@Kelsey – Yes, this. I don’t make anything from this blog directly (no ads, no affiliates, etc.) but it does several things. It gives me an online home so people can find me, and continue in the conversations I start in my books. It also gives me a chance to write more and try out ideas. A blog post is kind of like a minimum viable product. I float stuff here, then I often float it at places with a higher ceiling on readership (like Fast Company – where I can see if something will get thousands of shares). I don’t want to waste a year of my life on a book if no one will care about the topic.

@Meghan – completely sympathize! But yes, I like the way you’re changing that mindset. It’s hubris to think the world will come find you. You have a useful service that people need, and the people that need it would like to hear from you. Straightforward and simple as that!

@Cloud – very true that it’s about authentic connections, and you can’t really rush those. I am trying not to be the author people hear from only when I want to promote something 🙂

@Raki- exactly. A book is a purchase that demands something of you (vs., say, a shirt). If you’re investing time in it, you want to be engaged with the person you’re spending several hours of your life with.

I don’t have a lot of time to read books, but when I do, it’s the author that draws me, not necessarily the subject matter.

@Jessica – thanks! I think there are ways to do it without being horribly self-promotional. At least I hope.

@Claire – it’s smart to start before you’ve got the book. Not only is the visibility helpful with getting a book deal, you can try out concepts on your audience and see what they respond to!