This scenario highlights a crucial distinction that can significantly impact your success and personal growth: the difference between being a “wanter” and a “needer.”

 The Wanter vs. The Needer

Entrepreneur coach Dan Sullivan observed that the most successful entrepreneurs tend to be “wanters” rather than “needers.” But what exactly does this mean?

 The Needer’s Dilemma

Needers often feel compelled to justify why they need their goals. They might say:

• “I need to be a bestselling author to prove my worth.”
• “I need to earn six figures to feel successful.”

The problem? Once needers achieve their goals, they often stop expanding. They’ve met their need, so why push further?

 The Wanter’s Advantage

Wanters, on the other hand, simply want what they want. They don’t waste time questioning or justifying their desires. This mindset allows them to:

• 1. Continue expanding and evolving, seemingly without limit

• 2. Pursue goals with unapologetic passion

• 3. Move from one achievement to the next without losing momentum

 The Power of “Because I Want To”

Think about the areas in your life where you’ve excelled the most. Chances are, these are domains where you were driven by an internal desire rather than external pressure or perceived necessity.

For example:

• Learning to play the guitar? Because I want to.
• Writing music? Because I want to.
• Bench pressing twice your bodyweight? Because I want to.

These pursuits often feel as natural and unquestioned as the urge to pet a kitten or puppy – you do it “just because.”

 Transforming Needs into Wants

While the distinction between wants and needs is crucial, it’s also worth noting that there’s power in transforming needs into wants, and even in embodying your desires as if you’ve already achieved them. However, these are topics for another day.

 The Experiment: Embracing Your Wants

Here’s a simple yet powerful experiment you can try:

• 1. Choose a goal you have.

• 2. State it plainly: “I want X because I want X.”

• 3. Resist the urge to justify or explain further.

• 4. Repeat this statement until it feels completely natural.

For instance: “I want to be a bestselling author because I want to be a bestselling author.”

How does this feel? What shifts do you notice in your mindset or motivation?

 Conclusion: Unleashing Your True Potential

By embracing the “wanter” mindset, you free yourself from the constraints of justification and external validation. You open the door to continuous growth, unapologetic ambition, and the joy of pursuing what truly excites you.

Remember, as long as your wants are ethical and positive, there’s no need to justify them. Your desires are valid simply because they are yours.

So, what do you want? And are you ready to pursue it with the unrestrained passion of a true “wanter”?

What goals have you been justifying that you could simply want instead? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Are you struggling to establish yourself as an authority in your field? Does it feel like your message isn’t reaching as many people as it could? You’re not alone. Many experts and entrepreneurs grapple with building credibility, scaling their impact, and effectively reaching their target audience.

The solution lies in a strategic approach that leverages the power of three key pillars: books, courses, and social media. In this article, we’ll delve into why these pillars are crucial for anyone looking to grow their influence, make a significant impact, and scale their business.

 The Trifecta Strategy: Books, Courses, and Social Media

A smarter approach is to leverage all three pillars of influence, creating a well-rounded and powerful presence in your field. Let’s explore the benefits of each pillar and how to use them effectively.

 Pillar 1: Books

A book is the ultimate credibility booster. It’s a tangible representation of your knowledge and expertise, opening doors to speaking engagements, media appearances, and new business opportunities. Research shows that publishing a book can significantly boost an individual’s perceived expertise and authority. For example, a study in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that authors are viewed as more credible, competent, and trustworthy compared to non-authors.

How to leverage books for influence:

• Choose a topic that showcases your unique expertise.
• Structure your book to provide actionable insights.
• Use personal stories and case studies to illustrate your points.
• Include a call-to-action that leads readers to your other offerings.

Why books matter:

• They position you as a thought leader.
• Books have a long shelf life, providing ongoing passive marketing.
• They can be repurposed into multiple content formats.

Pro Tip: Always work with a professional book coach or editor when writing a book—this will be the most important asset you ever create. Quality is crucial.

 Pillar 2: Courses

Online courses allow you to package your knowledge into a scalable, interactive format. They offer a deeper level of engagement with your audience and can become a significant passive revenue stream. According to a study by Docebo, the global eLearning market is expected to reach $375 billion by 2026, highlighting the growing demand for online education.

How to create impactful courses:

• Identify your audience’s biggest pain points.
• Design a curriculum that addresses these challenges.
• Include a mix of video lessons, worksheets, and interactive elements.
• Embed the course within a community platform to foster engagement among students.

Why courses are essential:

• They offer a higher-value product than books or social media content alone.
• Courses build a community of engaged learners.
• They allow you to showcase your teaching ability and personality.

 Pillar 3: Social Media

Social media gives you daily touchpoints with your audience. It’s where you can share bite-sized wisdom, engage in conversations, and drive traffic to your other offers, such as books, courses, and speaking engagements. A report by Deloitte found that companies with a strong social media presence have a 23% higher growth rate compared to their competitors.

How to maximize social media impact:

• Choose platforms where your target audience is most active.
• Create a content calendar that balances promotion and value-giving.
• Use a mix of content types: text, images, videos, and live events.
• Engage with your followers regularly through comments and direct messages.

Why social media is crucial:

• It provides immediate feedback and audience insights.
• Allows for real-time engagement and relationship building.
• Offers opportunities for viral content and rapid audience growth.

 Synergy: How the Three Pillars Work Together

The real magic happens when you integrate all three pillars. Here are some strategies:

• Use social media to share excerpts from your book and tease course content.
• Include social proof from your social media following in your book.
• Offer your book as a bonus for course participants.
• Create a social media challenge based on your course curriculum.
• Use insights from social media engagement to inform your next book topic.

By combining these three pillars, you create a powerful ecosystem of influence that reinforces itself and provides multiple entry points for your audience.

 Action Steps: Building Your Influence Trifecta

Ready to start building your trifecta of influence? Here’s what to do next:

1. Outline your area of expertise and unique perspective.

2. Draft a book proposal or outline.

3. Sketch out a potential course curriculum based on your book.

4. Identify 1-3 social media platforms where your audience is active.

5. Create a content calendar that promotes your services, book, and course.

6. Set specific goals for each pillar (e.g., book sales, course enrollments, social media engagement).

7. Develop a system to repurpose content across all platforms.

8. Plan collaborations or partnerships that can boost your visibility in each area.

9. Focus on the area that will bring you the most ROI first, then circle back to the others.

 The Bottom Line

When a prospect comes across an expert in the area they need help with, they typically:

• Look for social media content produced by the expert.
  • Check if the expert has distilled this information into a course or book to solve their problem.
  • Some may pay a premium for more personalized access, such as one-on-one or group services.

Ready to start building your trifecta of influence? Here’s what to do next:

1. Outline your area of expertise and unique perspective.

2. Draft a book proposal or outline.

3. Sketch out a potential course curriculum based on your book.

4. Identify 1-3 social media platforms where your audience is active.

5. Create a content calendar that promotes your services, book, and course.

6. Set specific goals for each pillar (e.g., book sales, course enrollments, social media engagement).

7. Develop a system to repurpose content across all platforms.

8. Plan collaborations or partnerships that can boost your visibility in each area.

9. Focus on the area that will bring you the most ROI first, then circle back to the others.

This might seem overwhelming, but it’s exactly what our team at Skinny Brown Dog Media does every day. We specialize in helping experts and entrepreneurs like you build and integrate these pillars of influence to grow your reach and impact. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your strategy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

 Understanding Personal Branding for Authors

Personal branding is about more than just marketing; it’s about crafting an identity that reflects your values, personality, and the essence of your work. It’s how readers perceive you and what they can expect from your books. A strong personal brand can lead to more opportunities, better reader engagement, and increased sales.

 Steps to Build Your Author Brand

 1. Define Your Brand Identity

Start by identifying what makes you unique as a writer. Consider your genre, writing style, themes, and the message you want to convey. Ask yourself:

• What are my core values?
• What is the tone of my writing?
• What themes do I frequently explore?
• How do I want my readers to feel when they read my books?

Example: J.K. Rowling’s brand is synonymous with magical worlds, intricate plots, and character-driven stories. Her core values include perseverance and the importance of friendship, which resonate deeply with her readers.

Answering these questions will help you develop a clear and consistent brand identity.

 2. Create a Professional Online Presence

Your online presence is often the first impression you make on potential readers. Ensure it reflects your brand:

• Website: Design a professional website that showcases your books, biography, and contact information. Include a blog to share updates, writing tips, or behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process.

Example: Neil Gaiman’s website is a hub for fans, featuring his blog, upcoming events, and information about his works. It reflects his whimsical and imaginative style.

• Social Media: Choose platforms that best suit your audience. Consistently share content that aligns with your brand, such as book excerpts, writing advice, or personal anecdotes.

  Example: On Instagram, Rupi Kaur shares her poetry and personal reflections, aligning with her brand as a modern, introspective poet. Her visually appealing posts and engaging captions foster a strong connection with her audience.

 3. Engage with Your Audience

Building a personal brand is not a one-way street. Engage with your readers through:

• Social Media Interactions: Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and show appreciation for your followers.

Example: Author Angie Thomas regularly interacts with her followers on Twitter, discussing social issues and sharing insights about her writing, which helps her connect deeply with her readers.

• Newsletters: Send regular updates about your writing journey, upcoming releases, and exclusive content. Make it personal and valuable to keep your subscribers engaged.

Example: Brandon Sanderson’s newsletters are eagerly anticipated by his fans, offering sneak peeks into his writing process, exclusive short stories, and updates on his projects.

 4. Network with Other Authors and Influencers

Connecting with other authors and influencers in your genre can help expand your reach. Participate in writing groups, attend literary events, and collaborate on projects. Guest blogging and interviews can also expose you to new audiences.

Example: Leigh Bardugo, author of the “Grishaverse” series, frequently collaborates with other authors for book tours and online events, expanding her audience through shared fanbases.

 5. Leverage Reviews and Testimonials

Positive reviews and testimonials can significantly boost your credibility. Encourage readers to leave reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Share these testimonials on your website and social media to build trust with potential readers.

Example: Colleen Hoover often highlights glowing reader reviews and testimonials on her social media, enhancing her credibility and encouraging new readers to pick up her books.

 6. Stay Authentic

Authenticity is key to a successful personal brand. Stay true to your voice and values, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. Readers are more likely to connect with a genuine, relatable author.

Example: Stephen King’s approachable and down-to-earth interactions with fans on social media, along with his candidness about his writing journey, make him feel accessible and authentic to his readers.

 Practical Tips for Maintaining Your Brand

• Consistency is Crucial: Maintain a consistent voice and aesthetic across all platforms.
• Adapt and Evolve: As your career progresses, your brand may evolve. Stay open to change and regularly assess your branding strategy.
• Measure Your Success: Use analytics to track the effectiveness of your branding efforts. Adjust your strategies based on what works best for your audience.

 Enhance Your Brand with Skinny Brown Dog Media

For authors looking to take their personal brand to the next level, partnering with a media expert can be invaluable. Skinny Brown Dog Media is your go-to partner for innovative media solutions that elevate your brand and connect with your audience in meaningful ways. Here’s how Skinny Brown Dog Media can help:

 Why Choose Skinny Brown Dog Media?

At Skinny Brown Dog Media, we understand that every brand has a unique story to tell. Our mission is to help you tell that story in the most engaging and impactful way possible. Here’s why we stand out:

 Tailored Strategies

We believe in personalized solutions. Our team takes the time to understand your brand, your audience, and your goals to create strategies that are tailored to your specific needs.

 Creative Excellence

Our creative team excels in producing high-quality content that captures attention. From stunning visuals to captivating copy, we ensure your brand message is delivered with flair and precision.

 Comprehensive Services

We offer a wide range of services to cover all your media needs, including:

• Brand Strategy Development: Craft a cohesive and compelling brand identity.
• Content Creation: Produce engaging content across all platforms, from social media posts to full-scale video productions.
• Digital Marketing: Implement effective digital marketing strategies that drive engagement and conversions.
• Public Relations: Build and maintain a positive public image with strategic PR initiatives.

 Proven Track Record

With a portfolio of successful projects and satisfied clients, Skinny Brown Dog Media has a proven track record of delivering results. We pride ourselves on our ability to exceed expectations and drive tangible outcomes for our clients.

 Our Approach

Our approach is collaborative and client-centric. We work closely with you to ensure that every project aligns with your vision and objectives. Here’s how we do it:

 Discovery and Research

We start by getting to know your brand inside and out. Through thorough research and discovery sessions, we uncover key insights that inform our strategy.

 Strategy Development

Based on our findings, we develop a strategic plan that outlines the best approach to achieve your goals. This plan serves as a roadmap for our creative and marketing efforts.

 Creative Execution

Our talented team brings the strategy to life with creative executions that captivate and inspire. Whether it’s a video production, a social media campaign, or a brand overhaul, we ensure every detail is perfect.

 Measurement and Optimization

We believe in continuous improvement. After launching a campaign, we monitor its performance closely and make data-driven optimizations to maximize its effectiveness.

Get in Touch

Ready to elevate your brand? Contact Skinny Brown Dog Media today to start your journey towards greater visibility and success. Visit our website at (https://skinnybrowndogmedia.com/) to learn more about our services and view our portfolio.

Building a personal brand as an author is a dynamic and ongoing process. By defining your identity, creating a professional online presence, engaging with your audience, and staying authentic, you can create a brand that not only stands out but also resonates deeply with readers. Partnering with experts like Skinny Brown Dog Media can further enhance your branding efforts, opening doors to new opportunities and a dedicated fanbase.

Start today and watch your author brand flourish. Contact  Skinny Brown Dog Media for expert assistance in taking your brand to the next level.