bigstock-Hiker-with-backpack-enjoying-v-44080594This week’s message is simple – 2012 has started with phenomenal energy and intensity – and if you’re going to keep the pace and enjoy the process, much less accomplish what you set out to, it’s important that you get in touch with who ‘you’ are and what ‘you’ really want.  Do your homework and follow through with an action plan.

If you’re a regular follower of my blog, you’ve probably noticed that I like to share content that will empower you in all areas of your life – whether you wish to be a successful writer / author, teacher, parent or business owner.  I like to offer you tools that can be used again and again, as you move forward on your journey.  In keeping with my last post, I have some more questions for you below.  Should you notice the occasional message repeated, it’s likely a cornerstone of my thinking and choice points that I reflect on regularly.  And so, it’s meant to be there.

Yes, my blog is designed to be somewhat interactive – I believe that ‘when we do, we learn’.  These questions are in no way intended to overwhelm you – they’re simply meant to gently stimulate new thinking and help you recognize what’s most important to ‘you’ – so you can enjoy the experience and results FULLY!     

Know Who You Are, What You Want and Do Your Homework

Writing a book?  Know your message, your audience and your goals around your book.  We’re not all moved and inspired by the same things.  Do you want a small supplemental revenue stream or a national / international book tour?  Why?  What will this require of you?  What new things do you need to learn?  What support might you need to access?  What are your time lines?  What are the benefits?

Want more success in business?  Know your message, your expertise, your goals and why?  Be mindful of comparing yourself to others … except for inspiration and encouragement of what’s possible when you put your mind to it!  What do you need to learn?  What support might you need to access?  What are your timelines?  What are the benefits?

These days, more than ever, it’s obvious that we can’t be all things to all people.  That said, we can be almost ‘all things’ to many – as long as we know who we are and what our own special gifts and talents are.  For example, it’s uncanny the kind of work that continues to flow to I C Publishing – and I believe in part, it’s due to my clarity about ‘who we are’ and ‘who we’re not’.

Recently, I’ve been refining my marketing plan and materials for the first half of 2012 – and this has become even clearer:

I C Publishing serves primarily the non-fiction writer, whose intent it is to share meaningful and moving messages from their own personal or professional experiences – to encourage, empower and enlighten the reader.  I C Publishing is committed to quality content, meeting the author where they’re at and providing the necessary services to help bring their work to life – keeping at the front, their unique voice and style of writing!

How did I get to this point?  I asked myself the same questions I’ve shared with you in my last two posts.  I’ve also paid attention to how I feel when I working with my ideal clients – and I’m clear that I want more of that.  It makes me feel alive …  I feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose.

Why did I start this blog, or for that matter, I C Publishing?  I was ready.  It was the next logical step in my career.  I had self-published my first book, Hearts Linked by Courage, and through my own journey saw that there was a need to fill.  There were so many unknowns that I had to figure out – and there were very few local resources available at the time.  Since then, the resources and my amazing team have grown considerably.  I’ve learned so much – and continue to of course.

Through I C Publishing, I’m able to share my knowledge and expertise on so many fronts, offering business consulting, assistance in the creative process and administrative support – to budding and seasoned writers … the kind of support I wish I had when I first embraced this elusive and intriguing path myself.

I look forward to your thoughts! Here on this blog, you’ll get ‘commentluv’ so don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog when you comment.

Continued success!  What’s next for you?!

Warmly,

Sheri