Admitting My Weak Points ~ Marketing

Photo Credit: ~ nebe ~ via Compfight cc

Hello Marketing,

We've been friends now for some time. I'm so glad we're friends!! But I need help and therefore I asked...for a VA.

The experience has been very positive. My new VA/project manager gets it done! He makes me look good! Like, I actually have my act together.

Really, it's a race against my Ultrachron timer going down the to-do-list to get everything done in a day. The VA is taking quiet the load off my plate so I'm able to do more and blog again!

Marketing is a constant, you can't stop. It reminds me of writing. But there are questions I've found helpful in my search of finding help. If you get the chance to hire a VA...here are some questions you might want to ask them and yourself:

1. Do they have experience in writing?
This actually is a big one. You have to like their work. They just might help you with your blogs.

2. Do they know how to market books?
Not necessarily a bad thing if they have a background in marketing, but haven't learned how to market a book. Be prepared to teach or send them on learning expeditons, even if they do know what they're doing. Learning is vital in marketing and writing!

3. What is their idea of communication?
Once a week is great for the proactive VA. Sometimes an email daily report is better. Depends on your micro-management issues.

4. Are you ready to let go?
You want help, but can't see anyone doing it as good as you. This is a tuffy. Actually giving the torch to someone else is like losing a huge chunk of time and effort, and if they fail? You'll blame yourself.

Marketing is hard stuff. Sometimes you need help -- as indie authors you're use to doing it yourself. There are somethings you should do yourself. It's up to you on what to give and when to know what to let go of.

ACTION ITEM: Find yourself overwhelmed? Maybe a VA to help you for a few hours every week might give you that time to write.   

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