I just read a book that made me stand up and shout “hallelujah!” It’s called Bored to Brilliant by Manoush Zomorod, and it’s all about the results of her experiment to help people unplug from their phones and “space out” with daily tech-free challenges. Her research illustrates how we’re losing both the ability to focus, as well as letting our minds wander creatively, because we’re constantly scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. It turns out that boredom is beneficial. We are happier and more creative when we’re not bombarded with notifications, ads, and computer games.
I read this book during the time I was putting the final touches on my guided journal. Turns out it was the opportune season to read it, because I was spending a lot of time looking at YouTube videos from other self-published authors on how to navigate Kindle Direct Publishing, best practices for marketing your book, and so on. Most of the marketing tips were focused on social media: Livestream opening your author proof! Buy ads on Facebook! Do a virtual book signing!
Social Media Whiplash
When I got my author proof in the mail, I eagerly ripped it open, so excited to finally hold it in my hands…then I immediately regretted it because I remembered I “should have” had my husband film it. Almost as instantly, I became repulsed by my regret! Let me explain my whiplash: With Personal Retreat Days, what I teach is antithetical to social media marketing, but we’re so programmed these days to engage in technology that it’s hard to resist! My husband reminded me that I don’t “have” to do anything to market my journal. After all, I didn’t create it to be a bestseller or even to make money, I created it to be a helpful tool for people to use during their monthly retreats. All the bells and whistles dilute that intention. Plus, I’m a very private person, I really don’t enjoy self-promotion, it feels kind of icky to me.
(Anti)-Marketing Strategies
After some reflection, I jotted down an “Anti-Marketing” strategy, what I will do and what I won’t do to promote the Personal Retreat Days philosophy, including the journal. I WILL do the things I enjoy and that help people. I WON’T participate in activities that contradict my mission to encourage people to rest and reflect. Simple as that. Here’s my list:
Will do:
- Continue to provide free zoom webinars
- Say yes to speaking & coaching opportunities (because I enjoy it!)
- Say yes to being a guest on podcasts that are in alignment
- Continue to write one newsletter a month & re-post on social
Won’t do:
- Buy ads
- Livestream, Instagram stories, etc
- Clog up everyone’s email & social media feeds with more content
- Use Twitter/X (ever!)
Bottom Line – What I’m asking of you:
- If you think the journal would be a helpful tool for you during your personal retreat days, please buy one!
- If you think it would make a good gift for someone else, please buy one!
- And if you like it, tell someone about it!