Overcoming The Fear of Publishing And Finding Your Voice

I am a firm believer in employers supporting their employees' career advancement.

I constantly try and encourage my team to dream bigger and be open with me about how I can help them achieve their career goals.?

This ebook publishing project began when one of our content writers, Sheena Steedman, shared her long-term goal with me to become a published author.

Driven by my mission to empower my employees, I told her I’d sponsor her to write an ebook for BlissPoint Press.??

As long as she planned out a writing schedule and stuck with it until she reached her goal, she’d have the full support of myself and our team.

I knew Sheena could publish a book, but she needed to prove that to herself. By actualizing this dream she’s held onto for so long, she’d develop a whole new identity and sense of confidence which will carry over into all that she does.

By writing and publishing her first ebook, Sheena has demonstrated DigitalFirst Leadership and accomplished what so many people struggle to do: Go for it.?

Her endeavor to publish her first book sparked interest in the rest of the team and inspired them to write their own ebooks, beginning BlissPoint’s Ebook Publishing Project.?

If you need a resource for inspiration, I highly recommend you start by reading Sheena’s new ebook Drink Your Coffee and Write: A Short and Witty Writer’s Guide.

Sheena wrote this book as a catalyst for readers to embark on the journey of becoming the writer they’ve always wanted to be.

Sheena offers you valuable writing advice in the book and teaches you how to create a writer’s ritual like she used to write this book.?

Sheena did it, I’ve done it, and so can you.

Publishing an ebook isn’t about making money or becoming a best-seller; it’s about overcoming the fear and achieving your goals.?

You have a unique perspective.?

What do you have to say? What topics are you knowledgeable about??

In today’s digital world, the internet is full of all the resources you could ask for; there’s no reason not to publish an ebook.?

For example, consultant Jane Friedman’s blog is an invaluable resource we use for all things publishing.?

The best part about ebook publishing is you can decide how much time and money you spend.?

For my book, DigitalFirst Leadership, I spent years writing and money on editing, cover design, and publishing experts.

But for my new ebook, BlissPoints, we wanted to publish to establish a process for our team and determine the scope of the Ebook Publishing Project.

With the help of our Project Manager, Claire Pfeiffer, we took four Forbes articles that I’d written previously, found a common theme among them, added new thoughts and ideas, and repurposed the content for an ebook in less than a month.?

Instead of hiring a cover artist for my BlissPoints cover, we designed it entirely using Canva. Sheena used Fiverr to find a suitably priced designer for her cover.?

You can easily take any of your previous content and turn it into an ebook, just like I did and be a proud published author.

Here’s a glimpse into my new ebook, “BlissPoints: How Fast Cars, Surviving the Desert, and Playing Board Games Can Make You A Better Leader”?

Our lives are full of twists and turns, but there are certain points we look back on blissfully.?

While these memorable points may not have inspired bliss at the moment, they do now because we realize these short stories made us who we are today.

BlissPoints is a culmination of four points in my life that made me the leader I am..

From learning how to drive a car to training in the army, and even a board game hobby, I’ve found life lessons in unexpected places.

In this book, you’ll learn:

- How to avoid a speeding ticket,

- why 6 men died in the desert, and

- what the “World BoardGaming Championships” is.

This ebook is about how recognizing, embracing, and sharing stories can make you a better leader in your personal and professional life.

At 25 pages, this ebook is quick-read on your Kindle app.

Let’s take a look inside:

In the Introduction, I emphasize the importance of finding lessons in everyday life and recount how I taught my children about marketing by watching TV commercials.

In Part I. Personal Accountability, I tell the story of how driving too fast taught my brother and me the importance of owning your mistakes and teach you how to avoid a speeding ticket.?

In Part II. Teamwork I share the story of how I learned the three ingredients of successful organizations by watching 6 army officers die in the desert.

In Part III. Leadership I discuss how my hobby, playing board games, taught me about resource management, dealing with conflict, and winning and losing graciously. I also extend an invitation for you to attend The World Boardgaming Championships.?

The final note from the author is on recognizing, embracing, and sharing stories. After reading, I encourage you to share memorable moments in your life that influenced you.

Here’s a sneak peek:

“Recognize there are stories all around you. In every activity and interaction, there are lessons to be learned.

It is my fundamental belief that when you place a thought in your head, the universe will not only align itself to bring you what you need but bring whatever you ask for barreling towards you.

I didn’t go looking for life lessons in board games or for a patrolman to pull me over. I asked the universe to provide me with clarity.

What do you want to learn? Keep an open mind, and you will discover, the stories come to you.”

Visit Amazon to purchase your copy of BlissPoints: How Fast Cars, Surviving the Desert, and Playing Board Games Can Make You A Better Leader.

If you enjoy BlissPoints, check out my other books, DigitalFirst Leadership: Master Social Media, Build Online Presence, Lead Your Tribe and Stealing the Show: 9 BlissPoints to Get Your Organization Noticed.

And of course, check out Sheena Steedman’s first book, Drink Your Coffee and Write: A Short and Witty Writer’s Guide now available on Amazon.

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