From Sofa to Start Line

Many congratulations go to my client Mike Hare, who has recently self-published his inspirational memoir entitled ‘From Sofa to Start Line’.



A successful businessman, Mike weighed 28 stone and was a stranger to exercise. He was then involved in a serious car crash, but walked away without major injuries. Feeling like he had been given a second chance, he decided it was time to make some changes. This began with healthy eating and some exercise and ended with him losing 15 stone and running marathons including the world’s most challenging: the Athens Classic (just four years after the car crash). He is now known to his friends and fellow runners as ‘The Incredible Shrinking Man’ or TISM!

If this has whetted your appetite and you’d like to find out more or order a copy, then check out his website.

Are You On Brand?

Do you remember that Microsoft advertising slogan ‘Where do you want to go today?’

Writing a book will take you on a journey and will build your brand as an author. Branding is traditionally associated with large corporations, but this is no longer the case.

When your book goes out into the world it is an extension of you and if you want to connect with a wide audience and develop a following of loyal readers, then you need to have a strong and positive brand. When people recommend a book they will often say ‘I’ve just read the latest (insert your name here) book. It’s wonderful – you must get it.’ They focus on the author’s name, not the title!

The author Wayne Dyer said “Your reputation is in the hands of others. That's what a reputation is. You can't control that. The only thing you can control is your character.”

Whilst you can’t control what people will think of your book or you as an author, there are things you can do to develop both the tangible and emotional elements that make up your brand. It is about far more than having a logo or a strapline; it is about who you are.

Think about the message you are giving out in your book and ask yourself how you would like people to perceive you.

A strong brand requires a high quality product, so whether you go through a publishing house or self-publish, your book needs to look great and be well-written. Readers will respond to a well-designed cover and become attached to your writing style.

In order for your brand to be recognised you need to be visible and the messages you give out (in media interviews, on your blog and social networking sites and at speaking events) should be congruent.

As you develop as an author your brand will also evolve, so keep evaluating it. You may find it helpful to think about other authors you like and what their brands means to you.

Jumping Around

If you're a fan of Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers, you'll enjoy this interview. Gladwell talks about his career, Obama and why jumping around keeps the reader engaged.

The First Blackberry

At a recent networking lunch some of us were discussing ways of dealing with email addiction (i.e. only checking it at certain times or (gasp!!), turning off Outlook whilst working. I have yet to succumb to a Blackberry, but many are deeply attached to them, including Barack Obama.

If you fancy seeing the lighter side of email, then check out Obama's Blackberry, featuring sensitive (yet fictional) messages from the President to his team, his family and other political figures. Hilarious!