SAM101

by Fern Reiss, CEO, PublishingGame.com… and Expertizing.com…

In the last four weeks, one of my clients sold over 10,000 books, without ever hassling with bookstores. Here’s how your book can generate this kind of quantity sales this quickly:

Background
It all started when Stuart Ballan attended my Publishing Game Workshop. According to a Harvard Business School report, 84% of books in large US bookstores sell 2 copies or fewer each year; only 2% sell 10 or more copies in a year. In addition to these dismal statistics, Stuart was stymied by another complication: He lives in Israel, rather than the US, so marketing books in the US was sure to be more complicated for him. So Stuart decided, with my encouragement, to temporarily ignore US bookstores for his children’s book, “Who Invented Vegetables?”

Put the books into a non-bookstore venue
Stuart was intrigued by my anecdotes of selling my Publishing Game books into Boston-area coffeeshops and movie theatres. Non-bookstore venues have several key advantages: They pay better (60% and up, instead of 45%), they pay upon receipt (rather than 60-90 days later), and they don’t return books. Most importantly, however, there is no competition—because unlike a bookstore with hundreds of thousands of titles, coffee shops, movie theatres, and other non-traditional venues generally don’t sell books. Once the decision was made to ignore bookstores, the question became, where would Stuart’s vegetable book sell in quantity?

Focus on the meta-customer
Rather than trying to sell to millions of end-customers, Stuart decided to focus on those who had the most to gain by selling the subject of his book: Vegetable exporters and retailers. The largest retailers of vegetables, he realized, are the major supermarket chains. And the chains are much easier to focus on than the thousands of individual vegetable stands.

Give them a reason to buy now
Not only did Stuart want the chains to consider stocking the book in their grocery stores, he wanted to give the chains an impetus to buy the book immediately. Since the Jewish holiday of Shavuot is associated with vegetables, he presented it to the chains as a timely item, that would sell best if in the stores in the last few weeks of May, just before the holiday.

The results
Stuart approached the largest supermarket chain in Israel. Within a week, his book was available in over 150 supermarkets across the country. Not content to rest on his laurels, Stuart then approached the major vegetable growers and exporters, and offered the books as a holiday gift item for children of employees and clients. For orders over a certain quantity, he would even put logos and personalized messages on the inside cover.

Results? Over 10,000 copies sold in a matter of weeks. Proportional to population size, that would be the equivalent of over 500,000 book sales in the US.

And because of the tremendous sales records, Stuart was then able to approach a US supermarket chain with his idea—so in a few months, you’re likely to see Stuart’s vegetable book in your local grocery store.

So think quantity sales, think outside the box venues, and think creative.

If you’d like to explore how your book could generate quantity sales outside of bookstores, call Fern for a one-on-one consultation. Fern Reiss, CEO of PublishingGame.com and Expertizing.com, is the author of The Publishing Game: Bestseller in 30 Days (book promotion), The Publishing Game: Find an Agent in 30 Days (traditional publishing), and The Publishing Game: Publish a Book in 30 Days (self-publishing). You can sign up for her email list on publishing and book promotion by clicking here.

The “Asking Productive Questions” series was designed by Diane Carter, sam101.com…’s founder, to help you change your life by changing the questions you ask yourself. You’ll find more than 3000 questions to help you dig deeper, start conversations, improve your critical thinking, network easier, test you limits and much more.

Each volume is ONLY $4.95

For a limited time you can purchase volumes one through three for $9.95 and we’ll GIVE you volume four FREE - our GIFT to you for having the desire to make change happen in your life today!

Author Beth Densmore is a Personal Life Coach and understand the power questions can have on your life. “Do you have a self-development toolbox? Do you have a standard set of instruments or mechanisms that you use to delve into your inner self? Just asking yourself those questions makes you think, doesn’t it? That is because questioning is the most powerful tool in your self-development toolbox. When we start on the self-development path it is usually because we have asked ourselves a question: who am I, what is it I want, why am I in this position, when can I change, where will this happen and how can I make it happen? Questions can be about us or about others and are used as identifiers. Who do I want to be? Who is standing in the way? Who will support me in this? Who can provide information?

We bring clarity to our quest by asking What. What is standing in the way of resolving this issue? What can I do about this? What is my next step?” Answering the What questions moves us another step forward on the path to change.

If you have ever been in the presence of a three year old for any length of time, you know that their favorite word is Why. The Why question brings them new information and helps them to understand the workings of a world that is new to them. It can be the same for us in the self-development process. Why do I feel this way? Why do I react like that? Why does this seem hard? Why can’t I get motivated?

To take action we need to ask the When question. When will I start? When will this happen? The answers to When questions create timetables and guidelines to follow. When putting a roast into the oven we need to know when it will be cooked. Knowing when the roast will be done moves us to have the table set and the vegetables cooked at the appropriate time. When questions motivate.

Where do we want our self-development quest to take us? If we don’t know where we want to go we will surely have a hard time getting there. And, if we don’t know where we have been how will we know where we want to go. Where questions raise our awareness. Where do I want to be one year from now…five years from now?

Once we know who, what, why, when, and where we need to know how. How can I accomplish this? How should I start? How will I feel when I am there? How questions help us to create a plan for action.

Trial lawyers always say, “Never ask a question you don’t know the answer to.” It is exactly the opposite in the self-development process. Queries you don’t know the answer to are the ones that will bring you the most new information about who you are, where you are and who and where you want to be in the future. Questions can stimulate a deep thought process and can bring us to places of discovery and revelation we wouldn’t otherwise reach.

If you want to: make a change, find a solution, clarify your thinking, identify a goal or learn more about the real you, just delve into your toolbox and pull out the questioning tool. It works every time!”

Volume One $4.95

Volume Two $4.95

Volume Three $4.95

Group Purchase of all three volumes $9.95

About the author of the article
Beth Densmore offers support, inspiration and motivation to those who are in transition and want to achieve a goal. For more information visit her website.

Marietta, Georgia (PR) September 3, 2008 – The Republican National Convention (http://www.gopconvention.com/) in Minneapolis-Saint Paul got a rocky start this week. Hurricane Gustav took the limelight and forced the GOP to suspend Monday’s activities.

Like the Democratic National Convention this marks the formal end of the primary election period and the start of the general election season.

While both the Democratic and Republican parties’ gear up for the general election it is important that we the American people look at all of the candidates health care beliefs and plans for all Americans.

McCain’s “Call to Action” can be downloaded at www.johnmccain.com….

McCain’s web site tells us, “John McCain believes the key to health care reform is to restore control to the patients themselves. We want a system of health care in which everyone can afford and acquire the treatment and preventative care they need. Health care should be available to all and not limited by where you work or how much you make. Families should be in charge of their health care dollars and have more control over care.”

Republican vice-presidential candidate Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has very little on her health care policy resume from her short time in office.

Why should health care be a big issue during the election? According to U.S. Census Bureau, a substantial increase in the number of seniors will occur during the 2010 to 2030 as the nation’s baby boomers age. By the year 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term care services. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be over the age of 65 or one out of every five Americans.

As the U.S. population continues to age about 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading health struggles they will face.

The baby boomers are also living longer than any generation before them. Studies show that as our population ages, the more services they rely on from the health care industry. The baby boomers; especial the tail end boomers could live to see 100 plus years; health care demands will dramatically increase and put pressure on health care services. So the health care beliefs and plans of the candidates, our next President, are very important.

While the cost of health care is out of the ordinary American’s hands we can take control of our own personal medical history. Knowing, tracking and recording your personal medical history is a critical must.

Did you know that most states only require your doctors to keep patient records for an average of 5 to 7 years? So what happens to your records when you really need them? What if your doctor retires, changes practices or moves to another state? Do you really want to fight to recreate your medical and drug history in an emergency? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to prepare now and keep a running record of your medical and drug history, contact numbers for doctors, family and ICE, pharmacies, insurance companies, personal inventory, directives and much more.

The MedicMinder provides peace of mind for users – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – having this vital information in immediate reach reduces guesswork and stress so often felt during times of medical crisis.

About The MedicMinder
Simply stated, the MedicMinder is “Trusted by Caring Families.”

About The Sam101.com…
Sales. Advertising. Marketing. Tips, advice and design help in one stop.

##

Diane Carter, PR Contact, http://www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127

Marietta, Georgia (PR) August 29, 2008 – MedicMinder has been upgrading our site over the past week, sorting, better descriptions, and adding a new RSS reader widget, the “MedicMinder Health Watch”.

This is a customized RSS health newsreader widget. The RSS reader was developed and introduced by Fox Interactive Media in November 2006, it is called SpringWidgets.

With the “MedicMinder Health Watch” you’ll find helpful information regarding medical issues and news, seniors, prescription drug alerts, health insurance, as well as general health related news.

Read multiple health feeds with this one widget. So go grab the widget (http://www.springwidgets.com/widgets/view/54965) and put it on your home page or pop it into the desktop launch pad today.

About The MedicMinder
Simply stated, the MedicMinder is “Trusted by Caring Families.”

About The Sam101.com…
Sales. Advertising. Marketing. Tips, advice and design help in one stop.

##

Diane Carter, PR Contact, http://www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127

Marietta, Georgia (PR) August 26, 2008 – Barack Obama introduced Senator Joe Biden to the nation as his running mate, telling supporters that he is “a leader who is ready to step in and be president.”

While both the Democratic and Republican campaigns gear up for the general election season it is important that we look at all of the candidates health care beliefs, policies and plans for America.

A quick visit to Biden’s web site (http://www.biden.senate.gov/) and you’ll find, “The Biden Plan: A Prescription For A Healthier America.” His plan indicates that he is committed to reducing the number of uninsured American’s and improving American’s access to essential health care services. He also talks about giving uninsured Americans 55 and older the chance to buy into early coverage under Medicare.

Interesting idea considering that the cost of health care in the U.S. is expected to continue to outpace inflation and gobble up more of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to an analyst by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Spending in 2006 surpassed $2.1 trillion for the first time, can you image where it is headed?

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) economist Sean Keehan, one of the authors of the government’s annual health care projection report said, “Health care is expected to consume an expanding share of the U.S. economy over the next decade, meaning policymakers, insurers, and the public collectively face some difficult decisions about the way health care is delivered and paid for.”

Medicaid spending in 2008 is projected to grow 6.8 percent and reach $361.2 billion. For the next decade, it is expected to grow at an average of 7.9 percent per year, reaching $717.3 billion, or 16.8 percent of national health spending, by 2017.

By 2015, spending on the elderly will consume nearly half the federal budget, through Medicare and Medicaid, pensions for federal workers and military retirees, veterans’ health care and pensions, coal miners’ benefits, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, heating and housing assistance, and other programs for the elderly, according to the Brookings Institution.

Why should health care be a big issue during the elections? Because according to U.S. Census Bureau, a substantial increase in the number of seniors will occur during the 2010 to 2030 as the nation’s baby boomers age. By the year 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term care services. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be over the age of 65 or one out of every five Americans.

As the U.S. population continues to age about 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading health struggles they will face.

Someone recently said that baby boomers; especial the tail end boomers could live to see 100 plus years; health care demands will continue to dramatically increase and put pressure on our health care services. So the health care beliefs policies and plans of the candidates are very important.

While the cost of health care is out of the ordinary American’s hands we can take control of our own personal medical history assuring us better medical care especially in an emergency. Knowing, tracking and recording your personal medical history is a critical must and truly becoming more your responsibility.

Did you know most states only require your doctors to keep patient records for an average of 5 to 7 years? What happens to your records when you really need them? What if your doctor retires, changes practices or moves to another state? Do you really want to fight to rebuild your medical and drug history in an emergency? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to prepare now and keep a running record of your medical and drug history, contact numbers for doctors, family and ICE, pharmacies, insurance companies, personal inventory, directives and much more.

The MedicMinder believes all America’s should that’s why we provide peace of mind for users – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – having this vital information in immediate reach reduces guesswork and stress so often felt during times of medical crisis.

About The MedicMinder
Simply stated, the MedicMinder is “Trusted by Caring Families.”

About The Sam101.com…
Sales. Advertising. Marketing. Tips, advice and design help in one stop.

##

Diane Carter, PR Contact, media@themedicminder.com…, http://www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127

Marietta, Georgia (PR) August 25, 2008 – The Democratic National Convention (www.demconvention.com) week officially kicks off today in Denver, Colorado and concludes on August 28, 2008.

Delegates from all fifty U.S. states and from American dependencies and territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands attend the convention and cast their votes to choose the Party’s presidential candidate.

Like the Republican National Convention, the Democratic National Convention marks the formal end of the primary election period and the start of the general election season.

While both campaigns and the parties’ gear up for the general election season it is important that we look at all of the candidates health care beliefs and plans for all Americans.

Barack Obama’s “Plan for a Healthy American” can be downloaded at www.barackobama.com.

Obama’s web site reports that “The U.S. spends $2 trillion on health care every year, and offers the best medical technology and scientific research in the world. Yet, the benefits of the American health care system come at a price that an increasing number of individuals and families, employers and employees, and public and private providers cannot afford.”

It goes on to say that, “Barack Obama believes that protecting and promoting health and wellness in this nation is a shared responsibility among individuals and families, school systems, employers, the medical and public health workforce, and federal, state, and local governments.“

Obama breaks his health care reform plan down into three parts saying that it builds “upon the strengths of the U.S. health care system.”

The three parts are:
1. Quality, Affordable & Portable Health Coverage For All
2. Modernizing The U.S. Health Care System To Lower Costs & Improve Quality
3. Promoting Prevention & Strengthening Public Health

Will Obama be able to cut health care costs? For that answer we’ll have to wait and see.

Why should health care be a big issue during the elections? Because according to U.S. Census Bureau, a substantial increase in the number of seniors will occur during the 2010 to 2030 as the nation’s baby boomers age. By the year 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term care services. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be over the age of 65 or one out of every five Americans.

As the U.S. population continues to age about 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading health struggles they will face.

The baby boomers are also living longer than any generation before them. Studies show that as our population ages, the more services they rely on from the health care industry. The baby boomers; especial the tail end boomers could live to see 100 plus years; health care demands will dramatically increase and put pressure on health care services. So the beliefs and plans of the candidates, our next President, are very important.

While the cost of health care is out of the ordinary American’s hands we can take control of our own personal medical history. Knowing, tracking and recording your personal medical history is a critical must.

Did you know that most states only require your doctors to keep patient records for an average of 5 to 7 years? So what happens to your records when you really need them? What f your doctor retires, changes practices or moves to another state? Do you really want to fit to rebuild your medical and drug history in an emergency? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to prepare now and keep a running record of your medical and drug history, contact numbers for doctors, family and ICE, pharmacies, insurance companies, personal inventory, directives and much more.

The MedicMinder provides peace of mind for users – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – having this vital information in immediate reach reduces guesswork and stress so often felt during times of medical crisis.

About The MedicMinder
Simply stated, the MedicMinder is “Trusted by Caring Families.”

###

Diane Carter, PR Contact, media@themedicminder.com…, www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127