Tener’s advice part of ‘shared-wisdom’ calendar

Lisa Tener, an award-winning book-writing coach, will be featured in the 2015 Women’s Advantage Shared Wisdom Calendar for the third year in a row. A quote from Tener will join the collection of wise words from influential women leaders from around the globe.
Tener’s expertise in book writing has led some of her clients to appear on “Oprah,” the “Today Show” and NPR’s “Fresh Air,” among other national media outlets. Her clients range from doctors and company presidents to moms and holistic practitioners. She not only enjoys helping her clients through the process, but she also learns from the stories they have to tell (and are trying to get published).
Tener serves on the faculty of the Harvard Medical School continuing education course on writing and publishing books. She is also a regular columnist for Aspire Magazine.

PBN: Can you explain the quote that was chosen for publication?
TENER: “Discomfort can be a sign that you are onto something; if you are, muster the courage to step into it.” I always feel uncomfortable before public speaking. The discomfort tells me I’m making it all about me. Will I look bad? Make a fool of myself? Will they like me? The fear is an invitation to stop making it about me. When I ask the question, “How can I be of service to the people in the audience?” then I get out of my ego and I can make an impact.

PBN: Do you have any self-promotion tips for entrepreneurs and other professionals?
TENER: Two things: Don’t try to be everywhere on social media. Figure out what you enjoy and also where your clients and colleagues hang out. I love to write, so blogging is a natural for me. What fits with your interests and skills? Perhaps video works best for you. [Also], put your biggest efforts into your own personal property – like a blog or website. While I do work with social media, I focus on my blog – that’s a space I own as a business. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube – that can all change in a second. But I control my blog. Everything I write there shows up as content to Google – and Google loves content. The more quality content you have on your website, the more people Google sends your way in organic, free search.

PBN: What are some of the pros and cons of working with a publisher versus self-publishing? Is there one that you recommend for a first-time author?
TENER: It’s a challenge to traditionally publish in this competitive market, but if a first-time author is willing to do the work to develop a following – and has a compelling concept and content – it’s definitely doable. In that case, I would ask them about priorities. If you want the book fast, or want control, self-publish. If you are patient, there are still some advantages to traditional publishing, like the cache, the expertise they bring to the table and the distribution. Authors are lucky nowadays to have so many excellent options.

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