4 Lessons on Being a Successful Writer-Preneur (Courtesy of Martha Stewart)
When not immersed in creative projects or working with clients, I love to cook, entertain and share fun ideas and helpful gadgets for enhanced living. Which is why this domestic diva has served as my unofficial mentor and spirit animal for decades.
Martha Stewart’s best-selling books have graced my office library; I’ve devoured her numerous cooking shows; and have faithfully followed her professional journey…detours and all.
For writers seeking to go the distance in the publishing industry, overcome obstacles and operate profitably, there are many career parallels and strategic lessons she provides.
Even if you’re not a fellow foodie, here are a few hot tips worth heeding.
1. ON BRANDING
Martha Stewart has long been recognized for her meticulous standards and attention to detail. Whether it’s in the quality of her meals; the beauty of her home products; or the content of her magazines, her name is synonymous with excellence. This has contributed to her bottom line and longevity. Today’s writers should follow suit.
Bring your “A” game. Determine what distinguishes you from the competition (your secret sauce); your strengths; your core message. Then deliver it consistently. Martha shares in an interview with The Academy of Achievement: “I don't do anything unless I think it's going to be good, I'm real picky about that. I have set a standard, and I'm going to stick to the standard.”
2. ON OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
In 2004, Martha Stewart was sentenced to prison for her role in the ImClone Stock Trading Case. As a fan, I was convinced that this would serve like a future death sentence, from which she would never recover. Fast forward.
Her “fall from grace” did not permanently ground her. In 2005, she emerged back on the scene with her Martha Stewart daytime show and The Celebrity Apprentice. Some of her product lines were even expanded post-prison. For writers and entrepreneurs, “obstacles” may come in the form of lost clients; rejections from agents; a computer virus; or feast and famine cycles.
Stay the course. There’s some validity to the expression “adversity builds character.”
3. ON CREATING MULTIPLE INCOME STREAMS
With an excellent business mind and business model, Martha Stewart has built a billion-dollar empire. From cookbooks, to cookware, to home décor, to magazines, this savvy entrepreneur knows the importance of diversifying her offerings to increase her value. You should too.
Think information products; speaking engagements; audio books; content marketing.
It’s the best way to not become a starving artist in uncertain times.
4. ON COLLABORATING WITH OTHERS TO EXPAND AUDIENCE AND REACH
It seemed an unlikely pair, but in 2016, this conservative life-style expert partnered with bad-boy rapper Snoop Dogg for a weekly Potluck Dinner Party Series. It subsequently met with great success, garnering an Emmy award nomination. Collaborations are a terrific way for creative artists to combine their (often complementary) respective talents, ideas and approaches to reach greater heights. Some popular examples would be a celebrity actor partnering with a ghost writer for a tell-all; a graphic designer working with a freelance writer; or various writers contributing to an anthology with a common theme. The sky’s the limit!
Remember, lessons come in many forms. The ones provided here by author and business mogul, Martha Stewart, can help to shorten your learning curve and lengthen your career in the publishing industry.
Here’s to your success!
Jennifer Brown Banks is a content marketer, creative strategist and award-winning blogger. She is a former board director for Chicago Writers Association. Learn more at her top blog for writers, Pen and Prosper.
