Friday, January 20, 2012

Shameless Marketing

My book will be available next week, but I started my marketing campaign by... telling everyone I meet that I wrote a book, and a little about it. But I didn't realize the power of how much marketing can happen during your everyday life. I made really cool business cards with my book on one side. My info on the other.

  • This week I rented a car for my daughter at Enterprise, and gave a  card to the young lady checking us in, after I'd told her about the story. 
  • I walked to Subway by the airport with my husband, and in line I realized that everyone was an airline employee on lunch break. I gave each of them a card and told them about my book while waiting in line. 
  • While making a deposit at Fidelity, I told the young man about my book and gave him a card. 
But today... I was shameless!

I marketed my book while paying bills.

  • I called Fidelity to ask questions about selling stock. I pitched my book to the agent. He's really excited to read it.
  • I called to pay my husband's hospital bill and spoke to a person back in the midwest. One thing lead to another, and she asked me what I did to enable me to stay home and work. I pitched my book. She's buying it!
  • I called the my credit card company to ask how much, and when, my next payment was due. Guess what? I told the agent about my book. Yep... more excitement. 
Marketing opportunities are everywhere. 


What is the most creative way you've marketed your book?

By the way... Did I tell you my book will be available next week?

Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene

10 comments:

  1. Heh. You've got the knack of shameless but inoffensive self-promotion, Karlene. I've seen it since I've known you, and I think it's fabulous. No question it's a key component in selling books--you are your own best publicist! (My hands are getting itchy to hold my own copy of your book--and once I've got it, could I twist your arm to sign it? :-))

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    1. Lol. But of course! You have been so much a part of this journey and book. There are words in it that I know were attributed to a Linda edit. Thank you so much for all your support! I'm thinking that I want you to buy a hardback, from me, with an autograph. Use a check. I'm not cashing it, but framing it on my wall. "My first sale." And you get your copy for all your hard work. Who reads someone's book four times? Thank you!!!

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  2. There are marketing opportunities every where around us, we just need to keep our eyes open to see them. Excellent job of doing that. ;)

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    1. Thanks Heather! There are! See them and then take action.

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    1. Well... it turned bill paying into a fun event. I'm looking forward to next month. :)

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  4. Bravo to you for being bold. I'm the worst salesman. I tried a stab at Avon, but felt guilty for simply dropping off a brochure. I need to get over it and pimp, pimp, pimp. The good thing for me is I'm not ready yet. Good luck with yours. I'll have to check 'er out.

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    1. Hi Diana, I have a hard time selling something that I don't have a passion for. But chatting about your book. How fun. The trick is, just tell them about it. Make them want to go buy it without the sales pitch. I might write more about this next week. I love it.

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  5. Truly, marketing opportunities can be found in every nook and cranny. Besides, even a simple conversation can be labeled as marketing. Well, I believe your shameless marketing will definitely sell your book.

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