Visionary Principles
Almost fifteen years of professional experience as a self-employed person has helped me identify (often the hard way) the traits most important in business and in life. I aspire to live these principles every day in every professional situation.
- Service. I am never happier at work than when I can help others be more expressive and productive.
- Teaching. I have been given so much in my life, I want to share my experience and knowledge with others so they can grow farther, faster and smoother than I have.
- Reliability. The people we are most likely to turn to, trust and build relationships with are the ones who are dependable, who do what they say they will, and can be counted on to invest themselves in the purpose of the moment.
- Creativity. I have found that creative solutions come when you keep your eyes and mind open. The hardest part is not letting preconceived ideas, prejudices and conventional methods cloud the actual situation unfolding right in front of you.
- Meaning. No enterprise is completely successful if it does not connect to some deeper meaning or has some deeper purpose behind it.
- Authority. Today everyone wants to proclaim themselves an expert of something and have throngs of followers. Actually achieving this takes discipline and constant gathering of knowledge and studying of inspirational sources. My own authority lies in helping others to see the true reach of their expertise.
Mission Statement
Brian Tomlin’s mission is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses maximize their own expertise and capitalize on their own creativity. A strong, dynamic image is within the means of all creative endeavors, and in today’s climate requires a customized mix of online, print, in person and social media strategies. All elements must work together so the enterprise can express its true self and prosper.
Ghostwriting: Hiring a Ghostwriter
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is collaboration between an individual or company and a professional writer to produce a piece of writing. A ghostwriter can work invisibly (not credited, where the client appears as the sole writer in print) or collaboratively (client and writer are listed as co-authors or client listed as author ‘as told to’ writer). This choice will affect the cost as well as the rights retained by the writer (if any).
- Why would someone hire a ghostwriter?
- If you have a need to write something, or just an idea for an article or book, but do not have the time or professional writing skills, you could benefit from hiring a ghostwriter.
- Writing an article or book on your area of professional specialization can help further your career.
- Working with a professional writer on your project is a good way to learn about the process of writing, whether you wish to write an article, book, stories, novels, speeches or even poetry.
- Who hires ghostwriters?
- Businesses as well as business executives who need speeches, articles and books written.
- Individuals and families wishing to write histories, autobiographies, speeches or other public writing.
- Professionals publishing papers and articles on technical areas who have weak writing skills can work with a writer to ensure effective communication and professional presentation.
The relationship between a client and ghostwriter is critical to success of any collaborative project. Before the project begins it is important to have a written agreement detailing what each party will contribute to the project and what each party will receive at the end of the project (money, rights, the product itself, etc.).
Brian’s Basics
Master Rules For All Projects
1. Be Yourself
Don’t attempt to try to be someone or something you are not. Figure out who you are, who your brand is, who your company is, and then stay true to that. Having a firm sense of identity makes all the other decisions much easier. It also goes a long way toward making sure what you are trying to say is interesting to other people.
2. Be Truthful.
Although it can be tempting to stretch the bounds of truth from time to time, the problem is, people can tell when you are not being genuine, even if they don’t know what you are being untruthful about. A small thing can cause people to doubt your whole message, your whole credibility.
3. Be Memorable.
There are too many words, books, blogs, ads, reports, letters, speeches, stories, and everything else out there in the world today for you to be boring. Playing it safe might have gotten you a gold star in high school English, but in today’s oversaturated environment, find a way to stand out. Be entertaining. Be brilliant. Be funny. This is another reason it helps to know who you are and what your strengths are.
4. Be Important.
This is true importance, not the appearance of it. Start by having something to say. Get rid of pretense that can make you look untruthful or anything other than what you are. Respect other people’s time, intelligence and resources. And while you are doing all of this, make sure you give your audience new information or a new perspective.
Communication Essentials
1. purpose. mission statement. Why are you doing what you are doing?
2. vision. Where do you want to go? What is your big dream?
3. gist. How do you want people to think about you? What is the essence of the project?
4. niche. What do you do better than anyone?
5. collateral. How do you present your professional image (logo, business card, stationery, invoice design, resume, brochure, fliers, etc.)?
6. portfolio. What is the best work you have already done? What is the best way to present this work (electronic, print, video)?
7. website. Present yourself to the world. Show off your personality.
8. blog. Show off your expertise.
9. social media. Connect with the right people.
10. video. Present your knowledge and personality to its fullest. Attract the attention of your target audience.
11. appearance. grooming, wardrobe, habits.
12. book. Write a book to show your expertise.