Of
all the ways one could promote their book or market their brand, the best model
to follow may be that of Jackson Bonz Feinblum.
He’s
a three-year-old American Bulldog that my family adopted one month ago. We can learn a lot from this 80-pound stud.
Pets
can charm us and invite us to marvel at their funny ways, but they can also
teach us a thing or two about life and book publicity.
Here are 14 of the many lessons all authors and book publicists can gather from Jackson:
Here are 14 of the many lessons all authors and book publicists can gather from Jackson:
1.
Looks Matter
Jackson
is an example of the role looks can play in marketing. Like the pretty young lady or the muscular
male, images of beauty draw us in. We can’t turn away from eye candy, can
we? Jackson draws you to him based on
his looks. He’s so ugly that he’s
handsome. He looks like a junkyard dog
but he’s really a softy. He’s got a cool
coloring -- brindle. He has an underbite
and big brown eyes that warm you instantly to him. So if you want people drawn to you, think
about your appearance and your style. Same goes for your book cover and book
design.
2.
Confidence Helps
Jackson
moves with a certain swagger but seems friendly and happy with his wagging tail. He’s not skittish or showing fear. You,
too should come across with confidence in the way you speak or carry yourself.
3.
He Seeks Your
Attention
Jackson
will follow you or hunt you down, ensuring himself of having his desires met,
like a belly rub or a big snack. Go
after media attention and always make your presence known.
4.
Bark If You Feel
Ignored
Speak
up if your needs are not being addressed.
Jackson will bark if he needs to go to the bathroom. He doesn’t sit back hoping you notice him.
5.
Spread Your Love
Jackson
makes everyone he’s with feel special.
He rotates who gets his affection at night. One night he’ll sleep with my son, then
daughter, then my wife and me, and sometimes he goes solo on the den couch. So
too should you vary your pursuits – go after all types of media, not just
one. Try multiple story angles, and
don’t rely on a single one. Spread the love
around.
6.
Brand With A Good
Name
Jackson
is a good name because it can have nicknames made from it: Jax; Apple Jacks;
Jacksonville; Action Jackson. It sounds
like a strong name. His middle name has a unique spelling – and how many dogs
have middle names? Sometimes we go by
his initials, J.B. Or we just reference
him by his size, like: “Come here, big
boy.” You need a catchy nickname or
crafty pen name or your book title needs to be unique, memorable, or special.
7.
Acclimate To Your
Circumstances
We
adopted Jackson after he was fostered for a few months. He used to be chained outside and used merely
for reproductive purposes. But he
quickly acclimated to his new home and fits in perfectly. It’s as if he’s always been with us. You, too can find a way to quickly ingratiate
yourself to others. Be friendly,
interesting and open to new things.
8.
Show An interest
In Others
Jackson
is quick to interact with whomever is in the room with him, making that person
feel wanted, entertained and appreciated.
You too, especially when networking, should thrust yourself in front of
others and insert yourself into the conservation.
9.
Be Persistent
If
Jackson wants something, he’ll get it.
He doggedly pursues things and puts a singular focus on his
obsessions. He’s relentless. You too should have a stick-to-it approach to
whatever it is that you want.
10. Beg
He
will moan or push his paw onto you if there’s something he needs. You too should beg or ask for things –
sometimes you’ll get what you want.
11. Take A Break
After
a hard day of playing, eating, begging, or exploring, he knows when to take a
break, often napping mid-day in our car or the couch. Consider taking a brief siesta to recharge
yourself.
12. Bad Behavior Can Get Attention
He
will sometimes do the things that we don’t like, including gnawing on our kids' favorite stuffed animals, lifting his leg to the carpet, or thinking our shoes
are his food. He even chewed on a $200
bag. But his misbehavior gets our
attention, which is what he wanted. You
too can get the media’s attention, perhaps by saying something controversial or
doing something that may not even seem like a good thing.
13. Free Your Mind By Wandering
Jackson
has escaped our house at least 8 or 9 times so far. He finds the weak spot – a gap in a doorway,
a fence that bends, an unlocked door – allowing him to run freely until we
realize he’s gone and track him down. You too should change your routine and escape
your surrounding circumstances to infuse yourself with new ideas and fresh
perspectives.
14. Chase Your Dreams
Jackson
thinks he can fly. He chases birds,
squirrels, and anything that moves. He wants to reach what’s not always
attainable but that doesn’t stop him. He
doesn’t know any better. Maybe one day
he’ll get lucky. You too should pursue what seems beyond your reach. You may just catch up to it!
Jackson
is a lovable lug, the kind of dog that best represents his species – loyal,
friendly, curious, lovable, funny. Most
of all, he’s a model to authors who seek to get their brand elevated and book
promoted. If all else fails, start
barking, lifting your leg, and taking a bite out of a pair of shoes.
DON”T MISS THESE!!!
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