Great!!

Sure, I can write that…I think. Challenge ACCEPTED!

Thanks for such a thoughtful comment! In fact, most of my teaching is directly in line with Seth Godin. And I get it, the word “brand” makes me feel icky, too. But, if I don’t give my own definition, then I acquiesce to those I strongly disagree with via my silence.

Godin is all about connecting with people and creating your Tribes. Small is the New Big, etc. etc. I have ALL his books, and cited them A LOT in my own.

The simple truth is that there are a lot of choices for what we can do with our free time. We think we need to do some MAJOR promo push or marketing blitz, yet underestimate how much authentic and BASIC human connection can tilt the needle in our favor.

I don’t feel paid advertising is a good use of money for books (never has been). As for no social media? That’s a hard sell that we (authors) can have success with NO social media. Maybe the author isn’t personally using any social media platforms, but that author has to rely on others to share the word about their work using THEIR social media outlets of choice. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. IS word of mouth, which is the only thing that has ever sold books ever.

Even down to a person leaving an Amazon review, Amazon’s unique format for reviewing IS itself a form of social media because these reviews are crafted by those who have (ideally) read the book, and there is a way for other users to engage, comment, dispute, agree, etc. Not only that, but reviews are what make the algorithms work in our favor so people SEE our book. No reviews and the book might as well not exist because it isn’t being put in other consumers’ feeds.

Suffice to say I believe we’ve gone over the event horizon when it comes to NO social media. It’s in there somewhere and might as well use it to get to know people, have fun, and make the world a tad bit brighter.