Will People Buy Your Book Because Of Money, Passion Or Ego?

 

Money. Ego. Passion.

These are the only three reasons anyone does anything, especially those involved in the book world.

The sooner you acknowledge this reality, the better you will fare at understanding the motivations of people. If you want to market and promote a book successfully, tune in to what’s pushing the buttons of those you need to impress.

I know from working with thousands of authors over the past three decades that one of these three things – money, ego, or passion – drives the decisions and actions of authors. Sometimes it is a blend of two or three items, but often one specific area takes control of them, whether they realize it or not.

So when you want to sell a book, convince someone to have you come and speak at an event, or solicit the media in hopes of earning some coverage, think about how to appeal to their yearning to make a buck, feed their inflated ego, or fuel their passions.

Just look at yourself and explore – truthfully – what percentage of your motivation comes from money, ego, and or passion? How do people sell to you and communicate with you in a way that may be appealing to one or more of this trio of factors?

So how do you speak to others based on what drives them? 

Well, first seek to identify what their big motivational factor is. You do this by making general comments, asking questions, or observing what and how they say something. This helps you to uncover whether they care most about: money, ego, or passion.

Next, focus your conversation on the stories, ideas, stats, facts, or experiences that demonstrate an appeal to the money-ego-passion driver.

If it is money that does it for someone, then say the things that demonstrate how you add value to them, how whatever you propose will help them make money. For instance, will investing in your book lead them to make money or a wealthier life? Then say so. Or, if you propose an event take place and that you should be a speaker, indicate how you’ll help market it and sell books at a profit for them. If they zone in on discussions about money, go with the flow.

If it is ego, this is easy. Just make them sound great. Repeat back to them what they say about themselves. Don’t question or challenge them or try to deny them the spotlight. Let them talk and blabber on – you just listen. Agree with them on things or at least remain silent in what you disagree about. Let them dream big. No need to toss cold water on their fire. They may sound entitled, be disproportionately self-complimentary, and see things only through rose-colored glasses when it comes to themselves. They can be unrealistic, self-centered, and sound so self-absorbed and snobby. You just listen as if they speak gospel. Praise their ideas. Agree with their assessments. They tend to like those who like them.

When it comes to appealing to what one is passionate about, listen to what they like and dislike, understand why they are so passionate about something, and identify what is important to them and what they value. Then make statements that align with their values and ideals. Cite a relevant story or experience. Say nothing that contradicts their interests. No doubting, no negativity, no disagreeing. Be positive and supportive. Match their passion in energy, smiles, and a lively conversation that shows you have a true interest in what they said, do, or believe.

You can do it. Everything comes down to money, ego, and passion. Identify what drives another and then join him or her on their journey.

 

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To contact Brian Feinblum, the founder of BookMarketingBuzzBlog, please reach him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com.

Brian Feinblum’s insightful views, provocative opinions, and interesting ideas expressed in this terrific blog are the product of his desire to help writers succeed. You can – and should -- follow him on Twitter @theprexpert.  He feels much more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by Brian Feinblum ©2020. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. Also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He hosted several panels on book publicity for Book Expo and often speaks before writers conferences and author seminars.