VIP Backstage Pass – Welcome to Season 2 of the StartSomething Show
Nobody is more surprised than me to announce that there is a second season of the start something show. The story of how this came about is a truly entrepreneurial one – so grab your travel mug of coffee and enjoy this short story episode.
Back when I created The StartSomething Show I wanted to tell the stories behind success – the REAL stories, not the ‘overnight success stories' that were really many years in the making. I wanted to pull back the curtain and share the vulnerability, the failures, the real journey of success. So that's what we did.
The episodes in season two are quite a bit different. I had originally recorded these interviews with the intent of them being training modules for the members in my community. BUT, since I had a ‘pivot' in my business (and more on that in the episode) now you get the benefit of these nuggets of awesomeness.
Get in touch with your comments below!
Listen to full Episode
What You'll Learn From This Episode:
Why I created the StartSomething Show
Why I want to tell the stories behind success
What happens when you get really clear on where your genius is
How podcasting completely changed the way I do business
The surprising discoveries you make about your business when you reach back to your childhood
Why trying to fit into what others say you should be doing might not be your true path
Lessons learned from my business “pivot” and realization
The idea I sat on for over four years that transformed my business
How audio took over my life in the best possible way
LTVO talks to Tina Dietz, Audiobook Publisher, about her role, what she sees happening in the audiobook business, how she educates her authors about audiobooks, and tips for VO talent who may want to work with her.(Podcast on Love That Voice Over, April 14, 2017)
LTVO Guest Tina Dietz has a long history with the microphone. When she was 2 years old, someone handed Tina Dietz a tape recorder – and that was that! Today, Tina is an internationally acclaimed audiobook publisher, podcast producer, and Creative Business Expert who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes. Her company, StartSomething Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a “Business Oasis,” and Tina herself splits her time between the US and Costa Rica.
Since practically the age of two, Tina Dietz has always felt comfortable with a microphone in her hands and that easiness and her background as a therapist has since led her to become a very regarded interviewer, coach, consultant, and podcaster.(Podcast on Podcast Junkies, April, 2017)
She is the founder of Start Something Creative Business Solutions where she helps people launch businesses, podcasts and audio books. We cover a lot of great topics that is sure to enlighten even the most seasoned podcasters and entrepreneurs.
What We Covered:
05:33 – Why she loves going to podcasting conferences
06:04 – The Messengers – A Podcast Documentary and how she is involved
10:51 – Podcasts and podcasting as a means of therapy
12:51 – What the impetus for starting her podcast was
If you are an author keen on taking advantage of this booming advancement in publishing, these are my 5 ways to audiobook like a boss.
Audiobooks are the fastest-growing sector of the entire publishing industry. Statistics put forth by the Association of American Publishers show ebook sales down 19.2% and audiobook downloads up by 31.1% from 2015 to 2016. One factor that contributes to this exponential increase in audiobook readership is accessibility—audiobooks are now available through our phones, laptops, and tablets. There's no barrier to where and when we can listen.
As a result, more and more non-fiction authors are recognizing the incredible potential audiobooks offer their business. Eager entrepreneurs, however, may dive in headfirst without giving sufficient forethought into how this unique tool can best be leveraged.
As a nonfiction audiobook publishing specialist, I see critical mistakes and bottom-line opportunities overlooked time and again. If you are an author keen on taking advantage of this booming advancement in publishing—and you have every reason to be—pay attention to these five factors that will bring your audiobook skill level from beginner to boss.
1. Don’t Voice Your Own Book (unless…)
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, “Should I narrate my own book, or work with a narrator?” That is the wrong question to ask. What you really want answered is the question, “Is there any advantage to narrating the book myself?” Most often, the answer is no. Here’s why:
Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) reports that it takes an average of 6.2 hours of production time for a professional narrator and editor to create one hour of finished audio. That means that an average non-fiction book of 60,000 words requires twenty-five to thirty hours of production time—for an experienced professional. Even if you’re an experienced public speaker or podcaster, the skill set for audiobook narration is distinct. In addition to specialized voice training and having to learn microphone and breathing technique, consider the time and expense for a home recording studio setup or rental time in a recording studio. All in all, you can reasonably expect to triple your time investment or more.
Instead, your audiobook could be professionally produced at a reasonable cost and delivered to the world with ease in about 6 weeks. You could be reaping the benefits and leveraging this asset like a boss, rather than spending your time and money going through a learning curve you simply don’t need to go through.
There is however, an exception to this rule. If you have a following in the millions who is used to you speaking on stages, on TED talks or in other audio recordings—and you have built your platform and reputation around your unique voice and speaking qualities—then you may be a good candidate to voice your own audiobooks. Otherwise, ditch the temptation to try to save money—because you won’t.
2. Know Your Rights
Don’t fall prey to the amateur mistake of not knowing your audio rights. It is imperative that you understand the legalities of audiobook production, so that you can protect your intellectual and financial investments.
If you're planning to work with a publisher, this information is absolute gold for you as you negotiate your contract. Many authors sign their audio rights away without even knowing it—they find out after the fact that an audiobook version of their print book has been created, and worse yet, they won’t receive reasonable royalties for the sales of that audiobook. With the rise in audiobook popularity, lack of attention to this detail can add up to substantial financial loss.
3. Collect Bounties
Audible, Amazon, and iTunes have a common back end for self-published authors to produce audiobooks. It’s called ACX.com (Audiobook Creation Exchange). If you hold the rights to your audiobook and distribute your audiobook through ACX.com, you are eligible to earn bounties.
A bounty is an additional type of earning paid to you when your book is the first purchase of a new Audible member. For each bounty earned, you receive $50.
Unfortunately, ACX is only available if you live in the U.S. or U.K., but a good audiobook publisher can help you take advantage of this opportunity as well as self-publishing royalty rates, adding significant income to your bottom line.
4. Leverage Your Launch
There are two “right” ways to launch an audiobook. In one scenario, your previously launched print or digital book is given new life by being turned into an audiobook format.
This strategy gives you the ability to have an entirely new product launch without having to create any new content. If your content needs a little updating, then pairing an “anniversary edition” or “second edition” of your book with an audiobook version is a fantastic option.
Second, if you’re in the process of getting ready to publish a new book, having an audiobook version will extend the life of your launch. To have a powerful launch, you want to reach as many people for as long as possible. Releasing your audiobook two to twelve weeks following your initial book release allows you to keep the momentum and excitement going—with minimal changes to your social media and email content.
5. Build a Podcast Tour
In today’s high-tech publishing world, it’s no secret that in-person book tours are not a cost or time-effective means to connecting with your market. Blog book tours have been an alternative practice for several years now, but a lesser-known opportunity exists via podcast tours.
A podcast is a downloadable, online radio show—a thriving platform for effectively broadcasting your brand. There are now nearly 60 million people in the U.S. alone listening to podcasts every month; this presents a giant opportunity for you to engage with potential readers—if they listen to podcasts, they likely also listen to audiobooks.
Connect with the hosts of podcast shows that intersect with your target market, and arrange to be a guest expert on their shows. Conduct a book reading, answer insider questions about the subject matter, and share how listeners can access further information about your title and services.
To really be a boss, send a short clip of your audiobook to the podcast host in advance of your interview, and invite them to post the clip along with their Amazon affiliate link to your book and audiobook. The host can also include this link in his or her website copy (or “show notes,” as they are known in podcasting) for your podcast episode. This strategy creates more rich content for the host, and an opportunity for both you and the host to benefit financially.
Work with the podcast host to have the show published during your initial launch window, and boom—you’ve successfully leveraged your audiobook to drive sales and initial rankings far beyond the level of a mere beginner.
Would you like to listen in on some of our audiobooks?
I was a guest at the Moms With Dreams Show, hosted by Erica Blocker where we talked about how you can Start Something and finish it. Tune in(Podcast on Moms With Dreams, March 28, 2017)
This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Dietz, owner of Start Something Business Solutions. Tina and I met last September when she was speaking at Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference here in New Jersey. I knew from the moment that Tina shared her story that I wanted to invite her to be a guest on my podcast. I just knew that her story would inspire and excite YOU to start something brilliant.
Tina Dietz is an internationally acclaimed business coach, audiobook publisher and launch specialist, podcast producer and a bestselling author who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes.
Her podcast, The Start Something Show, was named one of the top podcasts for entrepreneurs on Inc.com. Her company helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a Business Oasis. I LOVE that!
One of the things that we jump into during this interview is the idea that so many creatives and entrepreneurs struggle with avoiding shiny bright objects and staying focused. It’s because they have brilliant ideas and love starting new projects but often have a hard time finishing them. (I know this is one of my own personal challenges.) Tina sheds light on this topic and shows you how to redirect your excitement of “starting” so you can finish what you’ve started. It’s powerful!
Tina shares lots of great tips during our time together and suggests that you read the book, Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert.
It’s hard to believe that this is my 87th episode, but it is. And that means that I’m only 13 episodes away from my next big milestone as a podcaster! I’ll share more about what I’m planning as we get closer.
For now, I want you to think about one thing that you learned from my interview with Tina and how you will implement it in your life.
Let me know what you’re going to start. You can leave me a note in the comments or send an email to Erica@momswithdreams.com.
I hope this was valuable to you in some way and that you now have a different outlook on your life, your business or both.
I’ll be back next week with more inspiration and education.
Get out there, do what you love and make a difference!
xoxo,
Erica
Wondering how you can Start Something and finish it? I can help you – Let's talk
Do you know those voices in your head that tell you all kinds of nasty things about yourself? That is Identity Monster – Here's how you can tame it
A colleague of mine sent me a panicked text while I was on a call with a client. He was so freaked out that I called him right after my session, but I wasn’t expecting what he had to say.
”I just got the biggest opportunity of my life,” he said. “It’s what I've always wanted.”
“But since I found out,” he went on, “I've spent the last four hours playing online soccer and I'm completely paralyzed.”
This is the Identity Monster in full attack.
You know those voices in your head that tell you all kinds of nasty things about yourself, right?
“There’s a million people doing the same thing as you, how can you possibly compete?”
“You can’t do this, you’re way too lazy.” (or fat, or stupid, or ugly, or poor)
“HOW much money did you spend? Oh no, what are you going to do now?”
“Who do you think you are, anyway?”
This is the voice of the Identity Monster. The favorite tools of the Identity Monster are a megaphone and an old school boom box with a tape set to “repeat.” The tape replays all the crap in your head that gets triggered when your comfort level is threatened.
This Monster's job is to maintain the status quo. Even when good things are happening, the Identity Monster really sucks at telling the difference between a threat and an opportunity, so it reacts pretty much the same way in both scenarios.
Oh, the glorious neurology of it all!
Here are three ways to tame the Identity Monster, get yourself off the ledge, and back into the groovalicious flow so you can have more of what you want in life – because that’s why you’re reading this, right? In the video I go into more detail on all three of these techniques, plus you get to see a little piece of one of the places I’ve lived in Costa Rica, which is just good for your brain.
1. Revisit your big picture
Take the focus off of your current reaction and circumstances and put it on your larger view in the world – the legacy you want to leave, the impact you’re out to make, your inspiring vision of the future, and so on. If your thoughts and actions are ‘facing outwards’ instead of on your internal voices and neurological hamster wheel, it disrupts the repetitive thoughts to guide you back on track.
2. Create new brain wiring with a Daily Workshop
Create a sacred space for yourself on a daily basis, even if it's 15 minutes to start. Use that time to get present to what you're most excited about, what you appreciate and what you're grateful for, and the one or two goals or accomplishments that you're focused on for that day. Even celebrating small accomplishments (some days, that’s getting out of bed or going a whole morning without getting distracted by Facebook), when done repeatedly and consistently, helps you maintain a more solution-focused state of mind.
3. Challenge the voices in your head to a battle of wits!
When those nasty voices in your head pop up, you may have noticed that if you try to directly combat them, they come back twice as strong. This is known as the “I'm rubber, you're glue” Principle. Very technical. Instead, use your brain’s natural abilities to break up the beliefs using techniques like evidence gathering and disarming humor. These techniques are not only highly effective, they can be incredibly entertaining as well. What does your Identity Monster sound like?
You can find details and examples of these techniques in the video – enjoy and send me a tweet to let me know which one is your favorite!
Podcasting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to establish authority – Let me show you how you can leverage it for thought leadership marketing.
It’s no longer only insider knowledge — podcasting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to establish authority. Whether you’re just starting to build a business or you and your company have long-established credentials, this online audio platform can catapult your influence beyond the capabilities of many other expert-building marketing platforms. Since there are now 65 million people in the U.S. listening to podcasts every month, thought leaders have an exciting opportunity before them to engage new audiences and build their brand.
Getting featured on TV or publishing a book still serve as gold standards for having achieved expert status, but podcasting has made it possible for even budding business owners to share their knowledge and expertise with a wide audience.
The advantage of this modern platform is that it’s open publicity — meaning the host has the freedom to generate the message and control the content. Podcasting also requires fewer resources and is more accessible because audio is available to consumers when text and video are not. The convenience of listening to downloadable audio files on smartphones or tablets has allowed for a new wave of attentive, on-the-go listeners.
The opportunity to reach your target market by using your personal voice offers an additional layer of communication to convey your company values and brand authenticity. Doing so deepens trust and develops loyalty. By using a conversational format, leaders have the freedom to articulate what makes their business unique, without using typical marketing jargon.
As you may have gathered, podcasting isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Bigger brands, industry leaders and corporations often miss a big opportunity by not taking advantage of this trend.
Below, we’ll focus on leaders who are looking to establish themselves as experts and develop their spheres of influence.
How Can You Get Started With Podcasting?
You don’t need to be a host yourself. One of the best ways to introduce yourself to a new market is as a guest. Hosts are hungry for content. They are searching for people like you to feature on their podcasts to keep their shows fresh and to provide value to their audience. Libsyn, one of the largest commercial podcast hosting companies, reports an increase from 16,000 hosted shows in 2013 to 22,000 shows in 2014 to 28,000 shows in 2015. These numbers are expected to continue to increase as more people become exposed to the platform.
The key is to connect with the hosts of shows most appropriate for your subject niche, and to do so in a way that’s personal — your chance of getting a response lowers dramatically if you have an assistant send an email.
Podcast hosts want a good fit on their show; if they decide to have you on as a guest, they will take the time to give you ideas on how you can most effectively reach their audience. One way to find podcasts that are looking for guests is to do a keyword search in iTunes or Google for shows with topics that appeal to your ideal clients or target market. iTunes is to podcasts as what Amazon is to books; it is the premier platform for broadcasting your audio message to an eager audience.
You don’t have to start with cold leads, however. The easiest opportunities for guest spots may exist under your nose, via your colleagues. Ask people you know who have been podcast guests to introduce you to the hosts of those shows. Referrals can go a long way in establishing credibility and building relationships.
If you have the resources, you can also use a booking service to acquire guest spots; there are several excellent companies that can take care of placing you on the perfect shows.
How To Leverage Podcast Interviews
Once you’ve secured a podcast spot, there are an extraordinary number of ways you can use, and re-use, this valuable material. You can now post audio clips on your website or blog; include audio clips in your media kit or feature them on your company profile page or LinkedIn page. You can share the audio across social media, or use the transcribed content for new articles or blog posts. A wealth of marketing assets is available at your fingertips when you have podcast content.
As thought leaders, experts and business owners, we’re always looking for ways to increase our exposure and to grow our communities of loyal followers. Podcasts are free to access, there are so many shows to choose from, and it takes virtually no technical know-how to get started as a guest. These characteristics make being featured on podcast interviews one of the best “New Expert Platforms” available today.
Want to learn more aboutpodcasting for your business?
How much time do you spend collecting information, certifications, and more training? Yep, these are some of the ways entrepreneurs kill their productivity.
There has rarely been a better time in history to start a business. In 2013, more than 135,000 jobs were added to the US market and guess where nearly half those jobs came from? SMALL businesses. To really make it as an entrepreneur you need tremendous tenacity, top notch networking skills, and a no-fear approach to sales—even in the most heart-centered of business ventures. But if you’re reading this, I’m probably not telling you anything new yet, and what you want is to break through to the next level of time and money freedom in your business.
Every industry I’ve worked with-and there have been more than 20+ industries internationally-has its own unique quirks and challenges. However, some very common trends arise when it comes to how you’re likely to sabotage yourself regarding time and your productivity.
Productivity Killer #1: The “Perpetual Expert”
Collecting information is only useful if it is immediately practical. If you have a client who has a question, look it up. Google is your friend, and problem solving when there’s actually no problem is a drain of time, energy, and resources. The brain only retains about 10% of the information that it is exposed to, so chances are you’re going to have to look it up again anyway if you need it at all. Your time is better spent finding out what your ideal clients need, and focusing on filling those needs in a targeted and concise manner.
Productivity Killer #2: Having an Open Schedule
There’s a difference between being available and being a 24/7 hotline. Have a policy that you will always return communications within a certain amount of time (say 12, 24, or 48 hours) and honor that policy. This gives you room to breathe, builds trust with your clients, and also sets clear expectations. People value a service more when they know they have to plan for it, and most “emergencies” resolve themselves or quickly become non-emergencies if you don’t feed the energy of a knee-jerk reaction. Limit checking your email and voice mail to 2-3 times a day for a half hour at a time. Unless it’s someone you’re waiting to hear from, don’t pick up your phone when it rings. These practices will have you focus on your most important tasks and keep your responses to the point.
Productivity Killer #3: Being Too Friendly
This goes for both colleagues and clients. Obviously you don’t want to be a jerk, but it’s completely doable to be kind even when you’re setting a boundary or saying no. Gossip, social media, and instant messaging, and other kinds of chitchat can wipe out hours of your day, leaving you frustrated and scrambling to get your priorities handled. The same goes for meetings. Start by wearing a phone headset (in the case of an office setting) or putting a “please do not disturb” sign on your office door if you have one (even at home) to reduce distractions and interruptions. Minimize your time in live or phone meetings by partnering up with a colleague and trading off going to meetings and taking notes for each other. As for clients, steer clear of personal entanglements. If you’re with a client who is on a roll with a personal story, reach over and give a gentle, compassionate squeeze to their shoulder or hand and say, “you’re really going through some difficulty right now, so why don’t we take a step back and see where I can best help you.” You can then redirect the conversation to a more solution-focused place. Don’t be afraid to interrupt them, they will thank you for it later.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts. Let me know in the comments if you have any of these “killers.”
Tina Dietz is coming to unleash the voice of your business!
Internationally acclaimed business coach, world class audio-book publisher and launch specialist, popular podcast host, and bestselling author Tina Dietz brings passionate vision, perspective and attention to detail for her clients. Tina’s company, StartSomething Creative Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business, they want a ‘Business Oasis!’
This one can be a real “forehead slapper.” Here’s how I helped one of my clients, a regional sales director for a major pest control company, transform his follow up emails to get more clients.
I had shown my client how to create lists of perfect potential clients using local and internet resources, and we had already gone through the process of how to be great with shifting short term clients into being long term clients. He had been promoted, been given a larger territory and bigger clients, and had record sales for the slowest months of the year in less than 6 months. BUT, now that he knows what he wants his Perfect Day to be, he’s got some fabulous BHAG’s (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) for the year, and he wasn’t getting the results he wanted from reaching out to the companies that he could help.
Here was the problem—the follow up email.
Here is his original email to follow up after having a brief first phone or in person chat with a potential client:
Original Follow Up Email
Good morning Dawn,
Thank you for taking a few minutes to chat with me. Below you’ll find a brief summary of {HIS COMPANY’S} history & my contact info.
Please keep us in mind for your pest control needs.
Thank you,
Name
Company Name
Phone Number
The Problem And The Solution
Remember how the teacher’s voice sounded in Charlie Brown cartoons? That’s how this email sounds. It’s totally forgettable, totally impersonal. Something very important to remember about followup emails is that they are like a thank you card. Every contact with a prospect is an opportunity to create relationship from one human being to another. It doesn’t matter if you’re offering a massage or carpet cleaning, make sure your personality shines through! My client has a FANTASTIC personality. He’s warm, funny, and sweet. He genuinely cares about his clients and the work he does. None of that was present in his follow up email. Here’s how we transformed his follow up email, and I highly recommend that you use this example as a template for you to use for your own follow ups.
Transformed Follow Up Email
Dear Dawn,
Great to meet you this morning and I appreciate you taking a couple of minutes to chat with me. I know that with how cold it is that pest control probably isn’t top of mind for you right now, but I like to make sure all my customers are prepared for what’s to come. After all, it’s way less stressful to prevent a problem than it is to deal with a crisis, right?
Just so you have all the information you need, check out what I’ve put together for you below, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me or give me a call on my mobile number at XXX-XXX-XXXX. If you see something buzzing or crawling, I’ll make sure it gets taken care of.
{video} Be Prepared for Pests! Warning Signs for your building, business, or facility
{PDF} Company Profile & Our Commitment to Our Clients
I’d like to stop by next week and make sure your questions are answered—when is a good time for you and what do you take in your coffee?
Thanks again and I look forward to helping your business.
Warm Regards,
Name, Title
Company Name
Phone Number
Website
Would you want to do business with you more from the first email, or the second email?
When you’re following up a potential client, be YOU. People want to know that you care, that you’re not just a number, AND that you know your stuff. This is so crucial because it’s the first opportunity you’re giving people to really interact with you as a professional and demonstrate your ability to fill a need and follow up and respond.
Now I’m going to dissect the elements of this email so that you can craft your personal followup template. Include the following elements in your follow up email:
Your Email Follow Up Template
Dear NAME,
{APPRECIATION} Great to meet you this morning and I appreciate you taking a couple of minutes to chat with me. {CONVERSATION THAT INCLUDES YOUR COMMITMENT} I know that with how cold it is that pest control probably isn’t top of mind for you right now, but I like to make sure all my customers are prepared for what’s to come. {POWERFUL QUESTION} After all, it’s way less stressful to prevent a problem than it is to deal with a crisis, right?
{CARING INVITATION} Just so you have all the information you need, check out what I’ve put together for you below, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me or give me a call on my mobile number at XXX-XXX-XXXX. If you see something buzzing or crawling, I’ll make sure it gets taken care of.
{SUPPORT MATERIALS & INFORMATION}
{video} Be Prepared for Pests! Warning Signs for your building, business, or facility
{PDF} Company Profile & Our Commitment to Our Clients
{CALL TO ACTION/WARM INVITATION} I’d like to stop by next week and make sure your questions are answered—when is a good time for you and what do you take in your coffee?
Thanks again and I look forward to helping your business.
Warm Regards,
Name, Title {POWERFUL TITLE}
Company Name
Phone Number
Website
Ready to give it a try? I challenge you to take the time this week to send follow up emails to some of the folks you’ve talked to in the past and create connection–get the conversation flowing and remember, it’s all about YOU help THEM solve a problem, not making a sale. Got questions or comments? We love your comments. 🙂
