Basics" explaining each step of the way. Another great resource is Dan Poynter with Para Publishing. He lists a lot of great resources, too, and is the author of, "The Self Publishing Manual."

I hope all of this information helps you on your way to becoming a published author and if there is anything I can do to help you find other resources, please don't hesitate to let me know!

May all your stardom come from fame, and never from infamy (unless you do so by choice)!

Carmen Wisenbaker, "The Publicity Diva"
Author ~ Speaker ~ Marketing Specialist ~ Publisher
Author of "52 Ways to Become Famous"
Penworth Publishing | Penworth & Associates
Hosts of the "Academy Awards of Networking"
and "The Diva's Top 10 Picks for Marketing Genius"
Plus offering Marketing and Publishing Bootcamps
6942 FM 1960 East, #152
Humble, Texas 77346
www.penworth.com
281-404-5019

"I help you attract lots of new business... whether you need it or not!" 
A good lead for me? Someone NOT wanting to market all the time, but get RESULTS as if they do!