Top 10 Ways To Promote Your Initiative With Profound Pizzazz

This week I published my first poetry book, What If God Is? What If I Am? I will tell you a little more about it at the end, but in this growth-inducing process I have ten gems of applied learning I want to share with my professional network. These 10 gems relate to how artful promotion can make an elevating difference for the success of a plan, at work, and really, in all aspects of your life.

Certainly, there are new programs, projects, production redirections or work situations that require intense communication and a plan to roll out what is happening, why, when, where and what is in it for every team member and us as a collective?

Likely, there are aspects of the change that are hard pills to swallow. The light isn't seen right off. Hope feels way beyond the dark shadow of chaos and panic that feels likely to ensue in the beginning and in the middle. While technically you know how to manage change, you can likely recite the whole process: Preparation. Planning. Implementation. Evaluation. Sustainment! Even so, if that change cycle worked flawlessly, this immediate feelings of uncertainly might not surface over and over again when articulation of a new initiative comes forth.

Well, what are you doing wrong?

Or less effective?

Perhaps nothing. Perhaps everything. One thing is for sure. Benefit comes to the leader and to the team who takes the needs of all team members seriously. As I have taken action to market my book, to build community, to make genuine connections, to offer my goodness to the world there are some unique aspects I have realized have risen to the top.

Gem 1: Get in the flow. Remember the inspiration behind what I am doing and feel the bliss of offering something I created with love and craft to make the world better and remember offering it, inviting it is a gift for humanity.

• Same concept can apply to your work initiative. Find the why that you feel proud to direct this shift. Are you making the production process easier in the end? Is the change rooted in making more profit which grows the company and our capacity to reap dividends?

Initially, my old, back to basics marketing ideas came up. Promote to groups. Tell my friends and family (Ok, I will admit, telling my family has not been top of my list. My personal poetry is intense, what will they think? Also, too late for such concerns now!!)

Gem 2: Beyond the nuts and bolts what can we include that we wouldn't have if we were not human, cerebral, heart and soul? For me, I have a poetry book for people to read. Well, also I LOVE performing. I had the idea to create a really rad performance evening wherein I craft a show with music, poetry recitation, spoken word, beats.

• So, applied to work.... Do something to jazz up the communication. Maybe music? Maybe a senior leader to inspire in person? Maybe FOOD. Definitely invite the talent you are working with to contribute their unique gifts.

Gem 3: Create an Experience, Not Just a Presentation. Why settle for a mundane rollout when you can transform it into an event? When promoting my poetry book, I realized the power of crafting an experience. Instead of just a book launch, I organized an immersive event with live readings, interactive discussions, and a Q&A.

• Apply this to your initiative by making your presentation memorable. Use visuals, interactive elements, or even hands-on demonstrations. Make it something people will talk about long after the meeting ends.

Gem 4: Leverage the Power of Storytelling Stories have a way of connecting with people on a deeper level. In promoting my book, I shared personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights to draw people in. Similarly, weave stories into your communications about the initiative.

• Share success stories, personal experiences, or customer testimonials that illustrate the positive impact of the change. This makes your message more relatable and engaging.

Gem 5: Engage Early and Often The sooner you involve people, the more buy-in you’ll get. I reached out to early readers and influencers to create buzz about my book before the official release.

• Apply this principle by involving key stakeholders early in the process. Solicit their feedback, address their concerns, and make them feel like a part of the journey. Regular updates and check-ins will keep them engaged and invested.

Gem 6: Highlight the Benefits, Not Just the Features When promoting my poetry collection, I focused on how it could enrich readers' lives, not just the technicalities of the book itself.

• For your initiative, emphasize the benefits and positive outcomes. How will the change make life easier, more enjoyable, or more profitable for the team? Make it clear why the initiative matters and how it will enhance everyone’s experience.

Gem 7: Tap into the Power of Visuals Visuals can make a powerful impact. For my book, I invested in striking cover art and eye-catching promotional materials.

• Bring this approach to your work initiative by using compelling visuals in your presentations and communications. Infographics, charts, and videos can help convey your message more effectively and keep your audience engaged.

Gem 8: Foster a Sense of Community Building a community around your project can drive enthusiasm and support. I connected with fellow poets and readers to build a supportive network around my book.

• Similarly, create opportunities for team members to connect and collaborate on the initiative. Encourage open dialogue, celebrate milestones, and recognize contributions to build a strong sense of community.

Gem 9: Be Authentic and Transparent Authenticity builds trust. I shared my personal journey and challenges in promoting my book, which resonated with my audience.

• Apply this by being open and honest about the initiative. Share the reasons behind the change, acknowledge any challenges, and be transparent about the goals. Authenticity will help you build credibility and gain trust.

Gem 10: Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small Every achievement deserves recognition. I made sure to celebrate milestones in my book promotion journey, whether it was a positive review or a successful event.

• Similarly, celebrate the successes of your initiative, no matter how small. Recognize team efforts, highlight achievements, and create moments of celebration to keep motivation high and reinforce a positive outlook.

Summarized, love, passion, ingenuity go a long way. And my book: Here it is! https://a.co/d/fY5VwJz