A few months ago I caught up with my friend, bestselling author, Andrew Griffiths when he was visiting Sydney. We talked about my book, From Unknown To Expert and he suggested I have a party to celebrate the launch of the book.
As he said: “I think you should mark a line in the sand. After the launch you will be a published author”. At the time, I dismissed it. I thought, “I don’t need to celebrate being an author, I’ll know I am!”
But afterwards I started thinking that I don’t celebrate my achievements. I just go from one goal to the next (I also realised I was dismissing it because I don’t like being the centre of attention at all!)
I’m sure you know this feeling: when we are working really hard and so focused on the task, we often forget what we are achieving is incredible. We all do this, whether it’s training to climb a mountain, renovating an apartment or achieving a career goal.
So I changed my mind and set a launch date. Right up until the night I was saying things like, “I don’t know why I agreed to have a launch” and “No one’s going to turn up”.
But do you know what happened? Just thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes. I had the most incredibly beautiful people turn up to support me and celebrate with me (See the photos on Facebook).
The night also marked the end of a six month period of incredibly hard work to bring the book to life.
The journey of launching the book was one of the toughest I’ve been through as the book is just one element of an online business that we launched.
I was sick for six weeks with a dreadful flu, but was still working 10 hours days (in my pyjamas!). We had two release dates, one in the US at the end of June and then again in Australia (and on Amazon at the end of July). I completely underestimated the customer service element, and self-publishing is not easy!
But while it was tough, it was also incredibly satisfying.
When I looked around the crowd on the launch night I realised that along the way extraordinary people had joined me. People like Michelle Falzon, Crystelle Topatan and Linda Diggle – people I can’t imagine not being in my life now.
And there were people who always support me, but really stepped up because at times I desperately needed more support. People like Sarah Hadfield, Jo Gitsham and Clinton Power.
And then there is you. I started this journey because I realised I had something to say. I had to back myself, believe in myself, and stand in my own power. I had to believe I am truly an expert, and be prepared to tell people I was. And so do you.And I just know that From Unknown To Expert will help you achieve that.
After my speech on the launch night, and the room erupted with clapping and cheers, I had this profound realisation. It’s so important to celebrate our milestones and achievements and even more important to share it with people who love and support you.
Get my BRAND new book and fast track your journey from unknown to a recognised expert and thought leader! From Unknown To Expert: How to use clever PR and social media to become a recognised expert is available at www.unknowntoexpert.com
