Last week we discussed life-changing books.
For most people, that means “life-changing for the better.”
But is it possible for a book to change your life for the worse?
This article from the Sunday Book Review in The New York Times considers the question.
For my part, I love the idea that a book can be a bad influence—just like it can be a good influence.
I also happen to believe that it’s true!
But that’s not what this article got me thinking about, which is the subject of influence itself.
Books are perhaps the most influential media out there.
They can convince people to dress up like characters on Halloween (and on other days, too.)
They can convince people to make major lifestyle changes, like changing their diets or beginning an exercise program.
They can convince people to drop everything and go on a spiritual quest.
They can even start wars.
There’s just one problem: most of the time, you have to buy a book (or at least know about it) to read it.
In marketing, we call this a “barrier to entry.”
That’s why the most successful authors on the planet have a “free line”—an electronic medium like a website or social media where their readers can read their work and connect with them without having to spend any money.
This way, those authors can begin to influence readers who may not yet be paying fans.
If you’re slacking off in this critical department, you’ve got one last chance to check out my complimentary online presentation “The One Way to Market Your Book” this week.
Here’s a hint: it’s all about influence!
I’ll see you there,
Grael
Grael Norton
Wheatmark, Inc.
PS: And if you find your influence with your audience waning, why not register for a quick refresher?
