Michael (Mike) Compeau

How do you think about (and prize) your focus and attention? One simple graphic made me confront the flaws in my thinking & actions. https://lnkd.in/gCWAkMDG

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The Portable Test & Stimulus Standard 3.0 Draft is available for public review! Version 3.0 adds many new features, corrects errors, clarifies aspects of the language and semantic definitions and much more. The most substantial feature added is support for Behavioral Coverage. To download the draft standard visit here https://bit.ly/44xF0Xf. Make comments, leave feedback, and ask questions via the PSS Community Forum https://bit.ly/4dsC4z8 #PSS #Accellera

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Should you publish your book independently or traditionally? It’s a great question and one I hear from a lot of authors-to-be. Here’s how I break down certain differences, with the caveat that not all indie or traditional publishing is created equal: Indie Publishing: ✅ Full creative control & faster to market. ✅ Higher percentage of sales in your pocket. ❌ You handle (or hire out) all aspects & upfront costs. ❌ Harder to land in bookstores. The indie route is empowering, teaching you the ropes of the industry, offering direct earnings, and tight-knit community support. It’s about taking charge and learning on the go. Traditional Publishing: ✅ Professional editing, design, and marketing support. ✅ Little to zero upfront costs & broader bookstore distribution. ❌ Less creative control & longer time to publication. ❌ Smaller slice of the sales pie (unless you’re publishing with Authors Equity – excited to see what’s to come with their model!). Traditional offers a support system that takes on the heavy lifting, but requires patience and flexibility with your vision. Ask yourself: Why are you publishing? What does success look like to you? Whether it's creative freedom, financial gain, or market reach, understanding your priorities is key. Remember, there's a spectrum between indie and traditional publishing, with hybrid options offering a middle ground. These can vary in the level of control and support provided, so exploring these avenues is worthwhile. Ultimately, the choice between indie and traditional publishing is deeply personal and should align with your goals, values, and vision for your book. Whether you carve your own path or follow the trodden road, each journey offers its own rewards and lessons. #marketing #publishing #author #marketingstrategy

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Interested in or worried about how you'll be impacted by AI? Then be sure to catch my chat with Dr. Steve Shwartz, author of Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths: The Truth About AI and the Future of Humanity.

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Other than my publishing peeps (and even some of them) no one really understands what I do. I can't TELL YOU how much it means to read Kathleen Schmidt, MBA 's Substack. She gets it. She's helping other people get it. It's so validating. "Book publicists update media lists, compile media lists, mail ARCs/books, attend meetings, participate in Zoom calls, write press materials, read manuscripts, cultivate/maintain relationships with media and influencers, and much more. Yet, we mostly only get credit when there is confirmed press and a successful book. It is as if all the work we do to garner even one response from our contacts is negated, and it is wrong. I want to impart this: Please recognize the invisible work book publicists do instead of instantly pointing fingers* at them when your book doesn’t receive enough attention. Usually, the problem is the ratio of media to books published and not the fault of the book publicist. Never mind the low salaries book publicists are paid." *This goes for authors AND sales folks, editors, marketers, etc.

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Other than my publishing peeps (and even some of them) no one really understands what I do. I can't TELL YOU how much it means to read Kathleen Schmidt's Substack. She gets it. She's helping other people get it. It's so validating. "Book publicists update media lists, compile media lists, mail ARCs/books, attend meetings, participate in Zoom calls, write press materials, read manuscripts, cultivate/maintain relationships with media and influencers, and much more. Yet, we mostly only get credit when there is confirmed press and a successful book. It is as if all the work we do to garner even one response from our contacts is negated, and it is wrong. I want to impart this: Please recognize the invisible work book publicists do instead of instantly pointing fingers* at them when your book doesn’t receive enough attention. Usually, the problem is the ratio of media to books published and not the fault of the book publicist. Never mind the low salaries book publicists are paid." *This goes for authors AND sales folks, editors, marketers, etc.

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Once the initial flurry of your book launch settles, the journey doesn’t end—it evolves. In the critical year following your book’s release, maintaining visibility and connectivity through your author platform is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide to strategically managing your author presence in the year after your book hits the shelves: 1️⃣ Update Your Messaging: ■ Shift your promotional language from "preorder now" to "available now." ■ Highlight new formats, like the release of an audiobook, to keep your offerings fresh. 2️⃣ Website Optimization: ■ Ensure your website remains author-focused, not just book-centric. ■ Display your book noticeably on your homepage, perhaps through a pop-up or next to your bio, to keep it in the spotlight without overwhelming your other content. ■ Continue to use your site for lead generation: prominently feature your business offerings, workshops, or speaking topics. 3️⃣ Integrate with Personal Branding: ■ Seamlessly integrate your book into your larger personal brand. ■ If you are also a speaker or consultant, use your book to complement these roles, ensuring it adds value to your broader professional identity. 4️⃣Social Media and Professional Updates: ■ Regularly refresh your social media and professional profiles to reflect your book's journey—from launch to continued availability. ■ Share updates about new reviews, media mentions, or relevant news to keep the audience engaged. ■ Use the themes from your book to give your expertise on trending topics. 5️⃣ Transitioning Focus: ■ If it's been a year and there's no immediate sequel or new book, begin to subtly shift the focus. ■ Reduce the intensity of direct sales pitches while keeping the book accessible and visible on your platforms, accommodating new visitors who may discover your site. Maintaining an active and strategic post-launch presence ensures that your book continues to reach new audiences and generate opportunities long after the initial launch buzz fades. This approach not only maximizes your current book’s potential but also lays a robust foundation for future projects. How has your journey evolved since launching your book? I’d love to hear your strategies! #marketing #leadership #author #publishing #booklaunch

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These highlights from Cision's 2024 State of the Media Report offer important insights about interacting with journalists. Download the full report (see last slide) to get all the details. #mediarelations #PR #journalists

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I am always reading and/or listening to an audiobook. My goal is 50 books/audiobooks this year. 📚 This week it's The Art of Gathering: How we meet and why it matters. Most people who know me know that I love getting people together. Quality time is my love language and being face-to-face with people is 100% my jam. Plus I get so excited when my friends become friends. Of course gathering isn't just about socializing with friends - although I adore that! It's also about connecting with other professionals at events and conferences and dinners to grow professionally, with people of faith where we worship and retreats and studies to improve my spiritual health, and so much more. In The Art of Gathering, the author does an incredible job of expressing why gathering matters - and how to do it well, with intention, to make the biggest impact. She talks about inclusion and exclusion and setting the stage to facilitate specific purpose. Humans are social creatures. We can also fall into "othering" and forget about the humanity of those who are different from us. But when we gather well, we are able to put aside our differences and truly see and value each other. In short, we build and mend hearts and fences and bridges. When we gather well in small groups and in big groups, we can learn to tackle common problems and overcome the things that divide us. I'm no an idealist, but I am an optimist. What about you? Are you a believer in the power of gathering? If you are a meeting planner, events professional, or gatherer of people, I recommend this book. It's a perspective shifter. https://a.co/d/2PVFPjw

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So many #PR crises are self-imposed. Find out the three ways to present this from happening in my latest "En Garde!" column for San Diego Daily Transcript https://lnkd.in/diQ6rnYP #crisiscommunication

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There have long been complaints that other corporate functions “encroach” (an academic term) on the communication function. But this report says chief communications officers are now taking on other functions roles called CCO-plus. It’s an interesting trend for the communications profession.

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Good article on the value of original quality content and risks of GenAI’s generics & distortions today when AI volume is everywhere online. The image simulation is cool example!

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Thanks to Business Wire and #AssociatedPress for presenting an informative online seminar, "The Role of #Visual #Content for #Journalists and #PR Professionals." #PeterBanda #AnthonyBrito Jerry Touslee spoke about the advantages of adding catchy images and videos to promote corporate successes, tell the stories about how new products were developed, and differentiate a company's news from its competitors. As a former corporate trainer and university professor, now focused on content marketing and thought leadership creation, I know firsthand the value of a compelling visual. It's not just a matter of ever shortening attention spans. Some people are visual learners. The power of an instructive and engaging visual is one reason why nearly seventy percent of companies not using videos in 2024 say they plan to do so. https://lnkd.in/eMJGsk-6

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Another fundamental research on loyalty exploring a new side: the influence of politics on brand loyalty. #loyalty #consumerbehavior #brandmanagement

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When taking these refresher courses, it’s nice to see common sense is still considered a best practice in crisis communications: immediacy, transparency, accountability, clarity, humanity. It's also shocking to see (and occasionally experience) how many organizations get it wrong.

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