FINALLY!  After a couple of months of research, planning and hard work, my first book project is finally complete and printed.  Yes, I became an expert and I have my client to thank for it.  Lori Hobson, author of Momma Sayings, called me one beautiful spring afternoon and asked if I could help her with layout and redesign of her next edition of this amazingly popular book.  Of course, I said YES!  For two reasons, one Lori and I had met a year earlier at a local author meeting where I was speaking on “How to Market Yourself” Lori was impressive that night with her 60 second pitch on herself and her book.  I was sold and connected with Lori instantly.  I purchased her book that night after I got finished speaking. So, when she called I was honored.  Second, I was up for a challenge.


Lori knew what she wanted but she was my type of client-open for anything.  I quickly started my road on becoming her expert:


Research - I researched what it took to self publish including layout, covers, etc.

Found Experts - Yes, I looked for experts in the field that were doing what I needed to do for my new client

I used what I knew - I looked at ME.  I realized that although I had not taken on this type of project before including not knowing how much to charge-I did have knowledge of things that needed to be in the project.  Time management. I identified that Lori with her full time job was in need of someone to organize her book, establish deadlines and keep her accountable.  Marketing. I know marketing and I say opportunity for a lot of new things for her latest book that was popular in its own right by her grass-root efforts.  I knew that this edition, Momma Sayings  and Life Reflections, could go to the next level.

She became a ROCKSTAR - I made sure that she was my rockstar and I treated her as such.  From contacting associates on her behalf to acting as an assistant when needed.  I made sure she knew that I believed in her and her project.

I delivered - I took everything that I knew and put it to work.  I over delivered on the project and found new opportunities to make this project into a long term relationship and client.


You see, you too can become an expert.  You have to have a willingness to learn from others, ask questions when you don’t know and be up for the challenge. If you keep your foundation solid and understand that your goal-no matter what your specialize in-is to make your client ROCK, then you will win every time.  I won big on this one.  I was able to work with someone that I admired from afar.  I developed a new skill that I will be able to continue to perfect and use.  And, I was given the most powerful thank you that one can get.  Lori shared with me that she would not have been able to produce her 3rd edition in the time or quality that she was able to with me.  That ROCKED.  My heart smiled later that same day when I opened up my autographed copy of Momma Sayings and Life Reflections and it read: “To Shari, my blessing, you do rock!”  Thank you, Lori for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself enough to realize that I can do anything as long as I am up for the challenge and am ready to work hard. “Hard work does pay.”


In closing, become an expert today.  If you aren’t one in your field, do what you have to so that you are.  Perfect your skills.  Learn. Study. Grow.  Find a class.  Find a mentor.  Take chances.  Make YOU - ROCK.  Just do it!


Read Lori’s review on her book and I encourage you to buy the book by visiting her website www.findingyourbeauty.com.