To Infinity and Beyond!

I always thought my career could go in two directions after my book was published: consulting or corporate. Either I would apply the advice from Change With Confidence at my clients' or next employer's businesses. Robert Cialdini said "He who has the most options wins." Having two options is definitely better than one, or is it?

Having two options gives you choice but it also implies that you have not committed to one. When I shared my two options with someone in the publishing industry, she wondered if the corporate option would limit my ability to promote my book. She was right: I would be absorbed in the challenges of my new role and team. The consulting option is far more flexible. I can blend speaking engagements and other promotional activities with assignments, giving the required time to both.

This week, I committed to the book promotion/consulting option. I incorporated a company called Change With Confidence Incorporated ("Limited" and "Confidence" don't go together) that matches the business cards I purchased earlier.

When the security guard at a client's office asked what company I was from, I belted out "Change With Confidence!" Buzz Lightyear would have been proud. The security guard paused before writing it in his book. Change with Confidence Incorporated became official!

As I walked away, clipping my guest badge to my belt, I thought, "To infinity and beyond. That sounds about right." 

Phil

Where does your confidence come from?

On Monday, our son Sam celebrated his sixteenth birthday by jumping out of a plane. He had been planning it for months and two of his cousins agreed to jump too; it was a family event.

You might wonder, "Why would anyone jump out of a plane?" Sam, Jim, and Sarah's motivations weren't clear when they were suiting up. They were guessing how free-falling would feel. Would there be a sinking feeling in their stomachs like a roller coaster or would it feel like they were on a blanket of air? They seemed to be excited by the unknown, unconcerned that they didn't know what they were about to experience. The only thing they knew for certain was that it would be amazing.

I was struck by their confidence and the similarities between sky diving and leading change. Dan Rockwell said, "Confidence is a product of knowing what to do next." I like this quote and feel that the main benefit of my book is building people's confidence to navigate (and lead) change by helping them decide what to do next. The sky diving experience suggests that it is not enough to help leaders find answers: they must also believe they have the ability to do so. Leaders must do far more than "paint by numbers": they must paint new, powerful paintings. The confidence mindset is essential for long-term success. 

All three jumpers were ecstatic about their experiences. Apparently you don't get a sinking feeling in your stomach when you free-fall or feel like you are on a blanket of air. They were united in wanting to jump again. Sky diving and leading change can be addictive.

When the  Skydive Toronto videographer asked Sam why he was jumping, he said, "I am looking for the thrill." The next question was "How do you think it's going to be?" and Sam replied, "Great." These answers are similar to a leader of change saying, "I am excited about building a new organization. I am not sure exactly what it will look like but I know it will be great." Two examples of the confidence mindset.

I will re-read my manuscript to ensure I reinforce a confidence mindset. They can last forever. I will also say to Sam again how proud I am of him and his leadership abilities.

Phil

It's Great to Be Here!

This week, I had a great conversation with a director of a speakers bureau about joining its roster. Public speaking is an excellent way to raise my profile and increase my chances of getting published.

TimeOut Chocolate Bar Launch - 1998

I have come a long way from my grade eight speech on sharks when I froze half-way through my talk. I became paralyzed when I realized that thirty classmates were staring at me. I stopped breathing, which made my voice sound higher than it already was. Panicked, I squeezed my shark's jaw prop until one of the teeth punctured my skin. I looked through watery eyes at my teacher who gave me a "keep going" look. Somehow I regained the ability to take in air and got through the rest of my presentation. I did not like public speaking. 

Commercial Training Program - 2006

In the mid-90s, I accepted a job that required excellent public speaking skills. The role description noted that sixty percent of the time would be spent facilitating training or keynote speaking. Not much had changed since my 'shark tank' experience but it was an exciting opportunity. 

My first seminar on customer service was painful although my breathing was surprisingly good. Like most things, challenges get easier with experience and I started enjoying being in front of crowds. It became fun - especially when people laughed at my jokes, exhausting and rewarding. Eventually, I was more comfortable in front of large groups than I was off-stage.

Change Speaking Engagement - 2012

Since then, public speaking has been a staple of my career and something I still enjoy. I am looking forward to regularly speaking  to groups, as long as I don't have to talk about sharks.

Phil

Who owns that voice in my head?

I received my first publisher rejection notice this week from the nicest man in the world. My book topic is too specific for the portfolio, however, the proposal was promising and I received some great new contacts to explore. Of all the rejections I may receive, this one will be the best.

My "look on the bright side" perspective is opposite  to how I interpreted not getting a call back from a friend of a friend who works at a publishing house. As the weeks slipped by, I slid from "she is busy" to "she isn't interested" to "she hates me." I was aghast when I noticed last night that my email had bounced back and not been delivered. Why did the voice in my head go to the dark side? Why did it move me to the darkest part of the dark side? Why didn't I check my delivery failure folder? Who owns that negative voice in my head?


I own that voice in my head and am accountable for my perspectives, emotions, and actions. Negativity drains your energy and slows you down. It nudges you off course and blocks your creativity.  I am putting the following mechanisms  in place so this doesn't happen again.

• Check my delivery failure folder to make sure my email was received
• Use more than one method of contact (email, phone, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Communicate when and how I will make contact again ("I will follow up/call you next week...")
• Record each communication and follow up date on my calendar
• Increase the number of contacts to gain momentum and lessen the impact of each one
• Assume positive intent

The last one is the most powerful and attacks the negative voice at it's core. It's an ongoing battle.

Phil

Progress Equals Happiness

Have you noticed that you find things when you need them most? Somehow they appear in the nick of time. Destiny? Probably not. A heightened awareness of your surroundings? Probably. 


What I needed this week was encouragement and I found it through a quote by Tony Robbins: "Progress equals happiness." I thought about it a lot and I couldn't think of an instance when it wasn't true. I think the opposite is also true: Lack of progress equals unhappiness. 


I was feeling low-spirited this week and I wanted to know why. After contacting the publishers with which I had warm introductions, I started researching the ones with no connections. It was a slog with no sense of accomplishment.


Since I am an optimist, my question was, "How to you realize a sense of progress (and happiness) when you're doing mundane tasks that don't appear to be moving you forward? I think the key is how you define progress. The less glamorous or exciting steps are as critical to my success as the more exciting milestones, such as finishing writing or editing. Each step signifies progress. So the tasks of research, cold calling, and customized proposal writing need to be elevated in my eyes so I realize progress and gain happiness from them. Maybe the secret to perpetual encouragement is captured by the adage, "Enjoy all of the sights along the way."


Phil

On the Road Again

Yesterday, I boarded my first business flight in fourteen months as I started an exciting consulting assignment in the U.S.


It took seconds for me to click into travel mode--packing efficiently, setting multiple alarms for 4 a.m., navigating airport security--and feel confidence gained through years of experience. It was like watching a movie you had seen before: there is comfort in knowing the actors, scenes, and ending. 

I had forgotten about the perks that come with travel loyalty programs -- free breakfast, free magazines (Art News, Cottage Life - the next best thing to owning one, Flying - for may dad), boarding first, and the occasional upgrade. I know these trinkets are momentary amusements that come with the price of being away from home, but they are fun.



The business travel industry works hard to make customers feel special. This is how I felt when the driver who drove me to the airport said, "I picked you up a couple of times last year and guessed you had stopped travelling." I told him about my book and he seemed genuinely interested. This was the best perk of all. 

Phil

Change With Confidence

Here is a short video about Change With Confidence.

And here is my book proposal for publishers.


Change With Confidence Book Proposal Summary

For more details on this book proposal or to request sample chapters, please send a note to phil.buckley01@gmail.com.

Phil

If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, what about a video?

It makes sense that a consumer needs to be interested in a product before buying it. No interest, no sale. My challenge is to inspire interest in publishers to review my book proposal. No interest, no review, no sale.  


One barrier to interest is the commitment of time to read it before knowing whether or not it is worth reading. To overcome this challenge, I am creating a short video to introduce my book,  describe what it contains, and outline the benefits of reading it. 


Fortunately, Mel, my good friend and colleague,  is an excellent video director and editor. We spent Thursday morning filming (twenty-nine takes!) and selecting footage. Before shooting, the agenda was:

• What is my book about?
• Why buy my book (benefits)?
• What are my credentials?
• How is it unique?
• What is the audience?
• Call to action: read my book proposal

After many takes, the agenda was reduced to:

• What is my book about?
• What are my credentials?
• Why buy my book (benefits)?

The more I talked on camera the less clear my message became. I wanted to explain my points in detail, which was counter to my objective. To be interesting, a good teaser video needs to be short, simple, and clear.


The footage is now in Mel's capable hands to edit and add section titles. I know she will make it look as good as it can be. The test will be how many publishers double-click on my proposal. The objective is always the bottom line.


Phil

The Power of Visualization

My first exposure to self help business books was in 1995 when I borrowed an audio cassette (it was 1995 after all) series called Self-Esteem and Peak Performance by Jack Canfield, of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame. He discussed many concepts that are now standard self help fare. 


I had forgotten about Jack until I received an email last week from Steve Harrison, a marketer who is partnering with him on a "how to get published and sell tonnes of books" program. I watched a few promotional videos and Jack is the same likable and knowledgeable guy. 


He shared a few tips that I remember from his earlier program. The one that stands out is visualization. This is a technique of forming a positive mental image of a goal being achieved. An Olympic swimmer might visualize touching the pool wall before his competitors or a home renovator visualize her fully furnished new kitchen. The theory states that when you can see your desired outcome you will both consciously and unconsciously take actions that will move you toward that goal. 


Since visualization has helped me in the past I thought I would try it with my book. I chose to visualize the cover because it's the most powerful image of the final product. After studying recent business book covers I decided on the following design principles:

• Bold text that is easy to read
• One graphic that is a metaphor for the title
• Only a few colours

It felt strange creating a cover for a book that has not yet been published. It also felt good. Like all things creative, it was fun too. I hope the New York Times doesn't mind my unauthorized use of their brand on my unauthorized cover.


What have been the benefits of visualizing my book's cover? It has become a mental hub for all elements of my book, including content, format, tone, and benefits, which helps me discuss them as a cohesive whole. It also has made my book more real and complete, which is a very motivating. And it's been exciting, which suggest that there is more excitement to come! 


Phil

And the Winning Title is...

The most obsessive part of my journey has been choosing a powerful title. Since people judge books by their covers, I know my title has to be a great one. It has to describe what the book is about, communicate an emotional benefit of reading it, and inspire further investigation (i.e. buying it!). After a year of testing over 100 titles I selected one: "Change with Confidence." My title:

• Describes what the book is about: Managing change 
• Communicates an emotional benefit: Confidence in doing so
• Inspires further investigation: How do you confidently lead change?

I have observed that leaders need the most help when they are faced with a question they can't answer based on their experience. Many either went with the first information they receive or relied on their gut instincts. Unbeknownst to them, they sent their team charging down a path full of potential landmines. What they needed was practical advice on how to make the best choices based on real-life experience.


Sven-Göran Eriksson, international football coach, has observed that the “greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure,” and during big business changes there are many things to fear: not knowing what to do or say, being a poor leader, failing and, of course, looking stupid. My book provides advice to move beyond these fears to make the right choices. During a big change project, confidence is an antidote to fear. 


My title also includes a sub-title: "A Business Leader's Guide to Change Management," which identifies the audience for my book and what they are buying. Both parts of my title have provided focus for my book proposal and final edits. 


I realize my publisher will have the final say on a title, but I am confident that the best title will be chosen. Just to be safe, I purchased the internet domains of changewithconfidence.com and changewithconfidence.ca so that there are no hiccups down the road. It is important to plan for the future. Phil

My Shield of Steel

It's been years since I thought of Batfink, an animated superhero I watched on T.V. as a kid. He had super-sonic sonar radar and metallic wings. I was mesmerized by his confidence as he tackled villains, proclaiming "Your bullets cannot harm me. My wings are like a shield of steel!" 



You need confidence the most when upholding your values and beliefs or convincing someone to take action. Selling my book to publishers is a good test; they may not like my views or take action.

Just like Batfink, who carried a can of oil to keep his wings polished, the mind-set of confidence needs to be tended and maintained. Whether by positive self-talk or celebrating small wins, you need to keep your engine running on high. For example, I just found out that my "The Adventures of a First-time Author" presentation was selected to be featured on SlideShare's home page (and received more than 1,000 views). I am pumped because this is my first on-line acknowledgement. 


If confidence is like a shield of steel, then a small win now and again helps keep it shining.
Phil

Loving My Public Speaking Boot Camp!

It feels like I have joined a public speaking boot camp. This week's workout was at a high school where I spoke with 100 students and teachers over two sessions. The topic was my life's timeline and the lessons learned along the way. For fifteen and sixteen year olds, this had the potential of being boring, or worse, sleep inducing, so I added lots of excitement: a costume change, candy rewards (Kraft/Cadbury brands of course), high-kicks, and brutally honest stories (and the emotions behind them). It was a lot of fun and they seemed engaged by the good and bad decisions I made. 

It felt strange sharing my life with an audience. Although I prefer the present over the past, I had forgotten some of the experiences that have made me who I am. My lessons learned are:

- Believe in yourself – no one can do it for you
- Decide what you want in life and go for it
- Be good at something, anything – “The more I practice the    
  luckier I get”    
- Keep your options open – be open to new things               
- The more you do the more opportunities you find
- Be referable – that’s how you get ahead
- First impressions count
- Be positive – you don't accomplish much when you are  
  negative
- If something isn't working, try a different approach
- Ask for help  (and give it too)
- Don't burn bridges
- What goes around comes around

Like most public speaking talks, you learn from your audience

and I am still thinking of the students' and teachers' thoughtful 

questions. Now, how do I write a thank you note to 100 

people?

Phil

So, who is going to buy your book?

When I started writing my book, I had a clear picture of who would read it. They helped guide my content and formatting decisions, and knowing they are time-starved business people, anything that didn't provide quick access to practical advice was deleted. At least 30 percent of my first draft was edited out because it was not adding value. As I wrote my publisher's proposal, I realized there are other audiences that could gain from my book and that I would need to market to them when it becomes available. Here are my three audiences:

1. Leaders of Change (primary)

2. Teachers and Students of Change (secondary)

3. Cadbury and Kraft Enthusiasts (secondary)

Leaders of Change
Leaders and their teams working on big change projects, including executive sponsors (who fund and have overall accountability for projects), project managers (who run the day-to-day operations), and team members (who have project-specific roles).

Teachers and Students

Universities that offer change management/organizational development degrees and MBA programs (most include change management courses). My book includes 100 mini-case studies (fifty good practices and fifty poor practices), accommodates all four learning styles, has recommended actions that promote lecture discussion and assignments, and all content is based on practical experience.

Cadbury and Kraft Enthusiasts

Current and former Cadbury/Kraft employees. My book includes  forty-four mini-case studies on Cadbury and Kraft, almost all of which have never been published.

It excites me that these audiences will look at my book through different lenses and focus on what they find useful. Regardless of your intended destination, the reader is in the driver's seat.

Phil

On the Air

 I had the pleasure of co-presenting at the DRIVING CHANGE: What does it really take to succeed? event hosted by the Strategic Leadership Forum. It was exhilarating being in front of an audience again. Presenting has been a large part of my career and it felt like home standing in front of a great group of professionals. I also appreciate working with amazing co-presenters and organizers during the months leading up to the session. Being part of an engaged team is a privilege, which I miss. A party of one is not always a party.


Here are the "things to remember" I jotted down after the session:

On the air!

  - Think like the audience
  - It's about the stories
  - Less is more
  - Pictures are worth a 1,000 words
  - Props are good when used sparingly
  - Different perspectives work really well together
  - Preparation is key
  - There's so much to learn from everyone

Phil, Sheila Legon, Len Nanjad, and Gail Severini

A highlight happened just before my presentation. Someone I had worked with many years ago had sent an email about me to the leader of the event, Gail, which she read out as my introduction, just like at a wedding. I was blown away by the kindness of the note especially since she had sent it from the US and would have attended with more notice. I am feeling gratitude for my friend from long ago and everyone who made this event a success. Thank you.


Phil

So, what are you going to do to sell your book?

P.T. Barnum said, "A terrible thing happens when you don't promote yourself...nothing." I'm sure this is true for authors so I jumped into writing my Promotion Plan with vigour. The goal is to state what I will do to sell my book (with vigour). There are many articles about how the author (not publisher) must drive awareness and sales. If not, then something terrible happens. 


Passion, confidence, and commitment are three themes I have  woven into my promotion plan. It has six elements:



Book Distribution to Audience Influencer: Sending copies to members of my three target audiences: leaders working on big changes (my primary target), post-secondary teachers and students, and Kraft and Cadbury employees and supporters.


Social Media Notifications:Communication about my book to my networks and business associations.


Magazines  and Blogs: Reviews, interviews, and serializing content in magazines and blogs.


Keynote Speaking Engagements: Presentations at conferences, association meetings, and schools.


Book Web Site: A dedicated site including this blog, author Q&A, chapter summaries and support materials.


Award Submissions: Participation in media and association award programs.

Please let me know if I missed any promotion opportunities. I would appreciate your thoughts.


I just bought Michale Hyatt's Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World to fortify my plan. He is offering $350 of bonus resources if you buy a copy by the end of today. Now that's a promotion!


Phil

101 Reasons to Publish My Book!

I have enjoyed switching gears to the book proposal writing phase. It's familiar territory (how many proposals have we written in our careers?) and doing research again is fun. I even went to a public library and signed out two books on winning proposals! 

Writing a proposal is like making a cake: each ingredient must be added in the right amount and in the right order for it to create something special. Experimentation is risky. 


Most advice contains the same sections and a lot of the same tips:

• Overview - What is your premise and how does it satisfy a need?
• Markets - Who will buy your book?
• Competition - What books are similar to yours and why is yours different?
• Author - Why are you the best author for this book?
• Promotion -  What can you do to help sell your book?
• Table of Contents
• Sample Chapters

In the past, I would create a proposal framework and then fill it the sections sequentially, building the narrative. This time,  I dove into writing a draft as I was researching. This was a mistake because it missed the big picture and was less organized. After a day of "free-wheeling" I went back to a more structured and effective approach.


One hundred and one reasons for becoming my publisher is a stretch, especially since my goal is to convince one that my book will sell enough copies to make a profit. All other reasons are icing on the cake. 

Phil