On the Other Side of the Mic

I love hosting podcast and webinars. I am approaching my second anniversary of hosting my featured podcast, "Information in a Nutshell: Writing and Publishing Radio Show" for authors. My show has been featured on Blog Talk Radio for the day, week and even week-end. I've interviewed over one hundred people and have thousands of listeners over the years. You would think I'd be relaxed on the air. However when the mic is not in my "control" and I'm being hosted by someone else it is a bit unnerving. In fact it is *very* unnerving...downright scary.

So, when an invitation came from Krista Dunk to interview me on her show, Koinonia Business Women Radio, I said yes, but not without those nagging, not-in-control thoughts. The questions began to run through my mind.

What if I say something stupid?

What if I don't know the answer?

What if no one comes to listen to the show?

What if she has nothing to say to me?

What if she never invites me back?

Of course none of those things happened...well I don't know if I'll ever be invited back, but I'll keep you posted on that one! However I do know that when hosting my own shows I am relaxed. I really enjoy the experience of talking to strangers many who I will never meet this side of heaven, and I  have a blast. My job as the host is to make my guest relaxed, interject a few thoughts or comments and jump in to save the day in the case of a guest who is at a loss for words.

Krista Dunk, the host of the Koinonia Business Women Radio began the show with an incidental comment, setting the tone of an excited but relaxed host and making me feel totally at ease. Once the countdown (behind the scenes) took place before we went "live" I felt the normal adrenalin spike. I listened while Krista began her introduction and could sit back until she introduced me. I wasn't in charge I reminded myself, I could relax! She was the expert host.

So how do you prepare for an interview? How do you sound relaxed, excited and oh, so knowledgeable? Believe me for some it is a gift and for others it takes work! Here are a few keys to making it work:

1. Know your topic.

2. List key information such as numbers or other points you may not remember.

3. Make sure you drink plenty of water.

4. Be passionate about your topic.

5. Thank the host.


Knowing your topic is a given. You are being interviewed because you have something to contribute. Yet nerves can get the best of us, even the most knowledgeable person. Jotting down notes can be a big help. Additionally list statistics or key points you want to mention. In case your interviewer doesn't remember to ask for your web address or, for example, the title of your book, writing it down will remind you to interject that information where appropriate. While some may consider it silly to list "drink" plenty of water, know that I have interviewed guests who clear their throats often. This is annoying in listening to replays. And, it has happened to me especially when I am sick. Drinking plenty of fluids (non-caffeine) is beneficial.

If you want to instill an element of enthusiasm to what can otherwise be a dull talk being passionate about a tropic can really help. Interjecting humor (if not forced) can also add an element of fun. Laughing at yourself is fine if you don't over do it. There needs to be a balance to humor and enthusiasm. Don't forget to end by using your manners. Thank your host and when the show is over and send an email or thank-you note by snail mail. In my years of interviews I've received several snail mail thank-yous and those adorn my office wall.


In case you are wondering about protocol it's okay to offer yourself as an interview subject. Have a ready paragraph or two about your value as a guest and above all, research. Be sure you are a good fit for your radio host's purpose. If so, go for it! You may enjoy being on the other side of the mic and who knows---someday you may host your own show.

New Author: Just Waiting for the Big Break!

It only takes one book, it only takes one "yes"...it only...

You've written a book, and it took every last ounce of determination. You are finished, you celebrate, and you look longingly at the manuscript which resides on your computer, or on a bookshelf wondering about you next step. Don't worry, we've all been there. Some of us for more years than we wish to share!

Writing a book can be a dream come true! Now it is time to let others read it (and not just your family). Get feedback from those you trust. Make a plan. And follow through.

If you are serious about getting your book published make a list and follow through:

1. Determine if you want to obtain a publisher or self publish
2. If you decide to obtain a royalty publisher, consider an agent
3. If you decide to self publish find a good, no I mean excellent editor

Self Publish duties:

• Editor
• Graphic Artist
• Interior book lay out
• Cover Art
  
• Printer
• Distribution
• Payment System
• Website/Blog
• Social Media
  

Royalty Author duties

• Agent
• Royalty Publisher
• Attorney
  
• Marketing Strategies
• Website/Blog
  
• Social Media
• Interviews
• Lectures
• Book Trailer
• Other publicity ventures
  

This of course is not an extensive list. But it does give you an idea of what is expected. Writing the book, while at the time may have seemed like very hard works, is the easy part! The process of getting the book into print can all seem overwhelming, which is why many opt to try for a royalty publisher.

Remember, even Shakespeare was an unpublished author at one time!

What is your story? If you are published what was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome? If you are an unpublished author, what is your greatest need...or fear?

What about a Good Review?

We all know a good review can make or break an author's reputation.  Whether it is in film, theater or in print, what someone says about your work counts.  How do you get a good review? Write a good book.  Okay, all kidding aside, a good review can be obtained by sending your book to the correct reviewer, one who has a passion for the same type of topic as your book, or at the very least has written some reviews along the same line.  Research is a good way to find out who is reviewing books and where they are submitting their reviews for publication.

I'm at the age where I feel like I have a story for everything and this is no exception. I once was asked to review a book on a topic I truly disliked. Being an author (and a sympathetic one, I might add), I wrote the author and explained my predicament. A good rule of thumb is to ask the reviewer (if they are not professional reviewers by trade), if they are interested in reviewing your book.  I have obtained about ninety percent of  my book reviews in that way. My favorite way to obtain a review is to have someone write or email me to review their books.

Ready for another story?  When I first began writing I would send my books to practically anyone who asked. I finally learned this was a way that some people obtained free books! I soon learned after that costly mistake to ask where they were posting their reviews, and if they were professional or not.  A good blogger with a large readership can easily help your sales if they review your book.  So, choose your reviewers carefully.

What if you don't have a book? Well, if you take my premium authors' class you can be an author in as little as six months. I am currently working with students to realize their dreams. At the very least I hope you are tuning into my radio show and if you are interested in more details here is the link: http://www.writingmembership.com


This week (September 21-September 30th) I will have my writing and publishing book on sale for $5.00. If you have not picked up a copy, now is the time. This is a very limited offer! You may want to buy more than one book and gift one to a writing friend.

http://store.mediaangels.com:82/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=44&products_id=90

This week our guest blogger will be Lori Kasbeer who is a literary reviewer. I will interview her on my blog talk radio show as well as post her blog on this site later this week!

Six Stages of Business Growth

Guest Author: Debbie LaChusa
Part 2:

Stage One: Conception

Thinking about starting a business is a lot like thinking about having a baby. There are many things to consider and you're making a commitment to a new way of life.

Growth markers at this stage may include thinking about your decision to start a business 24/7, information seeking and reading books, worrying about whether you can really do it, dreaming of what it will be like to have your own business, talking to others about your idea, and starting to take action, for example, setting up your home office.

Stage Two: Giving Birth

Starting your business is a lot like giving birth. It can be exhilarating and scary and wonderful and painful all at the same time. Yet it's always worth the end result.

Growth markers at this stage may include choosing a name for your business, getting your website set up, deciding on your products and services, deciding on incorporation, getting a business license and insurance, opening a business bank account, branding your business, beginning to market your business.

Stage Three: Nurturing Your Baby

Running your newly launched business is a lot like taking care of a new baby. It requires lots of loving care and dedication. And while it brings you great joy, it may also bring some unexpected frustrations and surprises, too.

Growth markers at this stage may include working a lot and feeling tired, limited budget and cash flow, marketing, marketing and more marketing, recognizing how much you still have to learn, excitement about what you are creating and wanting to tell everyone about it.

Stage Four: The Toddler Years

Just as toddlers begin to exert their independence, challenge mom and test her patience as they grow into spirited little people with their own personalities, so will your business as it grows and enters this stage.

Growth markers at this stage may include getting clearer on your ideal clients and your best products and services and fine-tuning your business, willingness to make mistakes and get back up and try again, more confidence in your ability to make your business a success, starting to see the payoff from all of your earlier efforts and marketing.

Stage Five: K-12

At this point, you've survived the challenging baby and toddler years and now you're getting comfortable in your role and your focus is on raising a happy, healthy business that you can enjoy for years to come.

Growth markers at this stage may include a strong customer base, a solid email or prospect list, consistent cash flow and sales, you and your business are known in your industry, potential partners and the media are seeking you out now, more free time to pursue new ideas, a strong sense of accomplishment in what you have created.

Stage Six: Graduation

Just as your child grows up and prepares to leave the nest, your business grows up and your role may change. At this point you're grateful you've survived the challenges and you look back on the journey with fond memories and appreciation for all you've learned and experienced. And now it may be time to move onto something else ... perhaps a new business or retirement.

Growth markers at this stage may include an extreme sense of gratitude at what you have created and the anticipation of moving onto something new.

Every business goes through these stages.

However, the pace they move through the stages may vary, just as some children walk at 9 months and some don't walk until 18 months.

The important thing to know is you can't skip a stage ... and you really don't want to. And you can't rush the stages either. Each stage plays an important role in the growth of you and your business.

You'd never choose to have your child skip from 2 years old to 16 years old would you? Of course not. Look at all you'd both miss.

When you can learn to relax and accept each stage of your business for what it represents, and begin to simply enjoy the journey, just as you enjoy your child as he or she grows up, you'll find you are indeed raising a happy, healthy business that enriches your life every single day, just like a child does. And you won't be in such a hurry for your business to grow up!



Debbie LaChusa is the founder, president and CEM (Chief Entrepreneurial Mom!) of the National Association of Home-Based Business Moms (NAHBM). A former marketing executive, Debbie began her work-at-home journey nearly 20 years ago when her daughter was born. She has run her own home-based business since 1998, has coached thousands how to market their own businesses, and is the author of the book, The Career-at-Home Mom. Register for your Free Special Report, "Secrets for Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Wealthy Home-Based Business" and Home-Based Business Growth Chart, plus get a Free Starter Membership in the National Association of Home-Based Business Moms at http://www.nahbm.com