source: http://www.millermosaicllc.com/open-mind/

If you are marketing a nonfiction or fiction book, you have to be in this for the long haul. You can’t simply say “I’ve done the best I could for three months and now I’m stopping my efforts.”

Word-of-mouth and opportunities that knock in unexpected places can’t be summoned on a timeline. These happen when book authors follow through for a year or two years or whatever it takes.

While no one has a crystal ball for which tactics offer a sure-fire success method for any specific book, there are some components that can help make it easier for success to reward your hard work.

One of the most important elements of a book marketing campaign is to have an open mind to learning about new things and trying out new things.

What’s meant by having an open mind? Here’s an example of what can happen to a book author who doesn’t have an open mind:

Let’s say author John had a book come out five years ago and at that time he had a webmaster do a website for that book. Now it’s five years later and John just had the webmaster add a page about this new book to the old website.

Wait! What’s wrong with this scenario?

Websites and web marketing have changed dramatically in the last five years, with many new applications that weren’t available then. Websites today take their cues from successful blogs, which have everything up front and immediate – no waiting for flash intros or welcome pages with a few words on a series of screens.

If people don’t like what they see instantly, they are out of there and on to the next website.

Open mind marketing rule #1: Don’t make the mistake of thinking that what was true for the internet five years ago is true today.

Don’t assume that your website from five years ago is “good enough.” Take the time and effort to find out what’s new and what’s effective in the internet marketing world of today. Don’t drive a horse and buggy when there’s a horseless carriage available.

Open mind marketing rule #2: Don’t follow every piece of advice so that you are running around in circles without making any progress.

Understand that some advice is better than others, and that not every piece of advice fits every situation. Take your time to evaluate the information you’re learning and consider what makes sense for your particular book, your own available promotion time, and your strengths and weaknesses.

For example, the social networking site Twitter can be an excellent marketing tool if your personality fits the Twitter modus operandi. But there are people who get easily frustrated with trying to stay on top of various conversation threads. If you’re one of these people, utilize a social networking site that better suits your personality.

Open mind marketing rule #3: Be flexible. If something doesn’t work for you, be willing to admit defeat and move on to another tactic.

Just because many internet marketers say that Facebook is a great place to create relationships, if using Facebook isn’t helping you with your book marketing, admit this and switch to trying something else (although don’t get rid of your Facebook account).

Of course, you can’t give up after only a few days. All of the social networking sites take time and effort to utilize them effectively. But if you’ve given Facebook several months of effort, you should probably consider finding a better site for you to connect with book readers who might buy your book.

In conclusion, if you want to pave the way for a successful book marketing campaign, you must be in it for the long haul with an open mind – ready to learn new things, try new things, evaluate advice, and be flexible.

Phyllis Zimbler Miller is a National Internet Business Examiner at http://www.InternetBizBlogger.com as well as a book author, and her power marketing company http://www.MillerMosaicLLC.com combines traditional marketing principles and Internet marketing strategies to put power in your hands.

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