Expert Part 2 – Or Why I Could Never be a Pop Star, and Be Talked About in the Gossip Mags!

Catchy title, isn’t
it?!

And that was the title of the email that I sent out to my family and
close friends last week.

Here’s what happend. 

I got a Google Alert saying that someone had posted a review of my new book on
the Barnes and Noble website.  I was very excited because it was a review
from someone I do not know, and is not invested in me or my life in any
way. 

And the review goes on to give the book 4 stars!  So I am psyched!
Now here’s the funny part. 

The reviewer goes on to review another business book, and gives it
FIVE stars!!!

So
being who I am, I’m like, 5 stars?  What makes THAT book 5 stars?  MY
book is 5 stars!!!! HAA heeh ahaheeehhaaaa haaa!  So I did, honestly,
laugh at my competitive nature and was quite thankful for my 4 stars.

But that is also when I knew that I could never be famous – 4 stars is
actually good and what if something actually bad – like what happens to pop
stars - had been said – not sure I have the thick skin for it, and quite
frankly, am glad I am not that thick skinned.

Which brings me to today.

My book has only been out for about 2 weeks.  I have received about 10
calls or emails from people who are just pleased as punch with it. But
TODAY someone posted a horrible review of it on Amazon.com  And again, I
was reminded that being "famous" comes with a price.

So today I am doing a follow-up to Being an Expert- but it has taken a little
twist.

5 Things to Know When You are An Expert

1.  You can’t worry about what people think of you and what you are doing.
This doesn’t mean you don’t inquire as to what people want and need – it means
you can’t be frozen in place because "Someone" might not like what
you are doing.  My favorite is "who does she think she is writing a
book??" I had to get over THAT one! : )

2.  You can’t please everyone. Just because you know things
to be true and helpful doesn’t mean that it applies to everyone where they are
today.

3.  You can’t cover everything all the time.  We all know
there is a TON of stuff to know – you have to pick and choose what you are
going to concentrate on, and again, that info will not be applicable to
everyone.

4.  20% of your audience will think they can do it better than you can.
And that is great!  And I will be HAPPY to support them as soon as they DO
it!

5.  Feedback IS a gift.  Really, feedback can truly make you
better.  So when someone is kind enough to give you that gift, you thank
them.  Think about it.  Not DWELL on it.  And then Act on
it if appropriate.  For example, I have already started compiling a list
of things that people wish had been in the book – for the next
book. 

So now I have a request – and of course, I am putting myself out there, but it
goes with the territory.

If you have read my book – please post a review of it on Amazon.  I
am not asking you to post anything that is not true – but rather your honest
feelings – cause yes, feedback IS a gift.

You just go to Amazon.com – find the book – you can search under Mary Larsen -
and when you click on it, pretty near the top under the title it says
"post a review."  And you click there and type away.

Ok! That’s ALL I have to say about being an expert today!

Have a GREAT week!

Here’s to Designing
Your Success™,

-Mary

Mary Larsen