I can hardly believe Monday is April 22nd. It's the launch of Leaders Ought to Know: 11 Ground Rules for Common Sense Leadership, by best selling author Phillip Van Hooser. We have spent months getting ready for Monday. Once again I was asked to join the team after the successful launch of Phil's last book, Willies Way. Having read his new book I can say it's the perfect way for recently promoted leaders to ensure success from there very first day. For more information I invite you to check out our Get Ready phase at LeadersOughttoKnow.com/book. This is the point where we check everything, and ask the question, "Is there anything more we can do?" If there is a  book launch in your future, congratulations! Now get busy, (here's how).

Book Launch Tips

• Create a plan and work it - A year ago, Phil and his wife and partner Susan started building a social networking village of followers. It included discussions, interaction, engagement.
• Align all your planets - The most significant difference between Willies Way and Leaders Ought to Know is Social Engagement. Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and others. For each platform Updates, Book pages, Discussions.
• Speak with one voice - Your name, your face your brand all need to be congruent. Perform the exercise below as your first step toward a better brand identity.
• Guide prospects along the path - Flow engagement is the concept of guiding prospects from interest to purchase. Not to box them in, but to provide them with everything they need to make a decision. It's hard to craft the perfect web page or email message, the art comes with blending them together to keep the prospect moving in the right direction.
• Be present, be flexible, have fun - It never occured to us that folks would want to purchase Phil's book now, instead of waiting for the official launch. The consummate businessman, Phil choose to make the sale! We modified our WordPress pages and InfusionSoft email campaign to include immediate purchase links.

It's been fun, exciting in fact, to see the plan become a reality. I'll provide an update next Thursday. Join us for the launch, won't you?

Insight

Start early and use all your digital assets to ensure your book will become a bestseller!

Exercise

It's hard to visualize your brand identity by looking at one screen at a time. I recommend visiting all the virtual places you what to be seen, print out the page, then lay all of them side by side. As hard as that sounds, you should be able to see in an instant what needs to happen next:

• Start by jotting down the best features you see.
• Use this list to create a brand identity template.
• Edit each site or profile until you achieve a singular brand identity.