The Introvert Entrepreneur

Smart Self-Publishing with Toni V. Martin

I know from numerous conversations that lots of you have a book inside, waiting to come out. But you might not be sure how to get started, or which path - traditional or self-publishing - is right for you. There's a lot of information out there, but much of it is far from neutral. This podcast interview with Toni V. Martin gives us some solid advice for considering which path is right for you, and in particular, how to move forward if you decide to self-publish. Toni V. Martin is a ghostwriter, author, publishing consultant and founder of PowerBroker Media and Finallyfinishyourbook.com. She helps entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches, consultants and anyone trying to get their message out there in a big way. She is the co-author of Atlanta Weddings for the Modern, Stylish, Chic Bride and author of Prepping for Prosperity: How to BE Rich Before You GET Rich. In this lively interview, we cover a wide range of self-publishing dos and don'ts, as well as discuss:

• How to decide what type of book to write
• Who's involved in the process (hint: it takes a village!)
• What introverts need to consider when building a platform and promoting their book
• Toni's best advice for getting started and finding your focus

Small Talk Savvy (and More!) with Melissa Wadsworth

As we know, introverts are often drained by too much social interaction. But that isn’t always the case. There are times when we’re nurtured by social interaction – if it’s meaningful to us. That’s why I can sit for hours with a small group of friends and have deep conversations. Where the interactions become challenging is when I am with a lot of people and the conversations stay on a casual, surface level – in other words, small talk. I’ve long dreaded having to make small talk, an attitude that doesn’t help when I go to networking or other professional events.

I decided it’s time for an attitude adjustment. And I met the perfect person, Melissa Wadsworth, to provide a reframe of small talk, for me and for anyone else who thinks of it as a necessary evil. Along the way, we also talk about the Law of Attraction and seeing your introversion as a valuable asset.

Melissa is an inspirational speaker, dream life coach, conscious communications expert and the author of Small Talk Savvy. She describes herself as "introverted, creative, intuitive, and highly observant," and  she is passionate about using her gifts of empathetic listening, transformational questioning, and intuitive insights to help clients go from Blocked to BrilliantTM as they release limiting perspectives, beliefs and behaviors.

From Writer to Author with "Book Shrink" Laurie Helgoe

Do you have a message you want to shout from the rooftops? Since shouting isn’t  usually a way introverts communicate, we’re lucky there’s a more subtle way to get our message across. At the risk of generalizing, most introverts prefer to express their thoughts and ideas through the written word. For many, writing a book is a fundamental business strategy, opening the door to increased visibility, credibility and profitability. Others may want to leave a written legacy, sharing lessons learned so that others have an easier time on the journey.

Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D., is passionate about helping writers become authors and guiding you through the journey from idea to publication.

She is the author of Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength, the first book to reveal that introverts make up the majority—rather than a small minority—of the population. In addition to authoring five mass-market books (so far), Laurie launched Book It! Literary Consulting. Through seminars and individual consultation, she helps writers develop book ideas and take the steps needed to become published authors.

Laurie and I talk introverts and publishing in this lively conversation. She lifts the veil of mystery on the process of getting a book published through a mainstream publishing house, as well as shares...

• One of the biggest things introverts do that diminishes their power
• How you can make your book proposal stand out from the pack
• The fatal mistake aspiring authors make when pitching an idea
• Why it's true that ignorance is sometimes bliss

PS: Be sure to listen for a special offer from Laurie! Details shared near the end of the podcast. And if you're in the Charleston, West Virginia area, you'll definitely want to attend Laurie's upcoming seminar, "Get It Published! (Not Self-Published)" on March 5, 2011.

Money & Mindfulness with Debbie Whitlock

How does an introvert wind up leading a large networking organization, hosting a nationally syndicated radio program and running her own company? Lots of energy, vision and taking care of business - most importantly, the business of taking care of herself. This week's podcast focuses on how one introvert leader has stepped into the spotlight and created ways to spread her message in a way that is authentic to who she is. Along the way, we also get some tips about having a friendly relationship with your time, energy and financial resources. For more than 14 years, Debbie Whitlock, as president of her own financial services company, has been financially educating and empowering suddenly single women as they make the financial transition from life with a partner to one without. Debbie reminds women that addressing their financial future from scarcity and fear will not lead to the prosperity they desire and deserve. In this inspiring conversation, we talk about how with deep self-awareness, introverts can shape their lives to fit their needs and energy. You'll hear about

• Her journey to becoming the leader of a prominent networking group
• What's wrong with trying to "manage" your energy
• The biggest financial mistakes people make in their personal and professional lives
• Debbie's greatest wish for entrepreneurs everywhere in 2011

Connecting through Personality Types with James Wedmore

We know that understanding if someone is an introvert or an extrovert gives us certain insights into their personality and why they do what they do. But how can that information be utilized in marketing our business? My guest today is James Wedmore, a proud introvert, serial entrepreneur and serious student of personality types. In this podcast, James shares with us a few tips on leveraging introvert energy, building your team and the importance of setting clear intentions for your business and relationships. We also cover:

• How the internet is the global Land of Opportunity
• Why it's important to put the "I" (introvert) in TEAM
• The biggest mistakes introvert entrepreneurs make in their businesses, especially online