Guy Kawasaki called enchantment a business imperative in Forbes. How does he define enchantment as a process? Delighting people with a product, service, organization or idea.
What is an entrepreneur’s goal? Not primarily to make money off others or get people to do what you want but to delight them. Check back at the end of this month for Associate Editor Erica Tyler’s interview with Guy Kawasaki.
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| Photo Credit: Missy Woodward on Coffee and Tattoos |
What is an entrepreneur’s goal? Not primarily to make money off others or get people to do what you want but to delight them. Check back at the end of this month for Associate Editor Erica Tyler’s interview with Guy Kawasaki.
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| Photo Credit: Katie Kiesler Tattoo Seek Justice Love Mercy |
SmartyGirlLeadership (SGL) interviewed Katie Kiesler by GoogleHangout web conference with a follow-up by email. Find out below and borrow some thought-starters of your own.
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| Photo Credit: Katie Kiesler |
Likewise, how did Katie Kiesler’s book ideas fill such others with delight? What are some of her secrets of staying motivated as a Creative and inspired to be no one but herself? If you feel that you are a kindred spirit with Katie or others SGL has interviewed, please comment below.
1. What is key to gaining crowdfunding for your creative book project via Kickstarter or other portals?
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| Photo Credit: Katie Kiesler Katie’s Journal |
For me, I think the key to getting my project funded was having friends who were passionate about the topic and message of my book – seeking to honor the Lord through a difficult season of my life.
On a more practical level, I also think creating a video that captivates your target audience and explains the heart behind your project is super important. Why should someone invest in you? Show your passion and your creativity!
2. How did you know that you had a story worth sharing in My Problem with Grace and 22 & Single?
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| Photo Credit: Facebook Katie Kiesler via Sophia Parkison |
I honestly wasn’t sure that I had a story “worth” sharing. I think sharing anything you’ve written or created is a risk because you can’t be sure people will love it – and there is always a possibility they might hate it.
However, I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is that you can’t create for the approval of others or for the sole purpose of achieving culture’s idea of success. You have to love the process and care about what you’re writing or creating so much that the “doing” in and of itself is life-giving and rewarding enough. A positive response and reaction of others should be icing on the cake. If success or approval is your goal, you will become discouraged, feel defeated, and most likely give up within a few short months, maybe weeks.
3. Why did you start a collaboration project called Coffee and Tattoos?
Initially, I just wanted a place where I could post photography and poetry, sort of as a trial/sounding board.Katie‘s Journal, my flagship blog, has a tone and voice that appeals to a specific audience. Through Coffee & Tattoos I wanted to expand into a more arts-focused community.
Also, over the past year, I’ve met some amazingly talented writer/artist friends. The Lord put it on my heart to reach out to them as I love the idea of encouraging one another and collaborating together. I hope Coffee & Tattoos is a place where people of all walks of life can awaken the world to the beauty found in simple moments.
a.What’s next for you?
I’m not sure on the specifics of what’s next, but I have a lot of exciting ideas in the works – including a dream of incorporating fiction into future projects.
b.What keeps you motivated as a writer and entrepreneur?
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| Photo Credit: Anne Lamott Bird by Bird on Katie Kiesler’s GoodReads |
“This is what separates artists from ordinary people: the belief, deep in our hearts, that if we build our castles well enough, somehow the ocean won’t wash them away. I think this is a wonderful kind of person to be.”
― Anne Lamott
Photo Credit: Katie Kiesler’s Coffee and Tattoos May 2013 Newsletter
Photo Credit: Katie Kiesler’s Coffee and Tattoos May 2013 Newsletter
My greatest source of motivation and inspiration is my relationship with God. He is constantly teaching me new things – or at least trying to. I’ve come to realize that when I’m not writing, I’m not learning. As I spend time reading God’s Word – the Bible, I can’t help but wonder, process, and create.
Also, the encouraging words from those who read my blog, books, and poetry spur me on. When I feel defeated or am not sure anyone cares to hear about my life – an encouraging comment or message means the world. Knowing God is using me to draw people closer to Himself is the best motivation I could ever receive.
Lastly, my friends keep me incredibly motivated. They are so creative, talented, and driven. Their passion and gifts push me to dig deeper, try new things, and love more extravagantly.
Any fitness tips for the summer to give fellow writers?
I truly believe that readers are leaders and writers are readers. They are all connected – if you want to be a great writer, you must keep reading and ultimately, learning from those who have gone before you. Then you will become a leader whose writing can impact the world for good.
So, this summer I would encourage you to set a few goals. Perhaps you could brainstorm five books that you’ve been saying you’ll read, plan out a reading schedule and actually read them. Grab a friend and then take an hour or so each week to discuss your thoughts, the insights each character reveals, and the overall significance of the book’s message.
Also, I would so encourage you to get outside and enjoy creation. Nature is in itself a book to be absorbed and experienced!
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