In my first 9 months with BookSurge I began to learn first hand of all the problems that authors were having with the publishing world. You don't really understand it until you experience it first hand. Many authors have worked hard and slaved over their manuscript for years but find themselves with no vision on where to go with their creation for fear of many things.
Should I keep sending it to a traditional publisher for rejection letters because this is my only way? Maybe 10 years ago this was a good strategy but not today. Now everyone can publish so it is important to understand your niche and how you can exploit it.
In early October I began to explore what I want my niche to be by researching on google: authorpreneurship. I have always wanted to be a resource for businesses and entrepreneurs on how to publish their content. Basically teach them how to tell their story digitally by empowering and engaging them.
It started with my first business, Rizzo Public Relations, where I acted as a liaison between struggling companies and graphic designers who could instruct on better internet practices and now has evolved into my current role as a publishing consultant because of new opportunities I see everyday.
When I saw that the domain authorpreneurship.com was available for sale I made an offer to the CEO of dream big domains. They countered with authorpreneuring.com and authorpreneurs.com which I couldn't believe was real. She agreed that the sites had great potential but for some reason no one had bought the domains yet.
I followed this with another step to build my online presence and protect myself. I trademarked the term authorpreneurship. author pre what? What the hell is that?
Don't worry I got ripped apart for it already Worst Word Mashup Trademark Filings The state of being an entrepreneur who also happens to be an author? Mork bets you can’t say “authorpreneurship” ten times fast.
Some incredible motivation right there. My point is that when you have a vision for something it is hard to block out the nay sayers. Whatever your vision is try your best to share it with others who you can trust.
I still am not sure how all of the sites will play out but I think that is the intriguing part about building a brand from the bottom of Google. I need the help of others to define it but most importantly need to dedicate myself to writing. My vision right now is to blog daily about the publishing industry and find innovative ways to help others market their content better. Yes it is broad for now but i need to start somewhere.
This blog will be updated on a weekly (hopefully daily) basis. Hold me to it and share any comments you have!
Here is a mini author biz plan I have been putting together to help new authors decipher what they need to do when taking a book to market. I am going to try and begin writing a series about each sector over the next few months to help:
Clearly Define your Mission
Evaluate Strengths and Weaknesses
Set Goals
Seek Empowerment to Professionalize
-Editing
-Interior and Cover Design
-Outline Strategy
Build Allies
Refer to Resources
Sustain and Evolve
Monday, March 17, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Last Few Months of Research
Well I have surely been breaking the number one rule of blogging in my first attempt to have an effective blog and brand: Not writing. To all of my authors out there who I bother daily to make sure they are connecting with the blog and social networking world, I am guilty of not doing enough myself. Lo Siento. I think my frustration has been because I have wanted to say the perfect words instead of just, well blogging what is on my mind.
Finally I sit down to share my story and reason for this blog. I have flat out failed in my efforts thus far which has taught me many truths. I guess it just took a realization on my part. I have been working hard lately on better goal setting and planning so that I can carry through on the vision I have with a step by step approach opposed to the "do everything in one day mentality I sometimes fall victim to."
It all comes back to the resources. Before I dive into the vision for authorpreneurship I want to give thanks to all those who helped me get here. When you have an idea for a business venture you are faced with many challenges. I think the toughest thing I have had to face is that it will never happen overnight. It has been a wild ride for me in the past 9 months so here is a little recap:
June 1st-June 30
Final Class at the College of Charleston- Business Policy 408 with Dr. Hodges who was definitely not easy on a bunch of seniors who all graduated but had 3 credits remaining.
I was interviewing like crazy but knew deep down the company I would do anything to join was a start up venture, BookSurge, that was acquired by Amazon.com in 2005, whose founders spoke to my new venture finance class back in February. They spoke about a concept called Print On Demand-making books accessible to customers as they were ordered, one at a time that they had been pioneering since 2000. The founding principle was very simple: to empower authors who were also struggling to publish content in the daunting and confusing publishing industry. I also came across another opportunity that month:
A 2 bedroom 1 bath condo in a community that felt like an oasis 5 mins from downtown Charleston. When I met others in the community I knew this was an incredible investment. The Concord turned out to be the fastest selling condo community in the Charleston area, mainly for its location and ammenities. I put down all of the money in my savings account as a deposit to secure a chance to purchase the condo before it sold out while I continued to search for a steady source of income and some much needed venture capital. When I look back at it now I dont know how I got the courage to do so. Everything happens for a reason I guess you can say.
July 1-July 22nd
After being offered the position as a publishing consultant with BookSurge I took a drive back home for my last summer in Cape May. Some pics here of the graduation party which was epic.
http://useus.com/johnnyr/
On Friday July 27th 2007 I closed on the home and began the journey all by myself. My mind was certainly racing the first few nights about what was to come.
On Monday July 30th I officially began my career. Pretty amazing resources for a college grad to say the least. I am thankful for how much I have learned thus far, how much I have grown, and the goals I wish to accomplish in the years to come.
The publishing industry is a daunting place but is truly evolving before us. I only wish there were more hours in a day comprehend and share all the content out there.
I have certainly read a ton more books than I did while studying in college. My shelfari shelf is growing nicely. It is amazing to have the choice of what you want to read as opposed to what you are required to read.
This is what the long tail of markets brings to the flat world. Ultimate choice, infinite selection, and the tools to filter these niches by customers who have already purchased the product. If you have not read the Long Tail go do so now. Chris Anderson is brilliant http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401302378
I guess my main point of this entry is that researching can only take you so far. Without writing and engaging others you can never survive. Getting your thoughts out there for others to analyze is the only way to improve.
Finally I sit down to share my story and reason for this blog. I have flat out failed in my efforts thus far which has taught me many truths. I guess it just took a realization on my part. I have been working hard lately on better goal setting and planning so that I can carry through on the vision I have with a step by step approach opposed to the "do everything in one day mentality I sometimes fall victim to."
It all comes back to the resources. Before I dive into the vision for authorpreneurship I want to give thanks to all those who helped me get here. When you have an idea for a business venture you are faced with many challenges. I think the toughest thing I have had to face is that it will never happen overnight. It has been a wild ride for me in the past 9 months so here is a little recap:
June 1st-June 30
Final Class at the College of Charleston- Business Policy 408 with Dr. Hodges who was definitely not easy on a bunch of seniors who all graduated but had 3 credits remaining.
I was interviewing like crazy but knew deep down the company I would do anything to join was a start up venture, BookSurge, that was acquired by Amazon.com in 2005, whose founders spoke to my new venture finance class back in February. They spoke about a concept called Print On Demand-making books accessible to customers as they were ordered, one at a time that they had been pioneering since 2000. The founding principle was very simple: to empower authors who were also struggling to publish content in the daunting and confusing publishing industry. I also came across another opportunity that month:
A 2 bedroom 1 bath condo in a community that felt like an oasis 5 mins from downtown Charleston. When I met others in the community I knew this was an incredible investment. The Concord turned out to be the fastest selling condo community in the Charleston area, mainly for its location and ammenities. I put down all of the money in my savings account as a deposit to secure a chance to purchase the condo before it sold out while I continued to search for a steady source of income and some much needed venture capital. When I look back at it now I dont know how I got the courage to do so. Everything happens for a reason I guess you can say.
July 1-July 22nd
After being offered the position as a publishing consultant with BookSurge I took a drive back home for my last summer in Cape May. Some pics here of the graduation party which was epic.
http://useus.com/johnnyr/
On Friday July 27th 2007 I closed on the home and began the journey all by myself. My mind was certainly racing the first few nights about what was to come.
On Monday July 30th I officially began my career. Pretty amazing resources for a college grad to say the least. I am thankful for how much I have learned thus far, how much I have grown, and the goals I wish to accomplish in the years to come.
The publishing industry is a daunting place but is truly evolving before us. I only wish there were more hours in a day comprehend and share all the content out there.
I have certainly read a ton more books than I did while studying in college. My shelfari shelf is growing nicely. It is amazing to have the choice of what you want to read as opposed to what you are required to read.
This is what the long tail of markets brings to the flat world. Ultimate choice, infinite selection, and the tools to filter these niches by customers who have already purchased the product. If you have not read the Long Tail go do so now. Chris Anderson is brilliant http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401302378
I guess my main point of this entry is that researching can only take you so far. Without writing and engaging others you can never survive. Getting your thoughts out there for others to analyze is the only way to improve.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thoughts on Entrepreneurship
My experience studying entrepreneurship, teaching entrepreneurship, and interacting with every entrepreneur I could find has led me to where I am today. The next problem in disguise or opportunity is what always drives me. It is always so inspiring to learn from others who are willing to share.
Here are some initial truths I have learned from my exposure to entrepreneurship.
A confusion is found when you ask someone to explain the word entrepreneurship. It is impossible to define with words because it has so many levels to it but I will give it a shot. Creating and sustaining value for a venture does it some justice.
Entrepreneurship in my eyes is a mindset, a discipline, and a science. It is a constant pursuit to learn, research and innovate while competitors settle for the staus quo. It is a drive to create a better way to do something.
Entrepreneurs are sometimes labeled as "business owners" or "self-employed". Most of the time this is valid and an entrepreneur will accept this classification but they still feel misunderstood by society. It is hard for entrepreneurs to help others understand their vision.
Anyone can buy a business license to create and operate their own business. This is a reason so many business fail (About 80%). Simply owning a business does not make someone an entrepreneur.
I learned basic principles about the make up of entrepreneurs from reading the wisdom of Dr. Jeffrey Timmons, "The Father of Entrepreneurship Education"
Entrepreneurs understand that in order to sustain a venture many factors play a complimenting role.
1.) The Team
2.) The Opportunity
3.) The Resources
These three factors must constantly work together in order for a business, no matter the industry, to position itself for success.
Lacking the resources or capital to start a venture is always one of the first challenges an entrepreneur faces. Where to find money?
Without the initial investment and cash flow to match the vision an entrepreneur has for a business idea the opportunity will simply remain an idea.
When the investment matches the vision for the business idea an entrepreneur can turn it into an opportunity. From this opportunity it is up to the the management team behind the venture to determine how it operates and sustains growth. Many people have great businesses but fall asleep behind the wheel.
Finally if you have a great team and lots of capital you still can't guarantee the opportunity will succeed. Throwing money and people at a competitive market is a common mistake many aspiring business owners make.
It is so important for these factors to always stay cohesive.
I have heard stories from entrepreneurs of all walks of life. All of them had their struggles. Some more than others, but most importantly they learned from them and grew stronger.
The lesson I learned was that in life and in any business, everything must balance to receive ultimate value, no matter what you pursue.
I sure haven't done a good job of this yet but I am trying to improve.
My next post will be about how we can apply these principles of entrepreneurship to the publishing industry and explain the visions I am having for the term "authorpreneuship."
Here are some initial truths I have learned from my exposure to entrepreneurship.
A confusion is found when you ask someone to explain the word entrepreneurship. It is impossible to define with words because it has so many levels to it but I will give it a shot. Creating and sustaining value for a venture does it some justice.
Entrepreneurship in my eyes is a mindset, a discipline, and a science. It is a constant pursuit to learn, research and innovate while competitors settle for the staus quo. It is a drive to create a better way to do something.
Entrepreneurs are sometimes labeled as "business owners" or "self-employed". Most of the time this is valid and an entrepreneur will accept this classification but they still feel misunderstood by society. It is hard for entrepreneurs to help others understand their vision.
Anyone can buy a business license to create and operate their own business. This is a reason so many business fail (About 80%). Simply owning a business does not make someone an entrepreneur.
I learned basic principles about the make up of entrepreneurs from reading the wisdom of Dr. Jeffrey Timmons, "The Father of Entrepreneurship Education"
Entrepreneurs understand that in order to sustain a venture many factors play a complimenting role.
1.) The Team
2.) The Opportunity
3.) The Resources
These three factors must constantly work together in order for a business, no matter the industry, to position itself for success.
Lacking the resources or capital to start a venture is always one of the first challenges an entrepreneur faces. Where to find money?
Without the initial investment and cash flow to match the vision an entrepreneur has for a business idea the opportunity will simply remain an idea.
When the investment matches the vision for the business idea an entrepreneur can turn it into an opportunity. From this opportunity it is up to the the management team behind the venture to determine how it operates and sustains growth. Many people have great businesses but fall asleep behind the wheel.
Finally if you have a great team and lots of capital you still can't guarantee the opportunity will succeed. Throwing money and people at a competitive market is a common mistake many aspiring business owners make.
It is so important for these factors to always stay cohesive.
I have heard stories from entrepreneurs of all walks of life. All of them had their struggles. Some more than others, but most importantly they learned from them and grew stronger.
The lesson I learned was that in life and in any business, everything must balance to receive ultimate value, no matter what you pursue.
I sure haven't done a good job of this yet but I am trying to improve.
My next post will be about how we can apply these principles of entrepreneurship to the publishing industry and explain the visions I am having for the term "authorpreneuship."
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