Recently I was fortunate to have the privilege of interviewing Shama Kabani, who, at 24, is the head of one of the fastest-growing digital media agencies in the country. Business Week lists her among the Top 24 Entrepreneurs under 25 in North America, and Fast Company calls her a “millennial master of the universe.”
Shama recently published a book on her expertise, “The Zen of Social Media Marketing: An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue.” In our interview, Shama discusses ways authors can use social media to market their own books.
This is Part One of a Two Part series. In advance, I’d like to thank Shama and her staff for giving of their time and incredible knowledge to develop this article. For more information on Shama and her company, go to http://marketingzen.com, or visit her on any number of social media sites.
1) You’ve been named by Business Week as one of the Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 25 in North America. What do you attribute your incredible success to?
Consistent effort and luck. = ) I don’t deny that luck, fate, and destiny play a big part in success. I also believe that consistent hard work and a good work ethic will take you far. I’d also have to say that a support system is key. At home, my family really handles the home front – cooking, cleaning, and paying the bills. At work, my amazing team of 20 really wows our clients on a daily basis. My success is based on their success. I am grateful for all of it thus far.
2) With your full career as a social media expert, what made you want to write this book?
People made me want to write this book. I’d get frantic calls from VERY successful folks who just didn’t “get” social media. I wanted to hand them something and say – “here, this is how it is done.” This is why I wrote the book.
3) There are many books published about social media. What makes yours different?
A few factors. My publisher called this the book for people who hate social media. It really does clarify a lot of concepts. Moreover, it is the first “living” book in its category. With the book, comes a pass phrase which allows the reader to access the online version – which I am keeping updated for a year.
4) When is the best time to begin a social media campaign for a soon-to-be-released book?
Before you start writing it! Social media marketing is so much about the relationships you build. It isn’t a onetime tactic. Much more an ongoing strategy.
5) If one’s book has been published for awhile, is it too late to market it through social media?
Not at all. But, it does take time to really see results. You have to be patient, and you have to reach the right target audience. If you write a children’s book – parent’s (especially moms) would be the audience to go after.
6) What’s the first step(s) an author should take to promote their book?
Know what makes it different! That is half the battle. After that, go after the right target audience. Be open to feedback, and when someone says they like what you wrote – be grateful. The best gift an author can receive is a genuine readership.
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