With “The Global Mobility Workbook – 3rd Edition” launch just around the corner, I thought I would talk a little about my journey of completing this book.
Every book project is a huge team effort. I realized in June that it would be easy to just quit the project so I forced myself a little. I used what I call the “people approach to managing projects”. I’ve explained this approach in a module of our RockMe! program.
The People Approach
“The “People Approach to Managing Projects” has several steps. First, you visualize the end result and paint a detailed picture of it. Second, you add post-it notes of people you see connected to this end vision. Third, you consider which role they will play in your end vision. Fourth, you reach out to them and let them know that you need their help. Then, you engage them for a job in your project and finally, you find two commitment buddies who will check in with you on your success and report to them on a weekly basis. It is also vital to tell the world about your project.”
I figured it would help to hire a team of professionals and also tell as many people as possible about my upcoming book launch. We decided that it was important to launch the book in the fall before the Frankfurt Book Fair and the start of the winter semester. And then I started to tell the world about the upcoming launch by writing individual emails to at least 100 people in my industry, acquaintances, and friends.
Set a Hard Deadline
Based on the availability of good friends and colleagues we then decided on a date for the book launch party. With that date in the diary, it was really easy to move forward.
I was being asked how I approached revisions with a fresh perspective after having spent so long on the book itself. The thing is, it is important to approach revisions with a fresh mind after having spent so long working with the book’s earlier editions – since 2014 and with some cases, I work since 2009.
The Production Phase
Once the manuscript was ready in April we used it in practice already for workshops. A fresh perspective comes from readers, the feedback of learners and the experience of working with the cases and the book. Also, each team member brings in a new perspective. One team member is responsible for English language edits, another one helps with captivating titles while one member handles sales on social media platforms. I want to thank all my team members for working so diligently, especially over the last eight weeks. They helped turn the project into a work of art. I can be a pain sometimes and they really handled me well.
I also think it is important to work in a structured manner and trust that every team member will do their best in the process. So once the edits were done, I did not look at content anymore, only verified that logic and structure were matching. I also have to admit that the last revision involved some improvisation. I was sitting at Newark airport and because everything there is payable by credit card, I could not really find a place to sit and eat. I’ve stopped keeping a credit card to stop myself from overspending. One of the few habits that help me as a solopreneur.
I took out a small notebook and my iPhone and started to review the final draft of the manuscript. I managed to type down the result of my feedback into a Google Doc, share it with my graphic designer just before I boarded the plane. It was such a great collaboration that she was able to work on changes I requested while I was in the air.
Pre-Launch Phase
With the book going live on Amazon last week we have pre-launched it to the Global Mobility tribe.
On 3 October 2019, we will celebrate the book launch and that is the start of the “launch phase”. In the current phase, it’s important to sell as many books as possible. “Virginia Robot” at Amazon will then think that you are doing something right and promote your book further.
I have been going through different emotions and my imposter syndrome was trying to sneak in once in a while. So, there were moments where I wanted to stop the project.
The good thing is that this is my third book launch and by now I know how these inner corruptors feel. I understand that a lot of us artists are afraid to show their work to the world. It’s the first time I call myself “artist” and the first time I changed my LinkedIn profile to say “author”. For me, this was a process of at least seven years from blogging onwards to publishing a book.
The Devil is in the Detail
I care about details such as words, spelling, grammar, structure, typos, logistics and my guests!!!
The last two weeks have been exciting and intense because I’m not only the author of “The Global Mobility Workbook”, I am also involved in the major decisions related to production, digital marketing and launch aspects.
And while I have enjoyed every part of it, I also have clients, family and friends to take care of. Frankly speaking, I wake up at 6 AM on the weekend thinking about the book launch.
The Four C’s
You might understand that for “The Global MobilityWorkbook” I have summarized four key risk areas into a “Four C-Model”. The Four C’s are Cost, Compliance, Care and Career. Students really need such simplicity to remember models.
The launch party also follows a Four C model: Cremant, cheese, chips, and colleagues will be there. We are expecting the Global Mobility Community of Zurich as well as international guests from Dusseldorf, Dubai and Dublin.
Workshop and Special Program
We will also offer a free workshop on Friday, 4 October 2019 and enjoy a movie at the Zurich Film Festival. A tourist program is also planned for our international guests.
How can you Support us
Please help us promote the book and use the hashtag #TheGlobalMobilityWorkbook whenever you mention it.
If you tag me, I can appreciate and share your posts on Instagram angie_weinberger and Twitter @angieweinberger.
At the book launch, we will be sharing updates while the event is happening and also share a post-event video covering the highlights of the event.
Are you an upcoming photographer and videographer in Zurich, willing to cover our event in order to get exposure? We will promote you via our social media and on the event. Do let us know if willing to volunteer.
If you have any questions about the book or the event, please reply to this email.
Looking forward to welcoming those who RSVPed at the launch.
Have a productive week ahead.
Kind regards,
Angie Weinberger and Team
