Marketing Tip 

 Are You a Writer or a Talker?

Either way, you can become a successful author. 

It used to be, "author" was synonymous with "writer."

Not anymore.

In this New Era of Publishing, "publishing" means "getting your message out." Technology offers a plethora of ways to get the message out, but it comes down to speaking or writing.

It's not necessary to choose between the two; the most effective strategy is to do a combination of both. However, most people prefer one over the other. And that's the place to start.

Think of it like when you were in college. You decided on a major, and perhaps also a minor in terms of your subject of study.

As an author, an expert, you need to at least declare to the world a major.

I definitely prefer writing. Therefore, I major in articles, blog posts, Twitter, social networking that involves writing.

However, I also do teleseminars, virtual book tours, and interviews (my "minor").

I even do the occasional public speaking, but very occasional. That's simply not my preference.

It's good to know your preference, because that's where you want to start. Always start with your strengths, what comes easiest for you. Always major in what you love to do.

You can "be well heard and well paid" either by writing or speaking. It all depends on "what you love to do."

Where to Start 

If you prefer speaking, this would include making your message available virtually (podcasts and teleseminars, videos and webinars, radio interviews and the like), and in person (public speaking, events).

The quickest and easiest place to start if you're a "talker" is with a podcast. You can develop an audience quickly by publishing your podcast in itunes and podcast directories. (Paul Colligan has an excellent A-Z course on podcasting that emphasizes monetization, being well paid for what you know.) Teleseminar series are another option. But podcasting might be the easier way to start (especially if you get the Podcast Secrets training.)

If you're a writer, you will want to start with articles and a blog. There are specific strategies to developing a presence and a freelance career, and much of what I've written on my blog and my articles speak to how to do this.

Become a Successful Author Overnight? 

I'll tell it to you straight: Becoming a successful author is NOT an overnight process.

I know there are others who promise otherwise. They will tell you you can write a book in 12 days or 12 hours or whatever (if, of course, you buy into their program and do it their way).

I've seen many of those programs, and there's always a caveat. You can write your book in 12 hours AFTER you've done hours of research or preparation. Or after you've spent hours outlining it a certain way.

Having said that, there certainly are ways to shorten the process. As a coach and consultant, I advocate hiring experts to train you. I do it myself all the time.

As you know, I only recommend people I know personally or programs I myself have taken and have gleaned the kind of benefits I know fit what my clients want.

So, here are two recommendations for you.

If you're a talker and want to learn the fastest way to build your expertise this way, I suggest you listen to the Podcast Secrets Preview Call to get you started (this link gives you a discount).

If you're a writer, I suggest you take Suzanne Lieurance's Working Writer's Coaching Program. This 12-week course will show you how to get started, including setting up a professional Web page and building your online presence. Suzanne is a superb writing coach and successful author in her own right (novels, children's books, nonfiction). This program is offered on an ongoing basis, as she has openings, so check it out for the next available opening.

Note: Both these programs are for people who are willing to invest time, money, and effort. Both are excellent, taught by people who are doing this stuff themselves and succeeding at it. What you learn will work if you work it.