Life in progress

Tag Archives: marketing


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JusJoJan25 the 9th – Shy?

This post is part of Just Jot it January, and the prompt word, “shy,” comes to us courtesy of Di. Check out her blog here!

I don’t think I’ve been shy since I was a child. I do remember being shy, but at some point I must have figured out that if I didn’t stand up for myself, I wasn’t going to get what I wanted.

Figure skating helped a fair bit too—yes, I was terrified to get out there on the ice and skate in front of people when I was doing a test, a competition, or a show, but I had no choice. I got over it.

Still don’t ask me to speak in public. My mouth won’t work properly.

So now, I’m quite vocal when I’m advocating for my kids. I hate conflict, but I’m not shy if it’s important.

But advocating for myself when it comes to selling my books?

Ugh.

I don’t know if it’s shyness as much as it is imposter syndrome or just not wanting to put anyone out, but yeah. After eight years of publishing, I still have a problem with it.

Unless I have a free book on offer.

(See how I slipped that in there?)

This rambling post is part of Just Jot it January. Want to join in? Just click here to get to the prompt and drop your link. It’s fun!

Thanks again to Di for the prompt!


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#JusJoJan the 27th/23 – Social amenities

Our prompt word for January 27th is “amenities.” Thanks so much, Kim, for the neat prompt!

I’ve been having issues with one of my amenities today. Specifically, my internet. Which is part of the reason I’m posting this so late. My reason for yesterday’s late posting? I forgot to hit the publish button. o_O

But I digress.

I learned something new today!

As I often do when I’m looking for inspiration for a post, I opened the dictionary. (I’m such a nerd.)

And I found this in Merriam-Webster:

usually amenities : something (such as a conventional social gesture) that promotes smoothness or pleasantness in social relationships

<maintaining social amenities>

Who knew?

Now that I know, it explains a few things for me.

I come to my blog and to most of the social media sites I visit to be social. To have nice conversations with nice people.

Which, I’ve realized, is why I feel icky when I use social media (or my blog) to try to sell my books.

Sure, they tell you when you advertise that you’re giving the consumer something they need (like my books), or something that will make you happy (definitely my books), but I can’t help but feel that it’s unsmooth and unpleasant to talk about buying my books (which you absolutely want to do) with people who are just trying to have a nice conversation with me.

So perhaps the subliminal approach is best.

Because the truth is, I’m excited about my books. Especially when I have a new release coming out soon. And although it might seem to lack social amenities to talk about my books, I’m sure there are people out there who are excited for me.

Right?

Yeah, no. Totally unsmooth.

 ***

This totally subliminal post is brought to you by Just Jot it January and Kim! Please be sure to check out Kim’s blog here!

For Just Jot it January, click the following link to see how you, too, can join in! https://lindaghill.com/2023/01/27/daily-prompt-jusjojan-the-27th-2023/ It’s fun!


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Now that’s a guarantee!

freedigitalphotos.net

freedigitalphotos.net

“Top Quality Engagement Rings 80% OFF With Lifetime Guarantee.”

This was the subject line of an email which just showed up in my Spam folder. What I want to know is, a) is the ring guaranteed, or b) does it mean that you’re going to be stuck with the person you get engaged to for the rest of your life whether you want to or not, simply because the damned ring was guaranteed?

 “Honey, I know I’m an flabbergasting bitch, and I’m spending every dime you make on shoes and male strippers but, you know… the ring….”