“The Authenticity of Freedom”
Dear writer, I hope you had a good week and had a chance to explore your ideal readers and how to begin building connections with them! This week, we’re going to shift from the “who” to the “what” of marketing.
You see, writer, the splashy graphics and slick advertising that spring to mind with the word “marketing” can feel intimidating. But at heart, marketing is simply sharing your book and yourself as clearly, strategically, and authentically as possible. Does that word “authentic” surprise you? Here’s the interesting thing…
While excellent copy writing and eye-catching design are critical aspects of marketing, one of the most important and overlooked aspects in the marketing process is….you.
It’s true. The most powerful points of connection you can create for your readers is to invite them into your world. This is why learning to embrace who God made you to be is key to excellent marketing. But before we dive in, let’s take a look at some others whose authenticity opened doors in amazing ways…
Being You in History
Einstein is a great example of a man who was unapologetically himself. As a young boy, Einstein struggled with the strict, regimented form of teaching he encountered school. Rather than adapting to it, he resisted and performed so poorly that one of his teachers declared Einstein would never amount to anything. But the interesting thing…
The inquisitive nature that bucked the mold of traditional schooling also drew the interest of a young medical student who visited Einstein’s family. Intrigued, this student began unofficially tutoring Einstein in science and math and introduced Einstein to a children’s science text that inspired Einstein’s fascination with the nature of light. As Einstein grew in his skills, his untraditional path and way of thinking paved the way for the work he’s become famous for today.
You see, writer, though some may not understand us or our work, when we allow our God-given message and personality to shine through our word and work, who we are will often draw the people who need your message most. Just like Einstein’s personality drew the interest of this young medical student.
Being You in the Bible
John the Baptist is another great example of a man who embraced who God created him to be. Though ordained by God to prepare the way for His Messiah, John the Baptist did not shy away from God’s unusual call on his life but embraced the ascetic lifestyle of a Nazirite and spent his time in the wilderness, trusting God would indeed use his uniqueness to draw Israel not just to John’s message but to God Himself.
God did just that. God used John’s simple but extreme life and message to draw not just the poor but the wealthy, and everyone in between, to hear his call to repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah.
You see, writer, sometimes the things we find more unusual about ourselves maybe even the things we wish we could change about our God given design or personal story are the things that God intends to draw those who most need to hear the message He’s given you.
Being You in Life
I entered a period of being the most myself when I first entered college, where I quickly learned that most college students were more interested in their own lives than in me or others, I quickly gave myself permission to do and say exactly what I was on my heart. It led to many interesting conversations and at the time a few deep friendships. But here’s the interesting thing…
My frankness and was one of the qualities that drew my husband, Jared, and that opened doors with my professors and into friendships that have been lifelong. And here’s the thing…
Being You in Your Life
When we embrace both our message and who God made us to be, not only will who we are tend to attract those who need the message God’s given us, but we will also be more likely to develop strong quality connections with those readers as God’s design in you begins to stir up what God’s doing the lives of others. Let me show you…
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- Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”…And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, – Ephesians 4:8, 11-13
- Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. – Ephesians 4:15-16
- “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16
- And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, – Hebrews 10:24
You see, writer, when god crated us He gifted each of us in our stories and in our person with a unique grace that reveals pat of His heart and when we shy away from who God made us to be, we often inadvertently cover up the grace God intends to reveal through us.
Now, when I talk about embracing ourselves, I’m not talking about embracing immaturity or a lack of skill. We want to be continually becoming more and more mature in our person and skilled at our craft. However, there are parts of us that God hardwired at birth that may never change. Like a gift of encouragement. A dry sense of humor. A deep sensitivity to nature. You fill in the blank! Though these characteristics may seem unimportant to you, allowing them to shine through as you connect with your readers not only allows them a chance to know you a little better, but also creates space for God to reveal more of who He is through you, too. Because here’s the thing…
Where to Start with Being You
Whether you are writing, editing, marketing, or mowing lawns, the Kingdom of God is built through relationships. God Himself, knowing humanity could not and would not understand Him and His heart, chose to put skin on and come to us bringing all of who He is to all of who we are. And thought He reserved the deepest parts of His heart for those who walked closely with Him, Jesus never shied away from who He was or what God had sent Him to do.
In the same way, when we fully walk in who God’s made us to be and what He’s given us to do in the marketing arena then—much like Jesus or Einstein or John the Baptist or myself—God will use this unique design to expression of Himself to unlock doors in the hearts of others to experience Him, too.
So are you ready to begin to share your message and heart with your readers? Here are some ideas to help you get started.
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- Practice Sharing Your Story. Be sure as you begin to reach out to readers you are comfortable and conversant in clearly articulating your story and the “why” behind it. Practice explaining, pitching, and talking about your book with willing friends and family. Invite their questions about your book and your writing and practice answering. Intentionally engaging in these conversations is a way to practice and prepare for engaging more deeply with your readers.
- Consider Your Why. As you get ready to engage readers its’ a good time to revisit who YOU are. Why did you wanted to write your book in the first place? How does the meaning and themes in your story touch and spring from your own life? Do any of these points overlap with needs or experiences your reader might have had also?
- Consider Your Design. To make authentic connections with your readers, it’s important to share a bit about your personal life as well. This doesn’t have to—and shouldn’t be—a tell-all. But I f you have interests, hobbies, or activities that pertain to your life as a writer or to the themes in your book, they could be wonderful points of connection with your reader. Especially where your lifestyle and interests overlap theirs.
- Ask Questions. One of the best ways to connect with readers authentically and to be you is sometime to ask them what they would like to hear from you. Do they want hear about your travels? About what your working on? About your pet dog? About what freebies your writing friends are offering? Sending out a simple survey and letting your readers choose from potential options can be extremely illuminating! Any time you can hear from your readers and respond directly is precious, because here’s the thing…
We’re made for connection. We are made for community. And in this increasingly segmented world, on of the most beautiful forms of ministry can be simply being accessible. Accessible and genuine. Because if you’ll notice, writer…
Part of what drew people to Einstein, to John the Baptist, to me, and to Christ Himself was the simple absence of pretense. What people saw was what they got. And do you know something, writer? People love authenticity, at heart, because they love freedom. And here’s the beautiful thing about freedom. When readers begin to be drawn by the freedom of Christ in you, that freedom begins to set them free, too.
#authentic #connection #freedom #BeYou #EveryWriterWriting
