Two
years ago – on May 13, 2011 – I launched this blog, not quite knowing what to
expect.
Now,
over 700 posts and 143,000 views since then, I can see that my blog is doing
well. It not only helps my networking
and branding efforts, but it has helped me win clients and advance me as an
expert in the book marketing and public relations arena. But perhaps best of all, it’s served as a
home to my thoughts and given voice to matters the publishing industry
confronts. Based on the feedback I’ve
received, especially from authors, people feel I’ve informed, empowered, and
inspired them. It's cost a lot of time
and effort, but the blog has been worth it.
I thank my loyal readers for their wonderful support.
My
very first blog entry was about the ability of Donald Trump to be a marketing
wonder. He continues to impress me in
his unrelenting pursuit for attention.
As a person, I think he’s ridiculous.
It’s not just the crazy fake hair, his pompous attitude, or his failed
businesses that get to me. It’s his silly
political views. He’s a Tea Party nut job. It’s hard to
respect a jerk, but I have a marketing crush on his long career of generating
attention that’s out of proportion to the balance sheet of his accomplishments.
I
am not sure who my marketing idol is these days. No one comes to mind when I think of people
who have owned the spotlight deservedly.
These are people like Kim Kardashian, who have hijacked the media for a
period beyond a normal “sell by"date, but she’ll flame out. She’s only famous for being famous – and for
having a big ass.
I’m
drawing a blank on naming someone who is famous but accomplished, and who
hasn’t alienated as many people as they have fans. Perhaps I admire brands, more than
individuals. Google comes to mind. So
does Amazon. These two seemingly can do
no wrong in the eyes of the media. Or
maybe we should admire how seemingly unlikable brands manage to rake in billions – fast
food joints, oil companies, big banks, gun makers – even when the media is
negative on obesity, environmental degradation, greed, and violence.
I
admire a good marketer and a smart marketing campaign. Marketers succeed when they shape and alter
our perceptions – regardless of truth – and they make us feel good even when
doing the wrong thing. It’s a powerful
tool that must be harnessed for good.
Maybe one day we’ll have a marketing half of fame and in it won’t be the
Trumps or Kardashaians, but other stars who help shine a light on making the
world a little bit better.
Interview
With Author Alois Lohn
1. What type of books do you write? Cross genre mainstream fiction
2.
What is
your newest book about? To see wars through the soldiers
in the foxhole on both side of the conflict.
3.
What
inspired you to write it? The sacrifices our men and women
endure to protect our country.
4.
What is
the writing process like for you? Enjoyment
5.
What
did you do before you became an author? I retired as corp. VP from the
Spiegel group after a fifty year career in the apparel industry.
6.
How
does it feel to be a published author? Great, another accomplishment in
my life.
7.
Any
advice for struggling writers? Keep plugging away. Rejection is
part of writing.
8.
Where
do you see book publishing heading? Hard to tell. There seems to be a
lot of confusion in the publishing industry. But in the end, books will survive
whether in print or e-book form.
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Brian
Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and
not that of his employer, the nation’s largest book promoter. You can follow
him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com.
He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This blog is
copyrighted material by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2013
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